Stom  f^e  feifirarg  of 
(profeesor  Wffiam  (Qtiffer  ({)a;rfon, 

to  f fetfirari?  of 
(pnncefon  C^eofogtcaf  ^emtnarj? 

BX  7795   .A6  A3  w.X 

Allen,  William,  1770-1843. 

Life  of  William  Allen 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2015 


https://archive.org/details/lifeofwilliamall02alle_0 


I 


I 


LIFE 


V 


FEB  16  1912 


WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


SELECTIONS  FEOM  HIS  CORRESPONDENCE. 


IN  TWO  VOLUMES. 


VOL.  IL 


HENRY 


PHILADELPHIA  : 
LONGSTRETH,  347  MARKET 
184  7. 


STREET. 


« 


KING  AND  BAIRD,  PRINTERS,  NO,  9  GEORGE  STREET. 


CONTENTS. 


I 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

PAGE. 

1821—1822. — Extracts  from  Correspondence — Death  of  Walter  Venning — Various  En- 
gagements— Intelligence  from  Ekaterinoslav — Yearly  Meeting — Reflections  and  En- 
gagements— Visit  to  Sussex  and  Surrey — Origin  of  the  Establishment  at  Lindtield — 
Letter  from  Daniel  Wheeler — Attends  different  Meetings — Marriage  of  his  Daughter 
— Letter  from  South  of  Russia — Visit  to  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  Dublin — Various  En- 
gagements — Visit  to  New  Lanark — Letter  to  the  Emperor  of  Russia — Prepares  to  set 
out  for  Vienna,  ......-.--.--1 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1822. — Journey  to  Vienna — Exertions  on  behalf  of  the  poor  Greeks — Interviews  with 
the  Emperor  of  Russia,  and  other  distinguished  persons — Proceeds  to  Verona,  and 
endeavours  to  promote  the  Abolition  of  Slavery,  &c.,      ......  46 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1822.  — Departure  from  Verona — Turin — Visit  to  the  Waldenses — Letter  to  the  Emperor 
of  Russia — Journey  to  Geneva — Sundry  engagements  there  and  at  Lausanne,  Vevay, 
Fribourg,  Berne,  Zurich,  St.  Gallen,  Tubingen,  Stultgard,  Bergzabern,  and  Strasburg 

— Visit  to  Pastor  Oberlin — Journey  to  Paris — Return  Home,    -----  77 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

1823.  — Distressed  Greeks — Society  for  the  Abolition  of  Slavery — Letter  to  the  Em- 
peror of  Russia — Birth  of  his  Grandson — Death  of  his  Daughter — Correspondence,  &c.  103 

CHAPTER  XX. 

1824.  — Visit  to  Lanark — Recommences  Lectures — Correspondence — Yearly  Meeting 
— Death  of  Sir  C.  Macarthy — Visit  to  Northamptonshire — Establishment  of  the  School 
at  Stoke  Newington — Committee  on  Greek  Refugees — Bible  Society,  &c.  in  Russia 

— Death  of  John  Thompson  and  Richard  Smith — Journey  to  Ipswich  and  Needham,  140 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1825 — 1826. — Schools  for  the  Poor  at  Stoke  Newington — African  Institution — Return 
of  D.  Wheeler  and  T.  Shillitoe  from  Russia — Cottage  Society — British  and  Irish  La- 
dies' Society — Death  of  Professor  Pictet — African  Concerns — Anniversaries — Yearly 
Meeting — Correspondence — Establishment  of  the  Schools,  &c.  at  Lindfield — Death 
of  the  Emperor  of  Russia — Visit  to  several  Quarterly  Meetings — Conclusion  of  Hos- 
pital Lectures — Visit  to  Ireland — Correspondence,  &c. — His  Marriage — Letter  from 
Prince  A.  Galitzin — From  Contineas,  -       -  153 


iv 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

PAGE. 

1S28 — 1S32. — Notice  of  Yearly  Meeting — Departure  of  Alexander  D'Junkovsky  for 
Russia — Correspondence — Declaratory  Minute  of  the  Yearly  Meeting — Death  of  his 
Mother — Capital  Punishment — Friends  present  an  Address  to  King  William  IV. — 
Death  of  Contineas — Attends  several  Quarterly  Meetings — Lindfield — Arrival  of 
Stephen  Grellet  in  England — Religious  Engagements  wiih  him — Political  Excite- 
ment— Reform  Bill — Sets  out  for  the  Continent  with  S.  Grellet — Quarantine  off 
Helvoetsluys — Arrives  at  Rotterdam — Amsterdam — Visits  Frederick's  Oord — Dus- 
seldorf,  --191 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1832. — Elberfeld — Barmen — Visit  to  Friends  at  Pytmont,  Minden,  &c. — Hanover— 
Quedlinburg — Magdeburg — Berlin — Various  Engagements  there — Interview  with  the 
Crown  Prince  and  Princess — Halle — Orphan  House  there — Weimar — Interview  with 
the  Grand  Duchess — Leipsic — Meeting  with  Students — Dresden — Interview  with 
Prince  Frederick — With  Prince  John — Meeting  at  Orphan  House — Herrnhut — 
Prague — Vienna — Visit  to  Prince  Esterhazy's  Estates  in  Hungary — Munich — Visit 
to  the  Colonies  on  the  Donaumoos — Stuttgard — Meeting — Interview  with  the  King 
and  Queen — Departure  of  S.  Grellet  to  Strasburg — Returns  Home,  -      -       -  -225 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1832 —  1S33. — Correspondence — Journey  to  the  Continent — Paris — Bourdeaux — Re- 
joins S.  Grellet  at  Bayonne — Philanthropic  Exertions  there — They  proceed  together 
to  Madrid — Visits  to  Individuals  and  Institutions  there — Communication  to  the  King 
— Interview  with  the  King  and  Queen — Departure  for  Valencia — Engagements  there 
and  at  Barcelona — Second  Communication  to  the  King — Cross  the  Pyrenees  to  Per- 
pignan — Toulouse — Return  by  Bayonne,  Bourdeaux,  Paris,  and  Calais,  to  Stoke  New- 
ington,  260 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1833 —  1834. — Anti-Slavery  Movements  —  Memoranda  —  Correspondence  —  Death  of 
W.  Wilberforce — Col.  Beckwith's  Labours  among  the  Waldenses — W.  A.  Visits 
Neighbouring  Meetings — Engagements  and  Correspondence — Attends  the  Yearly 
Meeting  in  Dublin — Meeting  on  behalf  of  Descendants  of  Friends  in  Ulster — Yearly 
Meeting  in  London — Letters  respecting  African  Produce,  &c. — Emancipation  of 
Slaves — Manual  Labour  School,  Lindfield — Friends'  Continental  Committees — Quar- 
terly Meeting  at  Hitchin,         .       -       -       -  301 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1835 — 1836. — Letters  from  Rome — Disposes  of  his  share  of  New  Lanark — Visit  from 
Professor  Tholuck,  &c. — Yearly  Meeting — Visit  to  Lancashire — Letters  from  Munich 
and  Halle — Death  of  his  Wife — Again  visits  Lancashire — Correspondence — Religious 
Engagements  in  Buckinghamshire  and  Hertfordshire — Yearly  Meeting — Foreign  Let- 
ters— Notice  of  Thomas  Shillitoe — Of  Sophia  Vansittart — Journey  to  Ireland — Lan- 
cashire.  329 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1837 — 1838.— Visit  to  Hitchin — Decease  of  R.  Christy — Religious  Retirement  and 
Prayer — Yearly  Meeting — Death  of  the  King — Letter  to  J.  J.  Gurney — Friends'  Ad- 
dress to  the  Queen — Exertions  in  the  Anti-Slavery  and  School  cause — Yearly  Meet- 
ing— Interview  with  Marshal  Soult — Letter  from  the  Duke  of  Sussex — Death  of  Joseph 
Lancaster — Aborigines  Committee — Committee  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting — Case  of 
a  young  man  in  the  Army  at  Chatham,  379 


CONTENTS. 


V 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

PACE. 

1839 — 1840. — Notice  of  Count  Confalonieri — Engagements  in  the  School,  Bible  Cause, 
&c. — Letters  from  Russia — Address  to  the  Parishioners  of  Lindfield — Prospect  of 
Religious  Service  on  the  Continent — Friends  present  Addresses  to  the  Queen,  to 
Prince  Albert,  and  the  Duchess  of  Kent — Journey  to  the  Continent — Religious  and 
Philanthropic  Engagements  in  Belgium — Interview  with  the  King — Visit  to  Rotter- 
dam, the  Hague,  Amsterdam,  and  Zwoll — Orphan  Establishment  at  Veenhuisen — 
Religious  awakening  at  Osnaburg — Visit  to  Friends  at  Minden  and  Pyrmont — Pro- 
ceeds to  Hanover — Interview  with  the  Prince  Royal — With  the  Queen — Letter  to 
the  Prince — Magdeburg — Arrival  at  Berlin — Interviews  with  several  of  the  Royal 
Family — Institutions — Religious  Engagements — Correspondence — Departure  from 
Berlin,  414 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1840. — Journey  from  Potsdam — Visit  to  Luther's  Cell  at  Witteraberg- — Arrival  at  Leip- 
sig — Letter  from  Berlin — Visit  to  Dresden — to  Weimar — Interview  with  the  Grand 
Duke  and  Duchess — Gotha — Visit  to  the  Castle  of  Wartburg — Frankfort — Dusseldorf 
— Religious  Engagements  there — Visit  to  Count  Von  der  Recke's  Institution  at  Dus- 
selthal — To  Pastor  Fliedner's  at  Kaiserswerth — Antwerp — Peaceful  retrospect  of 
the  Journey — Voyage  to  London — Arrival  at  Home — Yearly  Meeting — Anti-Slavery 
Convention — Second  Journey  to  the  Continent — Paris — Strasburg — Stuttgard — Visit 
to  Institutions — Interview  with  the  King  and  Queen  of  Wurlemburg — With  the 
Duchess  Louise  and  the  Queen  at  Kircheim — Arrival  at  Munich — Visit  to  the  Donau- 
moos — Letter  from  the  King  of  Wurtemburg — Departure  from  Munich — Constance 
— Journey  to  Geneva — Meets  P.  Bedford — They  travel  together  to  Lausanne,  Berne, 
and  Basle — Visit  to  Beuggen — Bonn — Dusseldorf — Brussels — Ghent — Antwerp — Ar- 
rival at  Home — Letter  to  the  King  of  Prussia,  -      -      -      -      -      -      -  -470 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

1841 — 1844. — Letter  to  his  Grand-daughter — Death  of  his  Niece — On  religious  Perse- 
cution— Letter  to  the  King  of  Sweden — Visit  of  A.  Beyerhaus — Attends  the  Quar- 
terly Meeting  of  Suffolk — Correspondence — Interview  with  the  King  of  Prussia,  in 
London — Friends  present  an  Address  to  the  King — Letter  to  F.  Fox — Reflections — 
Illness  at  Lindfield — Letter  from  J.  J.  Gurney — Returns  to  Stoke  Newington — De. 
dining  Health — Last  Illness  at  Lindfield — Death,    -      -       -      -       -       -       -  507 


Testimony  of  Gracechurch  Street  Monthly  Meeting, 


-  534 


LIFE 


OF 

WILLIAM  ALLEN, 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

1821 — 1S22.— Extracts  from  Correspondence — Death  or  Walter  Venning — Various  Engage- 
ments— Intelligence  from  Ekaterinoslav — Yearly  Meeting — Reflections  and  Engagements 
— Visit  to  Sussex  and  Surrey — Origin  of  the  Establishment  at  Lindtield — Letter  from 
Daniel  Wheeler — Attends  different  Meetings — Marriage  of  his  Daughter — Letter  from 
South  Russia — Visit  to  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  Dublin — Various  Engagements — Visit  to 
New  Lanark — Letter  to  the  Emperor  of  Russia — Prepares  to  set  out  for  Vienna. 

First  Month,  1821. — In  the  opening  observations  at  the  commence- 
ment of  this  year,  after  speaking  of  the  diligence  of  the  great  enemy  of 
souls,  William  Allen  says — 

"  0,  how  I  long  to  be  purified  from  all  that  obstructs  the  work  of 
grace ! 

Qth. — Dear  Mary  read  to  me  my  notes  of  the  journey  of  1817,  and 
we  enjoyed  each  other's  company. 

8^/i. — Morning  Meeting  at  eleven.  The  memoirs  of  Joseph  Gurney 
Bevan,  by  Josiah  Forster,  were  read  ;  very  satisfactory." 

EXTRACT  OF  A  LETTER  TO  BARON  FAGEL. 

"  16iA  of  First  Month,  1821. 

<'  I  avail  myself  of  thy  kind  permission,  to  send  a  few  queries  relative 
to  the  Maison  de  Force,  at  Ghent,  and  to  which  we  shall  be  greatly 
obliged  to  thee  to  procure  answers  for  us.  We  are  endeavouring  to 
obtain  returns  throughout  Europe,  of  the  proportion  between  criminals 
and  population — the  results  of  efforts  to  effect  their  reformation,  and  the 
circumstances  which  have  tended  to  check,  or  encourage  crime.  One 
of  our  great  objects  is,  to  promote  the  education  of  the  poor,  in  all 
countries,  in  connection  with  a  knowledge  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  which, 
independently  of  all  other  considerations,  contain  the  best  system  of 
morals  which  the  world  has  ever  seen.  I  beg  thy  acceptance  of  an 
English  copy  of  a  selection  of  Scripture  Lessons,  made  by  my  fellow 
traveller,  S.  Grellet,  and  me,  in  conjunction  with  two  or  three  of  our 
friends  at  Petersburg;  also  a  report  of  the  British  and  Foreign  .School 
Society,  the  Prison  Discipline  Society,  and  other  tracts. 

Vol.  II.  1 


2 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1821. 


If  any  benevolent  persons  at  Amsterdam,  the  Hague,  Antwerp,  or 
Brussels,  would,  in  ihy  opinion,  be  gratified  with  the  reports  of  these, 
and  other  benevolent  societies,  and  thou  wouldst  please  to  give  me  their 
names,  I  would  have  a  little  packet  sent  to  each.  I  long  to  see  all  the 
world  employed  in  doing  good  to  man." 

In  conveying  to  Stephen  Grellet  some  information  respecting  those 
objects,  in  which  tliey  had  been  mutually  interested  in  their  late  journey, 
William  Allen  says — 

"  I  have  received  a  very  nice  letter  from  Flouki,  of  Odessa,  whom 
thou  mayest  remember  as  one  of  the  teachers  at  the  Lyceum,  and  an 
encourager  of  the  Juvenile  Bible  Society.  Things  appear  to  be 
going  on  well  there,  and  I  find  that  Odessa  is  rapidly  increasing  in 
consequence. 

Julien,  from  Aboj  has  been  in  London  ;  he  gives  a  good  account  of 
Dr.  Haartman,  and  his  wife.  They  have  started  a  school  on  the  British 
system  there,  and  the  door  is  wide  open  for  communication.  I  have 
sent  some  books  both  to  Abo  and  Helsingfors.  From  Malta,  I  learn 
that  the  representation  to  government  on  behalf  of  the  schools,  has  been 
of  great  use,  that  they  are  going  on  well,  and  have  even  become  an 
object  of  attention  to  the  Turks  and  Moors,  who  visit  the  island.  We 
hope,  in  a  short  time,  to  have  the  beautifully  printed  Italian  Scripture 
Lessons  introduced  into  their  schools ;  we  have  sent  them  to  different 
parts  of  Italy,  but  I  am  very  sorry  to  find  that  a  spirit  of  bigotry  has  so 
far  prevailed  at  Vienna,  as  to  accomplish  shutting  up  of  the  schools  at 
Milan. 

We  are  receiving  subscriptions  from  friends  in  the  country,  for  pub- 
lishing the  Scripture  Lessons  in  different  languages,  and  are  now  print- 
ing an  edition  in  Spanish,  from  one  of  the  authorized  Spanish  versions. 
We  are  about  to  send  out  a  master,  who  has  been  trained  at  the 
Borough  Road,  to  establish  the  system  in  South  America.  At  Stock- 
holm, they  have  now  two  schools  upon  our  plan  ;  the  door  is  kept  open 
there,  and  at  Christiania." 

On  the  21st,  W^ilHam  Allen  mentions  calling  at  John  Rowe's,  to  see 
Nathan  Hunt,  from  North  Carolina,  and  afterwards  speaks  of  him  as  a 
very  remarkable  minister.  He  attended  several  meetings  for  worship, 
appointed  at  the  request  of  N.  H.,  both  for  different  classes  of  our 
own  members,  and  for  persons  not  in  religious  profession  with  us  ;  he 
also  accorapained  him  to  Rochester,  and  appeared  to  derive  satisfac- 
tion and  comfort  from  the  labours  of  this  dear  friend,  on  various 
occasions. 

He  several  times  alludes  to  the  serious  illness  of  Priscilla  Gurney  of 
Earlham,  and  on  the  13th  of  Second  Month,  addressed  to  her  the  follow- 
ing letter.: — 


1821. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


3 


''Plough  Court,  Second  Month  ISth,  1821, 
"  Sister,  beloved  in  the  Lord, 

'«  Thy  precious  innocent  spirit  feels  very  near  to  nie  in  the  fellowship 
of  the  Gospel  of  our  dear  Redeemer,  '  who  having  loved  his  own  who 
were  in  the  world,  loved  them  un(o  the  end.''  My  heart  glows  with  the 
belief,  that  thou  art  one  of  those  whom  he  hath  loved,  and  still  loves, 
whom  he  wills  should  be  with  him,  where  he  is,  even  in  his  glory. 
Take  courage  then,  and  though  thou  wilt  feel  the  flesh  to  be  weak,  and 
though  the  enemy  may,  for  a  short  season,  attempt  to  create  dismay,  yet 
as  thy  soul  continues  to  be  '  deeply  anchored  in  God,'  thou  wilt  know 
the  accuser  of  the  brethren  to  be  cast  down  for  ever.  Let  faith  and 
patience  have  their  perfect  work  ;  recline  upon  the  breast  of  thy  Beloved  ; 
cast  all  thy  cares  upon  him,  for  he  careth  for  thee,  and  I  firmly  believe, 
that  when  the  frail  tabernacle  breaks  down,  thy  precious  immortal  spirit 
will  be  presented  before  thy  Redeemer's  throne  of  glory  with  exceeding 
joy.  Farewell!  Farewell  in  the  Lord!  and  if  thou  shouldst  be  enabled, 
pray  that  thy  poor  weak  brother  may  be  preserved  to  the  end. 

Believe  him  ever  affectionately  thine, 

William  Allen." 

"  Second  Month  19th  Review  of  the  week.    I  have  been  engaged 

on  an  important  work,  during  the  last  week,  viz  :  drawing  up  a 
memorial  to  Lord  Bathurst,  respecting  the  establishment  of  a  plan  for 
the  education  of  the  poor  in  the  Ionian  Islands,  and  also  a  memorial  on 
the  subject  of  Malta." 

These  documents  were  accompanied  by  a  letter,  in  which  William 
Allen  thus  addresses  Earl  Bathurst  :— 
'<  Esteemed  Friend, 

"  I  herewith  beg  leave  to  submit,  for  thy  perusal,  some  remarks  upon 
the  state  of  the  poor  in  Malta,  and  some  observations  upon  what  appears 
to  me  the  best  means  for  ameliorating  the  moral  condition  of  the  people 
of  the  Ionian  Islands.  The  great  object  which  I  have  in  view  is,  to 
prevail  upon  the  upper  and  middle  ranks  of  society,  every  where,  to 
combine  their  etTorts,  to  better  the  condition  of  the  poor,  and  above  all 
to  raise  their  moral  character,  by  removing,  as  far  as  possible,  from 
about  them,  those  circumstances  which  tend  to  encourage  vice,  and  to  give 
their  children  a  bias  on  the  side  of  virtue,  by  an  education  suited  to 
their  state  in  society,  and  founded  upon  those  grand  principles  of  religion 
and  morality,  so  clearly  developed  in  the  scriptures  of  truth.  I  feel  much 
for  those  countries,  and  I  see  that  great  good  may  be  done,  if  it  is  set 
about,  and  carried  on,  in  the  proper  way.  I  could  have  said  much  upon 
prisons,  hospitals,  and  other  public  institutions,  but  have  forborne,  from 
a  fear  that  the  communication  would  be  thought  too  long. 

I  may  just  observe,  that  though  I  consider  politics  quite  out  of  my 
province,  yet  I  am  not  an  indifferent  spectator  of  what  is  passing  upon 


4 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1821. 


the  great  theatre  of  the  world.  I  feel  sympathy  with  those  members  of 
Government  who,  under  very  difficult  circumstances,  have,  I  fully 
believe,  the  best  interests  of  our  country  deeply  at  heart,  and  my  prayer 
is  put  up  that  they  may  seek  after  and  obtain  divine  support  and  direction. 

I  remain,  with  great  regard  and  esteem. 

Thine,  very  respectfully." 

William  Allen  was  much  afTected  on  hearing  from  Petersburg  of  the 
death  of  his  dear  friend  Walter  Venning.  In  alluding  to  this  event, 
when  writing  to  the  Princess  Mestchersky,  he  says — 

"As  respects  him,  I  fully  believe  that  the  work  has  been  cut  short 
in  righteousness,  and  I  cannot  but  contemplate  his  blessed  spirit  as 
centred  in  his  Master's  rest.  When  I  first  heard  of  his  death,  I  was 
ready  to  exclaim,  <  Gathered  to  the  just  of  all  generations.'  0,  what 
a  glorious  company  I  May  we,  my  dear  Friend,  be  favoured  to  per- 
severe in  faith  and  patience,  that  when  our  day's  work  is  ended,  we 
also  (not  from  any  works  of  righteousness  which  we  have  done,  but 
through  the  merits  of  the  dear  Redeemer)  may  be  permitted  to  join 
those  who  are  gone  before,  where  there  is  no  more  sin,  no  more  sorrow. 

I  am  anxious  to  hear  of  the  return  of  the  dear  Emperor  to  his  capital. 
May  he  be  mercifully  preserved!" 

A  letter  written  soon  afterwards,  and  addressed  to  John  Venning, 
thus  conveys  the  flow  of  sympathetic  feeling  which  was  called  forth  on 
hearing  of  his  loss. 

"  The  solemn  event,  in  which  we  are  both  so  deeply  interested,  was 
indistinctly  announced  before  I  received  dear  Paterson's  letter  with  tl  e 
details.  How  my  soul  sympathizes  with  you  all !  But,  we  sorrow  not 
as  those  who  have  no  hope.  The  dear  deceased  loved  his  Saviour, 
who  not  only  kept  him  from  falling,  but  has,  I  firmly  believe,  presented 
him  before  the  presence  of  his  glory,  with  exceeding  joy.  Our  dear 
Walter,  while  here  on  earth,  could  at  times,  in  the  full  assurance  of 
faith,  adopt  the  language,  <I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,'  though, 
at  other  seasons,  he  would  naturally  experience  depression,  and  be 
assailed  with  doubts  and  fears  ;  but  this  is  all  over  now;  no  more  trials, 
no  more  conflicts.  I  can  only  contemplate  him  as  for  ever  centred  in 
his  Heavenly  Father's  rest,  in  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory!  O, 
my  dear  Venning!  in  comparison  of  this,  what  are  all  the  pleasures 
and  honours  of  this  world  ?  how  does  every  thing  sublunary  sink  into 
nothing !  and  when  we  consider  what  our  blessed  Saviour  has  suffered 
to  purchase  this  bliss  for  us,  shall  we  count  anything  too  near  or  too 
dear  to  give  up  for  his  sake  ?  Let  us,  my  dear  friend,  endeavour  to 
follow  on  in  the  path  which  leads  to  this  glorious  rest,  ever  looking 
« to  Jesus  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith.'  I  reflect,  with  deep 
comfort,  upon  those  solemn  and  precious  feelings  of  our  Heavenly 
Father's  love,  under  which  we  took  leave  of  each  other  at  thy  house, 


1S21. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


5 


the  last  time  I  ever  saw  dear  Walter.  I  little  thought,  when  my  prayer 
ascended  for  him,  that  it  would  be  the  last  opportunity  of  the  kind 
which  we  should  have  in  this  world ;  but  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth 
must  do  right,  blessed  for  ever  be  his  adorable  name ! 

The  following  Hymn,  printed  in  a  collection  now  by  me,  is  so  in 
unison  with  ray  feelings,  when  thinking  of  the  dear  departed,  that  I 
shall  transcribe  it : — 

'  Rejoice  for  a  brother  deceased, 

Our  loss  is  his  infinite  gain  ; 
A  soul  out  of  prison  released, 

And  freed  from  its  bodily  chain  ; 
With  songs  let  us  follow  his  flight, 

And  mount  with  his  spirit  above, 
Escap'd  to  the  mansions  of  light, 

And  lodg'd  in  the  Eden  of  love. 

Our  brother  the  haven  hath  gain'd. 

Out-flying  the  tempest  and  wind  ; 
His  rest  he  hath  sooner  obtained. 

And  left  his  companions  behind; 
Still  toss'd  on  a  sea  of  distress. 

Hard  toiling  to  make  the  bless'd  shore, 
Where  all  is  assurance  and  peace, 

And  sorrow  and  sin  are  no  more. 

There  all  the  ship's  company  meet. 

Who  sailed  with  the  Saviour  beneath, 
With  shouting  each  other  they  greet, 

And  triumph  o'er  trouble  and  death; 
The  voyage  of  life's  at  an  end, 

The  mortal  affliction  is  past, 
The  age  that  in  heaven  they  spend. 

For  ever  and  ever  shall  last.' 

I  have  written  to  the  Princess  Mestchersky,  Remember  me  most 
kindly  to  the  dear  Prince  Galitzin,  and  Papof ;  may  their  hands  be 
strengthened  in  every  good  work,  by  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob  ! 

I  hope  thou  wilt  write  to  me  soon  after  this  comes  to  hand.  Hoare 
and  Buxton  are  in  usual  health,  also  E.  J.  Fry,  whose  sister  Priscilla 
is  very  near  her  close,  but  in  a  sweet  state  of  mind.  Buxton  and  Sir 
James  Mackintosh  intend,  shortly,  to  make  a  motion  in  the  House  of 
Commons,  that  a  committee  may  be  appointed  to  revise  the  criminal 
code.  I  have  just  received  a  great  number  of  letters  from  all  parts  of 
the  country,  stating  that  petitions  on  the  subject  are  coming  up.  The 
ladies'  committee,  at  Newgate,  is  going  on  exceedingly  well. 

The  Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer  has  lately  given  me  twenty 
guineas,  towards  our  subscription  for  the  Scripture  Lessons ;  we  are 
now  printing  them  in  Spanish,  having  prevailed  with  the  deputies  from 
South  America,  for  whom  a  master  has  been  trained  at  the  Borough 
Road,  to  have  them  adopted  at  their  schools,  which  are  being  estab- 


6 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1821. 


lished  upon  this  plan.  I  have  just  received  very  favourable  accounts 
of  the  progress  of  the  system  at  Buenos  Ayres.  I  mentioned  in  my 
last,  that  Brougham  was  bringing  forward  a  bill  in  Parliament,  to  place 
the  business  of  the  education  of  the  poor  exclusively  in  the  hands  of 
the  clergy.  Such  an  innovation  upon  the  principles  of  religious  liberty 
had,  perhaps,  never  been  attempted,  except  in  the  case  of  Lord  Sid- 
mouth's  bill,  since  the  days  of  Queen  Anne ;  Crawford  has  written  an 
excellent  little  piece  upon  it,  which  I  herewith  send,  together  with  a 
defence  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society,  against  the  remarks 
of  the  Edinburgh  Review. 

Please  to  remember  me  most  kindly  to  thy  wife  ;  may  you  encourage 
one  another,  to  attend  to  those  things  which  make  for  present  and  ever- 
lasting peace.  Farewell,  my  dear  friend.  '  Be  stedfast,  unmovable, 
always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord.' 

Ever  affectionately  thine." 

The  reply  to  this  letter  conveyed,  in  warm  terms,  the  comfort  it 
afforded  to  all  the  family,  and  John  Venning  says — 

"The  sympathizing  tenderness  it  expresses,  is  a  balm  to  all  those 
feelings  which  are  yet  alive  to  the  late  loss." 

In  acknowledging  the  kind  letter  of  Dr.  Paterson,  containing  the 
particulars  of  W.  Venning's  death,  William  Allen  says — 

"  I  can  fully  appreciate  thy  feelings,  under  this  complicated  trial, 
having  myself  known  the  depth  of  sorrows  and  bereavements  like  these,* 
but  as  we  endeavour  to  seek  after  a  state  of  humble  resignation  to  the 
divine  will,  our  merciful  Saviour  will,  in  his  owr  time,  say  unto  the 
storm — '  Peace,  be  still,'  and  to  his  poor  trembling  dependent  crea- 
tures— '  It  is  I,  be  not  afraid.'  Let  us,  my  dear  friend,  bow  in  rever- 
ent submission  to  him  who  doeth  all  things  well, — let  us  leave  the 
things  that  are  behind,  and  press  towards  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  our 
high  calling,  in  Christ  Jesus,  our  Saviour  and  Redeemer.  Our  little 
band  is  broken — one  has  received  his  dismissal  from  trial  and  labour, 
yet  a  little  while,  and  our  day's  work  will  also  be  accomplished  ;  may 
we  then,  through  the  merits  of  a  crucified  Lord,  be  permitted  to  enter 
into  that  city,  none  of  whose  inhabitants  shall  any  more  say,  '  I  am 
sick ;'  where  we  shall  meet  the  spirits  of  those  who  were  so  dear  to  us 
in  time,  and  join  with  them  in  celebrating,  through  eternity,  the  praises 
of  redeeming  love.  Yes,  the  dear  Master  has  said,  'Father,  I  will 
that  they  also,  whom  thou  hast  given  me,  be  with  me  where  I  am.' 

Let  us  endeavour  to  persevere  in  that  conduct,  which  we  know 
would  give  pleasure  to  those  whom  we  have  lost,  if  they  could  look 
down  from  '  the  spirit's  resting-place.' 

Present  me  affectionately  to  our  dear  Hablitz ;  I  long  to  know 
whether  he  has  recently  heard  from  Contineas,  and  whether  the  seeds, 

*  Dr.  Paterson  lost  his  amiable  wife,  just  one  year  before  the  death  of  W.  V. 


1821. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN". 


7 


&c.  have  reached  him  in  safety.  I  feel  deeply  interested  in  the  wel- 
fare of  the  Colonies  in  the  South." 

TO  DANIEL  WHEELER. 

»  T/tird  Monlh  1st,  IS21. 

"My  mind  often  recurs  to  the  time  spent  in  thy  dear  family,  when 
my  beloved  companion  and  I  were  among  you.  The  silent  sympathy 
of  thy  spirit  with  us,  when  under  trial  and  depression,  was  precious, 
for  there  are  feelings  which  go  beyond  words.  I  passed  through  much 
deep  exercise  of  mind  at  Petersburg,  yet,  I  never  once  had  reason  to 
doubt,  whether  I  was  in  my  right  place  or  not — sooner  or  later  the 
Comforter  returned.  Nathan  Hunt  has  been  with  us  in  this  city,  and 
is  now  gone  into  Norfolic,  for  a  short  time.  He  has  had  several  public 
meetings,  in  most  of  which  I  have  accompanied  him ;  the  truths  of  the 
Gospel  flow  from  him  freely,  but  above  all,  they  are  accompanied  by 
the  power  of  the  Spirit.  In  the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  London  and 
Middlesex,  in  the  Sixth  Month  last,  a  large  committee  was  appointed, 
to  visit  all  the  Monthly  Meetings.  We  divided  ourselves  into  sub- 
committees, and  the  work  is  nearly  accomplished.  I  do  think  that  the 
labour  has  been  greatly  blessed. 

The  subject  of  the  Slave  Trade  having  much  impressed  Friends  at  the 
last  Yearly  Meeting,  the  matter  was  referred  to  the  Meeting  for 
Sufferings,  which  has  raised  a  subscription  through  the  Society,  and 
appointed  a  standing  committee  to  apply  the  money  to  the  printing  of 
books  in  the  Spanish  or  Portuguese  language,  or  in  any  other  way  which 
they  may  think  proper. 

We  have  not  yet  received  any  tidings  of  William  Singleton  ;  he  had 
a  concern  to  visit  Africa  very  much  with  a  view  to  forward  the  interest- 
ing plans  of  our  friend  Hannah  Kilham,for  reducing  the  Jaloof  tongue 
to  a  written  language.  Friends  in  London,  without  giving  any  opinion 
as  to  the  rectitude  of  the  concern,  which  rests  entirely  with  himself, 
have  thought  it  right  to  assist  him  ;  we  have  given  him  a  list  of  queries, 
and  a  written  paper  of  instructions. 

I  am  daily  expecting  to  obtain  some  information  relative  to  the 
Malakans  in  the  South.  They  have  some  right  ideas,  but  they  par- 
ticularly require  help  with  regard  to  worship  and  general  organization. 
I  believe  that  many  of  them  are  a  sincere  precious  people." 

''Thiid  Month  11th — Went  to  Hampstead  with  Henry  Newman  and 
W.  Crawford  to  dine  with  S.  Hoare,  Jun.  A  capital  punishment  and 
prison  discipline  party,  and  a  very  agreeable  company.  T.  F.  Buxton, 
and  Dr.  Lushington  were  there ;  agreed  to  revive  the  Philanthropist. 

19th. — I  was  occupied  before  breakfast  in  writing  a  letter  to  Earl 
Bathurst,  to  keep  up  the  interests  which  my  former  interview  and  com- 
munications appear  to  have  excited  on  the  subject  of  the  Ionian  Islands. 
I  enclosed  some  letters  for  his  perusal." 


8 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1821. 


In  writing  from  Santa  Maura,  on  the  23rd  December,  1820,  Dr. 
Politi  says — 

"The  school  for  mutual  instruction,  which  I  have  established  at 
Santa  Maura,  exactly  according  to  the  system  of  Lancaster,  was  opened 
the  17th  of  September,  with  twenty  children.  I  have  watched  over  it 
myself,  with  much  assiduity,  and  have  invited  my  countrymen  to  come 
and  convince  themselves,  by  facts,  of  the  excellence  of  this  method.  I 
have  endeavoured  to  dissipate  those  gross  prejudices  against  this  beauti- 
ful system,  which  have,  unhappily,  been  excited  by  the  enemies  to  the 
education  of  the  poor;  but  although  my  efforts  in  the  school  have  been 
crowned  with  the  most  complete  success,  yet  the  rapid  progress  of  the 
children,  with  the  increased  attendance  at  the  school,  seems  only  to  add 
to  the  malignant  feelings  of  the  rich,  who  have  refused  to  pay  what  they 
had  promised ;  our  institution  is,  therefore,  in  great  danger  of  sinking. 
I  have  spoken  to  his  excellency.  Sir  Frederick  Adam,  who,  in  the 
most  philanthropic  manner,  immediately  afforded  me  essential  aid,  and 
encouraged  me  to  go  forward  with  my  work.  We  have  now  sixty-five 
children  in  the  school,  and  our  numbers  increase  daily." 

Under  the  same  date,  (Third  Month  19th,)  William  Allen  says  in  his 
diary — 

<■<■  Two  lectures  at  the  Hospital  to-day,  and  a  meeting  of  the  admin- 
istrators on  the  affairs  of  a  deceased  personage,  occupied  my  mind 
pretty  fully.  Great  rumours  are  afloat,  on  the  events  taking  place  in 
Italy.  The  Austrians  are  marching  a  strong  force  against  the  Neapolitans, 
in  order  to  compel  them  to  adopt  such  measures,  in  the  formation  of 
their  new  government,  as  the  confederated  sovereigns  may  prescribe. 
The  Neapolhans  spurn  at  this  interference,  have  cut  up  the  roads,  and 
are  determined  on  a  vigorous  resistance  ;  but  though  they  have  great 
numbers  under  arms,  their  soldiers  are  raw,  and  undisciplined,  and  they 
want  money.  Italy  is  all  in  a  ferment — the  Piedmontese  are  risen 
against  the  Austrians,  and  Turin  and  Milan  are  declaring  for  a  new 
order  of  things.  The  Austrians  appear  to  be  hated  in  Italy.  The 
Emperor  of  Austria  has  such  a  terror  of  improvement,  that  he  shut  up 
the  schools  upon  the  British  system,  at  Milan,  some  months  ago. 

Third  Month  26th. — Samuel  Gurney  sent  me  a  letter,  from  Cromer, 
which  he  received  this  morning,  announcing  the  death  of  his  dear  sister, 
Priscilla,  whose  sweet  precious  spirit  was  released  yesterday." 

In  the  course  of  this  month  William  Allen  attended,  with  satisfaction, 
some  of  the  Monthly  and  Preparative  Meetings  in  the  neighbourhood, 
and  spent  two  first-day  evenings  at  Peter  Bedford's  in  Steward  Street, 
where  he  was  much  interested  in  the  society  of  a  number  of  young  men, 
who  were  often  kindly  received  there  on  this  day  of  the  week.  On 
one  occasion  he  says — 

«<  About  twenty  were  present.  This  dear  Friend  is  exceedingly  useful 


1821. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


9 


in  kindly  noticing  young  persons,  and  in  encouraging  (he  good  in  all. 
We  want  more  such  fathers  amongst  us.  After  tea,  a  precious  feeling 
of  our  Heavenly  Father's  love  was  over  us,  and  dear  Nathan  Hunt,  ray 
dear  child,  and  I,  were  all  engaged  in  ministry.  It  was  a  satisfactory 
opportunity,  and  I  believe  the  faith  of  some  of  the  young  people  was 
confirmed." 

He  mentions  that,  at  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  the  concern  of  Martha 
Savory  to  visit  Congenies,  was  brought  forward,  and  obtained  the  con- 
currence of  Friends;  who  expressed  their  unity  and  sympathy  with  her 
in  this  prospect. 

<'  28//<  I  went  up  to  Downing  Street,  by  appointment,  to  meet 

Lord  Bathurst ;  he  received  me  kindly,  and  we  had  much  conversation. 
He  agrees  that  our  school  plan  shall  be  gradually  introduced  into  the 
Ionian  Islands,  as  the  people  may  be  disposed  to  receive  it  ;  that  the 
government  shall  favour  it  privately,  and  tliat  a  model  school,  for 
training  teachers,  shall  be  established  at  Santa  Maura  and  Corfu.  Earl 
Bathurst  offered  to  write,  himself,  a  private,  not  an  official,  letter  to  Sir 
Frederick  Adam,  to  promote  the  object ;  he  also  offered  to  forward  any 
letters  that  I  might  wish  to  send  to  the  Colonies,  and  gave  leave  that 
all  those  addressed  to  me  should  be  directed  to  him. 

I  explained  to  him  how  I  became  an  administrator  to  the  affairs  of 
an  illustrious  person,  which  interested  him.  He  gave  me  some  useful 
private  hints  as  a  friend,  and  undertakes  to  make  any  explanation  that 
may  be  necessary  to  the  King.  After  this  very  important  interview,  I 
hastened  to  attend  the  general  meeting  of  the  African  Institution.  Con- 
ference with  J.  T.  B.  about  business,  then  met  Mary  at  my  dear 
mother's,  and  after  sitting  some  time  with  her,  came  to  Newington. 

Third  Month  29th. — There  was  a  common  report  yesterday,  that  the 
Austrians  were  in  Naples,  that  they  were  about  to  raise  a  new  army, 
and  that  the  Russians  were  to  bring  up  one  hundred  thousand  men,  in 
order  to  subdue  the  Piedmontese,  and  keep  down  the  rising  spirit  of 
revolution.  How  gradually  the  storm  comes  on  !  My  desire  is,  to  be 
preserved  from  taking  any  part  in  political  matters,  farther  than  as  a 
good  subject  of  the  government  by  which,  under  Providence,  I  am 
protected;  and  that,  whatever  happens,  I  may  be  'found  in  ray  lot,' 
doing  all  the  good  that  I  can,  to  everybody,  and  being  diligent  in  such 
work  as  my  divine  Master  gives  me  to  do. 

After  giving  the  lecture  at  the  Hospital,!  called  on  Robert  Slade,  and 
he  took  me  to  Kensington  Palace,  where  we  were  kindly  received  by 
the  Duke  of  Sussex,  and  had  a  conference  of  about  an  hour  and  a  half 
with  him.  We  fixed  for  the  anniversary  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
School  Society,  to  be  on  the  17th  of  Fifth  Month.  I  then  went  to 
Doctors'  Commons,  and  spent  a  few  minutes  with  Lushington,  on 
capital  punishment  business. 


i 


10  LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  1821, 

Correspondence  committee  in  the  afternoon,  but  having  received  a 
pressing  note  from  T.  F.  Buxton,  on  the  subject  of  information  from  the 
Ionian  Islands,  I  left  our  committee,  and  went  up  to  the  House  of 
Commons  ;  walked  back  with  Dr.  Lushington  as  far  as  Somerset  House, 
and  attended  the  sitting  of  the  Royal  Society.  Dr.  Hutton's  paper,  on 
the  Density  of  the  Earth,  was  read. 

31s/. — My  mind  is  rather  harassed  with  the  pressure  of  things,  which 
I  cannot  find  time  to  get  through ;  add  to  this,  the  enemies  of  my  own 
house  are  lively  and  strong.  A  sense  of  my  unworthiness  raises  the 
frequent  aspiration  that  I  may  be  washed  and  made  clean.  I  prayed, 
this  morning,  that  Satan  might  be  bruised  under  my  feet,  and  petitioned 
for  help,  which  I  trust  was  granted.  O,  that  I  may  try  to  practise  what, 
at  times,  I  think  myself  constrained,  by  gospel  love,  to  preach  to  others  ! 
Dear  Lord,  let  me  not  bring  reproach  upon  thy  holy  cause !  what  an 
awful  situation  I  stand  in  as  a  minister  of  the  everlasting  gospel ! — what 
need  have  I  to  pray  continually  for  preservation ! 

I  went  up  to  call  upon  La  Trobe  to-day — he  is  the  principal  of  the 
Moravians ;  they  have  a  large  school  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  upon 
Bell's  plan.  La  Trobe  was  much  pleased  to  hear  of  the  Scripture  Les- 
sons, and  1  am  to  send  him  some  copies  in  English  and  Italian. 

Fourth  Month  4th. — Our  Monthly  Meeting.  In  the  meeting  for 
worship  I  felt  strength  to  speak  on  the  words,  '  There  remaineth  there- 
fore a  rest  for  the  people  of  God,'  showing  that  their  rest  was  not  in 
the  things  of  this  world.  My  dear  child  also  said  a  few  words,  which 
seemed  to  have  the  right  savour.  There  was  a  sweet  comfortable  feel- 
ing amongst  us  in  the  meeting  for  discipline,  and  the  business  went  on 
pleasantly. 

I  attended  an  adjournment  of  the  African  Institution,  and  afterwards 
went  with  William  Evans,  M.  P.,  to  his  house,  together  with  Buxton, 
W.  Wilberforce,  T.  S.  Rice,  the  member  for  Limerick,  and  Hudson 
Gurney.  Here  we  had  much  conversation  with  the  son  of  a  man  who 
had  been  most  arbitrarily  seized  at  Zante,  and  imprisoned  in  the 
fortress  of  Santa  Maura.  I  strongly  advised,  that  the  whole  should  be 
put  in  the  shape  of  a  memorial,  and  submitted  to  Earl  Bathurst,  in 
order  that  it  may  be  regularly  brought  before  government. 

9//;. — The  rising  spirit  for  a  new  constitution  at  Naples,  seems  to  be 
put  down  with  little  resistance.  The  Austrians,  aided  by  Russia,  give 
the  law. 

lOth. — Called  on  ray  dear  mother,  and  spent  a  little  time  with  her ; 
my  spirit  felt  refreshed  and  comforted  ;  there  is  a  sweet  feeling  of  peace 
in  sitting  by  my  beloved  aged  parent. 

I2th. — I  was  favoured  in  the  night  with  a  comforting  feeling  of 
divine  good,  under  which,  prayer  was  put  up,  that  the  Great  Master 
would  make  me  entirely  His.    I  petitioned  that  I  might  give  up  every 


1821. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


11 


thing  to  Him  without  the  smallest  reserve,  and  that  he  would  take  me 
and  mine  under  his  holy  protection.  My  dear  child  and  precious  aged 
mother  came  sweetly  before  me,  and  prayers  for  them  ascended  as  for 
my  own  soul." 

In  the  midst  of  the  multiplied  engagements  which  occupied  William 
Allen,  he  was  ever  careful  not  to  neglect  the  great  work  of  self-exami- 
nation ;  and  oflen,  in  the  night-watches,  did  he  commune  with  his  own 
heart,  and  his  spirit  made  diligent  search.  After  one  day,  when  the 
claims  upon  his  attention  had  been  varied  and  important,  he  writes — 

<'  My  mind  seemed  too  much  occupied  and  excited  yesterday,  and 
yet  there  was  no  distinct  feeling  of  condemnation." 

On  another  occasion  he  says — 

"  In  the  latter  part  of  the  day  I  was  sensible  of  too  much  irritability, 
and  was  more  shut  up  and  reserved  than  is  common  for  me  in  the 
evening. 

I  am  more  and  more  convinced  of  the  silent  influence  of  spirits  upon 
each  other.  I  believe  that  the  effect  of  this,  in  our  meetings  for  wor- 
ship, is  very  sensibly  felt ;  and  that,  as  we  are  comforted  in  feeling  the 
circulation  of  divine  life  among  those  who  are  gathered  to  the  place  of 
true  waiting,  so  the  spirits  of  those  who  are  out  of  the  divine  harmony, 
are  as  the  Egyptian  darkness  which  could  be  felt." 

With  regard  to  his  notice  respecting  being  "  shut  up  and  reserved," 
his  home  circle  could  bear  witness  that  such  a  disposition  of  mind  was 
indeed  very  unusual  for  him.  It  was  his  constant  aim  to  make  all 
happy  who  were  within  the  sphere  of  his  influence,  and  whilst  his  ex- 
pansive benevolence  led  him  into  a  wide  field  of  christian  philanthropy  , 
under  no  circumstances  perhaps  were  the  sweet  influences  of  gospel 
love  more  conspicuous,  than  in  his  evening  intercourse  with  his  family, 
or  in  select  society.  His  mind,  then,  in  some  measure,  released  from 
active  duties,  was  more  at  liberty  to  enter  into  the  interests  of  social 
life  ;  and  while  thus  prepared  to  sympathize  with  those  around  him,  he 
was,  at  times,  favoured  also  to  feel  the  fellowship  of  the  spirit,  and  to 
partake  of  that  refreshment  which  comes  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord. 
He  enjoyed  tracing  the  labours  and  religious  experience  of  his  fellow 
professors,  as  recorded  in  their  journals,  and  valued  the  privilege  of  a 
little  quiet  time  at  the  close  of  the  day  for  the  perusal  of  these  works, 
and  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  In  one  memorandum,  written  this  month, 
he  says — 

"In  the  evening  I  was  sensible  of  the  feeling  of  divine  good,  and 
asked  Mary  for  the  Bible.  I  read  one  or  two  psalms,  and  a  little  pause 
succeeded,  in  which  my  mind  was  sweetly  comforted  and  strengthened, 
and  we  separated  for  rest  in  peace. 

Fourth  Month  lAth  After  supper,  I  read  to  my  sister  A.  H.,  to 

Mary  and  Cornelius,  in  the  Life  of  Gilbert  Latey,  which  is  just  reprinted. 


12 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1821 


In  it,  an  account  is  given  of  the  establishment  of  meetings  in  London 
and  elsevvliere.  It  is  an  instructive  little  book.  There  is  a  precious 
savour  in  these  old  writings. 

18th — At  meeting,  I  had  much  feeling  of  sweetness  and  comfort. 
I  spoke  for  some  time  in  ministry,  and  my  dear  child  also  said  a  few 
words-. 

I9th. — I  received  a  letter  to-day,  from  John  Venning,  of  Petersburg, 
inclosing  one  from  Fadeev,  of  Ekaterinoslav,  with  some  account  of  the 
Malakans  ;  this  was  very  relieving,  as  it  seems  that  our  representation 
to  the  Emperor,  requesting  them  to  be  put  under  the  notice  of  the 
board  at  Ekaterinoslav,  has  been  attended  to. 

Fadeev  says — '  I  have  been  sent,  by  order  of  our  minister,  to  select 
a  place  in  this  government,  where  the  Malakans,  collected  from  differ- 
ent parts  of  Russia,  might  be  located.  Their  number  amounts  to  nearly 
two  thousand  males.  There  are  about  thirty  thousand  acres  of  uncul- 
tivated land,  near  the  Mennonites  of  the  Moloshnia,  in  the  government 
of  Taurida,  which  I  think  would  answer  well:  they  would  then  be 
about  fifty  versts  from  the  Duhobortsi,  and  thus  would  be  out  of  the 
influence  of  the  injurious  principles  of  that  sect;  the  opinions  of  the 
Malakans,  however,  appear  to  be  altogether  different  from  their's.  We 
only  wait  for  the  sanction  of  the  Emperor  to  collect  them  from  Simfer- 
opol, Orel,  Tambov,  &c.  They  begged  me  to  tell  you  how  grateful 
they  were  for  your  remembrance. 

I  have  heard  with  much  pleasure,  by  your  letter  to  Contineas,  of 
your  safe  arrival  at  home.  Oar  Mennonites  also  unite  in  this  feeling, 
and  are  very  grateful  for  the  books,  which  they  have  received  from 
Odessa.  Since  your  departure,  two  hundred  more  families  are  arrived 
from  Prussia,  and  ten  new  villages  are  established  ;  we  expect  as  many 
more  this  year." 

Shortly  after  this  date,  a  letter  arrived  from  Contineas,  stating,  in 
warm  terms,  the  gratitude  which  he  and  the  colonists  felt  for  William 
Allen's  kindness,  in  sending  them  a  large  quantity  of  seeds  for  their 
gardens,  and  other  useful  presents,  and  also  for  his  instructions  respect- 
ing their  wool.  Contineas  again  alludes  to  the  spiritual  refreshment 
they  had  received,  from  the  visit  of  S.  Grellet  and  William  Allen,  and 
says — 

"  My  age  of  seventy  years,  renders  it  improbable  that  we  shall  ever 
meet  again  in  this  lower  world,  but  I  pray  God,  that  I  may  rejoin  you 
in  eternity,  in  the  presence  of  our  Saviour.  My  health  is  much  en- 
feebled since  you  were  here,  and  my  desire  is,  so  to  employ  the  little 
remaining  period  of  time,  which  may  be  left,  as  to  be  able  to  say,  when 
my  last  hour  approaches,  I  have  fought  a  good  fight — I  have  finished 
my  course — I  have  kept  the  faith  ! 

I  thank  you  much  for  the  interesting  details  of  your  journey ;  it  is 


1821. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


13 


consoling  to  find  that,  except  at  Patras,  you  have  everywhere  found 
some  precious  souls." 

After  mentioning  the  arrival  of  about  four  hundred  more  families  of 
Mennonites,  from  the  neighbourhood  of  Dantzic  and  Elbing,  he  says — 

"  About  one  hundred  versts  from  Taganrog,  and  thirty  from  Mary- 
anopoli,  a  colony  is  established  under  the  denomination  of  a  colony  of 
Christian  Israelites ;  it  consists  of  ci-devant  Jews,  who  have  embraced 
the  christian  religion.  This  establishment,  like  all  new  undertakings, 
has  encountered  many  difficulties;  but  Divine  Providence  can,  in  his 
own  time,  remove  them  all." 

<■<■  Fourth  Month  22nd. — I  am  afraid,  by  letters  from  Petersburg,  that 
feelings,  hostile  to  education,  are  getting  in  there.  I  query  also,  whether 
the  Bible  cause  is  going  on  as  well  as  it  ought. 

Fifth  Mo7ith  2nd  Went  to  the  Freemasons'  Hall  to  attend  the 

anniversary  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  There  were  many 
good  speeches,  amongst  which  was  the  Bishop  of  Gloucester's.  I  came 
away  before  it  was  over,  in  order  to  meet  W.  Crawford,  at  Plough 
Court,  and  we  went  up  to  the  Parliament  House,  taking  with  us  twenty- 
one  petitions  to  the  House  of  Lords,  and  eighteen  to  the  Commons,  on 
the  subject  of  the  criminal  code,  desiring  that  it  might  be  made  more 
rational  and  christian. 

6th. — Meeting.  From  my  feelings,  I  thought  that  words  were  expected 
from  me,  but  nothing  being  given  me,  I  dared  not  break  silence.  O, 
that  I  may  ever  be  preserved  from  setting  myself  to  work  in  this  way ! 
Without  a  degree  of  the  necessity,  it  would  be  highly  dangerous,  for  it 
is  not  the  mere  words,  but  the  anointing,  which  edifies,  and  this  not  being 
at  our  command,  we  must  wait  for  it. 

S</i. — I  went  up  to  Berkeley  Square,  to  call  on  the  Marquis  of  Lans- 
downe ;  had  much  conversation  with  him  about  Brougham's  Bill  for 
Education,  but  my  principal  object  was,  to  induce  him  to  promote  a 
subscription  among  his  friends,  to  raise  two  hundred  pounds,  for  the 
purpose  of  sending  a  master  and  mistress  to  Santa  Fe,  in  South  America, 
in  order  to  establish  the  British  system  of  education  there.  He  engages 
to  do  it,  if  I  send  him  a  plan. 

In  the  evening,  I  gave  my  concluding  lecture  at  the  Hospital ;  during 
the  closing  address  the  audience  were  as  still  as  if  it  had  been  a  Friends' 
meeting.    I  hope  that  some  of  them  may  profit  by  what  they  heard. 

\Oth — A  messenger  came  from  town,  to  tell  me  that  my  precious 
mother  had  a  slight  attack  of  paralysis,  about  five  o'clock  this  morn- 
ing. I  set  off  immediately  to  her  lodgings,  and  found  her  in  a  very 
tranquil,  sweet  state  of  mind.  She  seems  to  have  nothing  to  do,  but 
to  wait  till  her  change  comes.  I  sent  for  Edward  Fret  and  Dr.  Babing- 
ton  :  she  became  rather  better  towards  evening. 

l^th. — Went,  this  morning,  to  attend  Brentford  meeting,  and  took 


14 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1821. 


Cornelius  with  me.  There  was  a  good  feeling  over  us  on  first  sitting 
down.  After  some  time,  I  rose  and  said,  that  they,  whose  spirits  were 
rightly  engaged,  were  a  strength  and  comfort  to  each  other,  even  in 
silence ;  while  those  who  were  in  a  state  of  spiritual  death,  w^ere  as 
w-eights  and  burdens,  and  tended  to  keep  down  the  life.  I  showed  the 
danger  of  sitting  down  in  a  rest  short  of  the  true  rest,  and  sleeping  until 
the  cry  was  made,  'Behold  the  bridegroom  cometh:  go  ye  out  to  meet 
him,'  saying,  that  then  it  would  be  too  late  to  trim  the  lamps.  I  knew 
not  the  state  of  anyone  present  by  information." 

William  Alien  attended  the  meeting  in  the  evening,  when  he  again 
spoke  in  ministry,  and  seemed  himself  strengthened  and  comforted, 
observing  that  he  thought  there  was  more  of  the  divine  presence  to  be 
felt  than  in  the  morning.  He  also  visited  some  families,  where  he  was 
engaged  in  private  religious  service. 

'■'■Fifth  Month  11th. — The  anniversary  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
School  Society — it  was  a  useful  meeting,  though  not  quite  to  my  mind. 
The  Duke  of  Sussex  arrived  before  one  o'clock,  but  I  am  sorry  to  find 
he  is  far  from  well. 

19th. — I.  Durant,  an  aged  black  man  from  Barbadoes,  called.  He 
has  some  little  property  in  the  West  Indies,  and  came  over  here,  at  his 
own  expense,  to  learn  the  British  system  of  education  at  the  Borough 
Road  ;  he  has  now  acquired  it,  and  is  to  return  in  about  a  fortnight. 
He  is  a  preacher,  and  brought  over  a  certificate,  signed  by  one  hundred 
and  twenty-five  free  blacks :  he  is  a  very  interesting  character. 

20th. — Yearly  Meeting  of  ministers  and  elders.  Thomas  Shillitoe 
laid  before  the  meeting  his  concern  to  visit  some  parts  of  the  continent 
of  Europe  ;  many  Friends  expressed  their  unity,  and  a  certificate  was 
ordered  to  be  prepared." 

In  subsequent  sittings  of  this  meeting,  George  Withy  was  liberated 
to  pay  a  religious  visit  to  some  parts  of  America,  and  Martha  Savory 
obtained  the  concurrence  of  Friends  to  enter  upon  gospel  service  in  the 
South  of  France. 

Fifth  Month  24th. — In  alluding  to  the  ministry  of  Nathan  Hunt,  in 
the  meeting  for  discipline,  in  the  morning,  William  Allen  describes  it 
as  <<very  powerful,"  and  adds — 

■  '<  It  seemed  to  make  a  great  impression ;  he  compared  the  enemy  of 
souls  to  a  spider,  who  first  wound  his  web  round  one  leg  of  his  prey, 
then  went  away,  and  returning  again,  seized  upon  another,  thus  pursu- 
ing his  victim  until  it  was  completely  powerless,  and  then  he  poisoned 
it.  He  quoted  some  passages  from  the  Proverbs,  and  addressed  the 
young  men  with  great  energy.  Many  were  affected,  and  I  think  his 
communication  will  long  be  remembered." 

Some  of  the  succeeding  sittings  are  noticed  as  times  of  divine 
favour,  and  at  the  conclusion,  on  the  2nd  of  Sixth  Month,  W.  A.  says — 


1821. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


15 


«'  I  do  not  know  that  I  ever  remember  so  completely  salisfaclory  a 
Yearly  Meeting.  The  precious  cause  of  Truth  triumphed,  and  every 
thing  of  an  opposing  nature  was  kept  in  subjection. 

The  great  meeting  of  the  Prison  Discipline  Society  was  held  at  the 
Freemasons'  Hall  to-day,  but  I  was  most  easy  to  give  it  up  and  attend 
to  the  concerns  of  our  religious  society.  The  select  Yearly  Meeting 
was  held  in  the  afternoon ;  there  was  a  solemn  feeling  on  first  sitting 
down  ;  after  the  business  was  concluded,  I  felt  that  it  might  be  required 
of  me  to  offer  up  prayer  for  the  aged,  both  absent  and  present,  and  also 
for  those  who  were  going  out  in  the  service  of  the  Gospel  ;  but  after 
some  time  the  concern  seemed  laid  upon  dear  Nathan  Hunt,  who,  in  a 
remarkable  manner,  expressed  all  that  was  upon  my  mind,  and  much 
more.  It  was  past  eight  before  we  separated,  but  the  feeling  was 
heavenly  ;  I  prayed  in  spirit  for  my  dear  aged  mother,  and  longed  very 
much  that  my  dear  child  could  have  been  present." 

During  the  time  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  W.  A.  mentioned  having 
received  a  note  from  H.  Goulburn,  written  at  the  desire  of  Lord  Ba- 
thurst,  and  enclosing  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  Sir  Frederick  Adam  to 
him,  in  which  Sir  F.  says — 

"  The  School  to  which  Mr.  Allen  alluded,  in  his  conversation  with 
your  Lordship,  is  going  on  most  prosperously,  and  another  has  been 
established.  I  shall  not  fail  to  give  both  these  institutions  every  coun- 
tenance in  ray  power.  Lord  Guildford  is  at  present  making  a  tour  in 
the  Islands,  with  a  view  of  looking  at  all  the  schools,  and  making  some 
arrangements  for  the  university." 

The  following  day  he  says, — 

"  I  find,  that  the  third  reading  of  Mackintosh's  bill  on  forgery,  was 
carried  triumphantly  in  the  House  of  Commons  last  night.  Buxton  made 
a  luminous  and  admirable  speech. 

I  received  a  packet  from  Petersburg,  enclosing  some  Russian  tracts 
and  letters.  It  appears  that  Gretsch's  schools  were  shut  up,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  man  not  being  approved,  so  that  we  acted  properly  in 
not  consenting  to  be  identified  with  his  plan  when  we  were  at  Peters- 
burg,— indeed,  I  considered  his  sentiments  altogether  opposite  to  ours  ; 
the  aim  we  had  in  view  being  to  train  up  the  poor  in  a  knowledge  of 
the  precious  Gospel  of  Christ  .Jesus  our  Lord." 

A  letter  from  Admiral  Greig,  gives  an  encouraging  account  of  the 
schools  at  Nikolief :  he  says — 

"  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  the  Lancasterian 
school,  which  you  have  furnished  me  with  the  means  of  establishing 
here,  has  been  of  the  utmost  service  in  forwarding  the  education  of  our 
boys  ;  and  the  progress  they  now  make  in  reading,  writing,  and  arith- 
metic, exceeds  my  utmost  expectations  ;  it  has  also  effected  another 


16 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1821. 


very  important  change ;  from  being  lazy  and  negligent,  they  have 
become  active  and  orderly.  I  lost  no  time  in  establishing  a  similar 
school  at  Sevastopol,  and  we  have  now  upwards  of  six  hundred  scholars, 
who  actually  make  more  progress  in  one  year  than  they  formerly  did 
in  five." 

"  Sixth  Month  3rd. — Spiritual  refreshment  on  waking,  access  was 
granted  in  prayer,  and  my  mind  was  comforted  and  stayed  upon  my 
God.  Meeting  :  I  spoke  a  short  time  in  ministry,  beginning  with  the 
words,  '  It  is  a  pleasant  thing  to  hear  of  the  heavenly  kingdom.'  I  said 
that  the  theory  of  religion  was  beautiful,  but  all  this  was  of  no  avail, 
unless  we  were  brought  to  the  experimental  part.  Nathan  Hunt,  Huldah 
Sears,  and  many  other  Friends  dined  with  us,  and  after  dinner  we  had 
a  time  of  religious  retirement,  in  which  my  spirit  was  refreshed.  N.  H. 
spoke  on  the  text,  '  To  do  good  and  to  communicate  forget  not,  for 
"with  such  sacrifices  God  is  well  pleased,'  dwelling  much  upon  forget  not. 

I  am  rather  anxious  about  my  dear  sister  Anna  Hanbury  ;  she  becomes 
increasingly  feeble. 

Sixth  Month  Ath. — Attended  a  crowded  meeting  this  evening,  ap- 
pointed at  the  request  of  Nathan  Hunt  and  John  Kirkham,  for  servants 
living  in  Friends'  families,  whether  they  were  members  of  our  society 
or  not ;  it  was,  I  think,  a  useful  meeting. 

\Qth — Calm  and  comfortable  ;  some  feeling  of  good.  I  desire  to  be 
more  and  more  intimately  united  to  Him,  whom  ray  soul  loves  and 
desires  to  serve.  1  went  to  see  my  dear  mother,  who  was  in  a  sweet 
state  of  mind,  and  described  to  me  some  of  the  feelings  with  which  she 
had  been  favoured  in  the  night :  she  seemed  to  have  had  a  glimpse  of 
the  pure  river  of  water  of  life.  I  was  affected,  and  told  her  I  longed 
that  we  could  go  together,  for  we  seemed  to  have  a  foretaste  of  the 
glory  that  shall  be  revealed,  when  this  mortal  shall  have  put  on  immor- 
tality ;  but,  she  said,  <  No,  no,  there  is  more  for  thee  to  suffer  and  to  do 
yet ;  the  Lord  has  a  work  for  thee.'' 

\4th. — Bad  news  from  Smyrna  ;  the  Turks  have  shut  up  our  schools 
there  and  at  Scio  ;  the  supporters  of  them  are  driven  away  or  murdered, 
and  the  old  patriarch,  at  Constantinople,  is  beheaded.  Poor  Bambas 
has  been  obliged  to  flee  from  Scio. 

Ibth. — Cast  down,  but  not  forsaken  ;  my  only  weapon  is  prayer. 
These  words  of  David  are  often  adopted  by  me,  '  0  Lord,  I  beseech 
thee,  deliver  my  soul.' 

James  Heard  called  ;  he  is  just  returned  from  Russia,  where  he  has 
established  the  British  system  of  education,  on  Count  Romanzoff's 
estates,  and  trained  about  fifty  teachers,  who  are  to  be  placed  in  the 
different  villages  on  those  estates.  Another  nobleman  wishes  him  to 
introduce  the  plan  in  his  neighbourhood.  These  measures  are  most 
important. 


1821. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


17 


16th  Mary  and  I  took  a  walk  up  Red  Lion-Lane  ;  read  a  passage 

of  Virgil's  Georgics,  in  Latin,  by  the  side  of  the  New  River. 

Sixth  Month  20lh. — In  walking  from  town  by  the  Row,  we  learnt 
that  Anne  Capper  was  seriously  ill,  and  went  in  to  see  her.  She  seems 
in  a  very  precarious  state,  but  not  in  any  alarm  ;  I  felt  as  if  all  would  be 
well  with  her,  when  her  summons  came  ;  she  was  engaged  with  much 
clearness  in  supplication  and  thanksgiving. 

22nd. — Governor  Macarthy  came  to  dinner  ;  we  had  much  interesting 
conversation  about  Sierra  Leone." 

About  this  period,  the  concerns  of  Spicer-street  School  Association, 
occupied  a  great  deal  of  William  Allen's  attention,  some  fresh  arrange- 
ments being  made  in  the  buildings,  and  also  respecting  the  teachers. 
The  affairs  of  a  late  lamented  Duke  involved  him  in  care,  and  heavy 
responsibility,  but  he  observes — 

"The  decree  in  Chancery  is  obtained,  so  that  we  shall  act  under  the 
Lord  Chancellor,  and  I  am  now  much  more  easy." 

During  this  month,  he  accompanied  Anna  Braithwaite  and  Grizell 
Birkbeck  in  religious  visits  to  many  of  the  families  of  Friends,  within  the 
compass  of  his  own  meeting,  and,  in  several  instances,  was  engaged  in 
advocating  the  cause  of  his  Divine  Master.  At  the  Quarterly  Meeting, 
he  says — 

'<  The  junction  of  Ratcliffand  Barking  Meetings  was  agreed  upon. 

Seventh  Month  9th. — I  received  a  letter  this  morning,  which  mentions 
that  the  priests  have  succeeded  in  putting  down  some  of  the  schools 
in  France,  but  they  are  still  firmly  supported  by  the  Ministers  in  the 
Chamber  of  Deputies.  Thomas  McGill,  of  Malta,  states  that  they  are 
going  on  well  there. 

llth — Crawford  and  Gordon  came  in,  and  we  settled  about  begin- 
ning the  Philanthropist^  new  series. 

IQth. — I  went  up  to  James's  Place  to  see  Maniakes,  of  Corfu  ; 
met  with  Lord  Guildford,  who  is  just  returned,  and  says,  that  Politi 
is  going  on  well  at  Santa  Maura,  and  that  two  schools  are  now 
established  ;  he  also  says,  that  government  patronizes  them  and  pays 
the  expense. 

Seventh  Month  18th. — Meeting;  very  crowded,  in  consequence  of 
the  marriage  of  Sylvanus  Fox  and  Mary  Sanderson.  Soon  after  sitting 
down,  I  was  sensible  of  a  holy  solemnity,  which  seemed  to  cover  us  as 
a  canopy.  Thus  the  Lord  condescends  to  own  his  dependent  children, 
on  all  the  great  occasions  in  their  lives.  Soon  after  they  had  taken  each 
other  in  marriage,  I  rose  with  these  words,  '  Whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all 
to  the  glory  of  God,'  stating,  that  to  glorify  God  was  the  great  object 
of  our  creation,  and  showing,  what  were  the  blessed  fruits  of  the  Gospel 
dispensation. 

23rd. — Attended  a  committee  on  African  concerns;  W.  Singleton, 
Vol.  II.  2 

I 


18 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1821. 


who  is  lately  returned  from  the  Gambia,  was  there,  I  am  directed  to 
consult  Governor  Macarthy,  as  to  what  use  can  be  made  of  the  Jaloofs, 
trained  by  Hannah  Kilham,  and  on  (he  expediency  of  having  two  Man- 
dingoe  youths,  as  we  find,  that  their  language  is  generally  spoken  on 
both  sides  of  the  Gambia. 

30//;. — More  accurate  accounts  are  now  received  from  Turkey  ;  the 
murders  committed  at  Constantinople  and  Smyrna,  and  the  insults 
offered  to  the  Russians,  it  is  thought  will  bring  on  a  war  between 
Russia  and  Turkey. 

Eighth  Month  1st. — On  waking  this  morning,  prayer  ascended  for 
preservation,  and  strong  desires  were  raised  that  the  Lord  would  purify 
me,  and  that  he  would  strengthen  me,  from  time  to  time,  to  make  the 
full  surrender  of  my  all  to  him,  and  to  his  service. 

Constantly  advert  to  the  influence  which  mind  has  upon  mind,  and 
exert  thine  beneficially  upon  all  within  thy  reach. 

Qth. — I  am  seriously  thinking  of  giving  up  the  lectures,  in  order  to 
be  more  at  liberty  to  serve  ray  Great  Master,  but  the  treasurer  of  Guy's 
Hospital  is  earnest  with  me  to  continue  them.  I  have  consented  that  he 
should  announce  them,  but  I  am  to  be  left  at  my  Uberty,  when  the  time 
comes,  whether  I  take  part  in  them  or  not. 

\Wi. — Went  to  the  committee  of  the  Bible  Society,  in  order  to  meet 
Dr.  Pinkerton,  who  is  just  returned  from  Russia.  He  brought  me  a 
letter  from  the  Princess  Mestchersky  ;  also  a  plate  of  Walter  Venning 
visiting  a  prison.  He  gave  a  very  delightful  account  of  the  progress 
of  the  Bible  cause  in  Russia  and  other  parts  of  the  world.  He  says, 
with  regard  to  the  school  plan,  that  Prince  Galitzin  is  preparing  to  lay 
before  the  Emperor  a  proposal  for  spreading  it  more  widely. 

Eighth  Month  Ibth. — Went  to  see  Joseph  Savory,  who  is  dangerously 
ill,  and  there  seems  little  or  no  hope  of  his  recovery.  He  appears  to  be 
in  a  humble,  resigned,  and  patient  state  of  mind.  His  wife  and  daugh- 
ters being  present,  we  had  a  religious  opportunity  by  his  bedside,  in 
which,  I  believe,  the  dear  friend  was  comforted. 

23rd. — For  some  weeks  past,  I  have  not  felt  easy  to  give  up  the 
lectures  at  present. 

25th. — Went  up  to  take  leave  of  Governor  Macarthy,  who  intends  to 
sail  for  Africa  in  a  few  weeks." 

William  Allen  had,  for  some  time,  believed  it  would  be  right  for  him 
to  visit,  in  gospel  love,  the  meetings  of  Friends  in  Sussex  and  Surrey; 
and  his  Monthly  Meeting  having  felt  unity  with  the  concern,  granted 
him  a  certificate  for  this  service.  When  about  to  commence  the  work, 
he  writes  in  his  diary — 

'<  Faith  renewed  in  divine  protection.  Though  low,  I  have  nothing 
but  peace  in  the  prospect  of  the  weighty  engagement  I  have  entered 
into.    May  I  be  increasingly  devoted  to  the  Lord's  service !" 


1821. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


19 


He  attended  all  the  particular  meetings  in  these  counties,  as  well  as 
the  Quarterly  and  Monthly  Meetings,  and  had  also  opportunities  for 
religious  communication  in  many  families. 

He  was  frequently  led  to  comfort  the  mourners,  and  the  solitary  ones, 
as  well  as  to  arouse  the  careless,  and  the  lukewarm,  and  both  in  his 
public  and  private  engagements,  seemed  mercifully  helped  rightly  to 
divide  the  word  of  truth. 

The  subject  of  having  a  meeting  for  worship  appointed  at  Esher,  to 
which  persons,  not  members  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  should  be  invited, 
rested  with  weight  upon  his  mind,  and  believing  it  right,  before  he 
returned  his  certificate,  to  yield  to  this  apprehension  of  duty,  arrange- 
ments were  made  accordingly,  and  a  few  Friends  accompanied  him 
from  town.  The  meeting-house  was  full ;  the  people  very  quiet,  and 
he  says — 

"A  precious  solemnity  attended  us.  After  we  had  sat  some  time  in 
silence,  supplication  was  offered  for  a  blessing,  and  that  we  might 
witness  the  lifting  up  of  the  light  of  the  Lord's  countenance  upon  us.  I 
afterwards  spoke  in  ministry.  He  whom  I  desire  to  love  and  serve,  did 
not  fail  me  in  the  time  of  need  ;  the  Great  Master  condescended  to  own 
us  together,  by  the  precious  feeling  of  his  love  and  life-giving  presence, 
which  infinitely  exceeds  all  other  enjoyments.  Thus  have  I  been  helped 
in  my  first  public  meeting." 

In  the  course  of  his  visits,  and  particularly  in  passing  through  Sussex, 
William  Allen  saw  that  a  good  system  of  education  for  the  children  of 
the  labouring  classes,  was  greatly  needed  in  those  districts.  He  spent 
some  weeks  at  Brighton  with  his  family,  during  the  autumn,  and  not 
only  made  many  inquiries  himself,  into  the  state  of  the  agricultural 
population,  but  employed  a  person  to  visit  the  neighbouring  villages, 
in  order  to  gain  farther  information,  especially  with  reference  to  the 
amount  of  instruction  afforded,  either  by  what  are  termed  "  Sunday- 
Schools,"  or  others.  All  his  investigations  tended  to  strengthen  a  desire 
which  he  had  long  felt,  that  children  should  be  made  to  contribute 
towards  the  expenses  of  their  education,  by  being  employed  a  certain 
portion  of  time  every  day,  in  some  useful  occupation. 

He  prepared  plans  for  carrying  this  desirable  object  into  effect,  and 
was  encouraged  by  finding  many  benevolent  persons  ready  to  enter  into 
his  views.  The  subject  took  such  strong  hold  of  his  mind,  that  he  was 
led  ultimately  to  engage  in  that  extensive  scheme  of  philanthropy,  which 
he  carried  on,  for  many  years,  at  Lindfield. 

JYinth  Month  8th. — In  pursuing  his  diary  he  says — 

<'  [  received  a  very  important  letter  this  morning  from  John  Venning, 
of  Petersburg,  stating  that  the  Emperor  had  granted  an  audience  to 
Sarah  Kilhara,  and  had  decided  to  establish  a  girls'  school,  upon  the 
British  system,  and  that  S.  K.  had  also  been  introduced  to  the  Empress 


20 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1821. 


Elizabeth,  who  had  agreed  to  become  the  patroness.  Thus  this  great 
object  seems  in  a  fair  way  to  be  accomplished.  The  Emperor  sent, 
through  Venning,  a  kind  message  of  remembrance  to  me. 

J\mth  Month  15th. — I  have  been  thinking,  this  morning,  that  the 
anxiety  which  I  am  so  apt  to  feel,  must  arise  from  want  of  faith.  On 
looking  back  how  wonderfully  has  the  Lord  made  darkness  light  before 
me,  and  crooked  things  straight ;  how  has  he  caused  one  thing  to  open 
after  another,  and  shall  I  distrust  him  at  last  ? 

Tenth  Month  6th. — Went  over  to  the  Hospital  to  give  the  introduc- 
tory lecture  to  the  evening  course  ;  the  theatre  was  full,  and  I  had  a 
warm  reception." 

Whilst  at  Brighton,  William  Allen  received  the  intelligence,  that  the 
Friends'  Meeting  House,  in  Gracechurch  Street,  was  burnt  down.  The 
Fishmongers'  Company  offered  the  use  of  their  Hall,  until  another  place 
of  worship  could  be  erected,  and  Friends  accepted  it  for  first-days, 
meeting  in  the  middle  of  the  week  on  their  own  premises,  in  Hounds- 
ditch. 

On  the  21st  he  writes — 

'<  We  met  at  Fishmongers'  Hall  for  the  first  time. 

Eleventh  Month  6th. — First  evening  lecture  at  the  Hospital.  The 
theatre  was  filled,  and  also  the  passages.  I  was  cordially  received  in 
the  usual  mode  of  expressing  satisfaction,  and  had  no  other  way  of 
checking  the  noise  than  by  beginning  to  speak  at  once.  I  was  favoured 
to  get  through  to  my  own  comfort,  and  it  seemed  as  if  I  were  assisted 
with  a  little  best  help. 

After  supper,  Mary  read  tg  me  in  William  Penn's  Travels  in  Holland 
and  Germany. 

19th. — Attended  Friends'  Slave  Trade  Abolition  Committee.  A 
proposition  was  submitted  to  our  consideration,  whether  any  part  of  the 
funds,  at  the  disposal  of  the  committee,  could  be  appropriated  to  the 
plans. of  Hannah  Kilham,  for  instructing  the  Africans  in  their  own 
language,  and  for  forming  a  small  settlement  and  school  on  the  banks 
of  the  Gambia,  if  suitable  instruments  could  be  found.  The  measure 
was  regarded  by  all  as  one  of  great  importance,  and  it  was  at  length 
agreed  to  refer  it  to  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings. 

Eleventh  Month  2bth. — Meeting  at  Fishmongers'  Hall.  Towards 
the  close  I  spoke  for  a  short  time  in  ministry,  beginning  with  the  words, 
'  It  was  while  men  slept  that  the  enemy  sowed  the  tares,'  showing 
the  necessity  of  a  state  of  watchfulness,  as  well  to  enable  us  to  resist 
temptation,  as  to  hearken  and  hear  what  the  Lord  might  say  unto  us. 
I  also  felt  it  right  to  enlarge  upon  the  text,  '  As  in  Adam  all  die,  so  in 
Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive,'  and  quoted  the  declaration  of  our 
Saviour,  <He  that  believeth  in  me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he 
live.'    In  the  evening,  read  to  the  family  in  the  Gospel  of  John. 


1821. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


21 


2Sth. — I  received  a  letter  from  Daniel  Wheeler  yesterday,  giving  an 
account  of  a  very  interesting  visit  paid  to  him  by  the  Emperor  of 
Russia." 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  letter : — 

"  On  the  1st  of  Eighth  Month,  I  received  official  intelligence  from 
Prince  Galitzin,  that  the  Emperor  would  be  with  us  on  the  4th.  He 
arrived  about  half-past  twelve.  I  met  him  at  the  garden  gate,  and  con- 
ducted him  to  the  door,  which  opens  into  the  garden.  He  noticed  each 
of  the  family,  and  we  went  together  into  the  drawing-room,  and,  after 
asking  a  few  questions,  we  sat  down  in  silence  before  the  Lord.  This 
continued  for  a  considerable  time,  when,  at  length,  I  was  led  to  declare 
the  goodness  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  and  to  speak  of  those  precious 
promises  of  which  the  humble  heart  can  alone  partake.  I  expressed 
fully  what  had  rested  on  my  mind,  and  repeated  the  invitation  of  our 
dear  Redeemer,  '  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour,  and  are  heavy 
laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest.'  I  never  knew  him  so  affected  at  any 
previous  opportunity.  He  gave  me  his  hand,  and  attempted  to  describe 
his  feelings,  but  was  unable  to  utter  any  thing,  except,  <  I  have  felt  it,' 
laying  his  hand  upon  his  heart.  He  then  seemed  inclined  to  enter  into 
conversation.  I  told  him  he  had  been  long  absent  from  his  large  family. 
<  Yes,'  he  said,  'I  have  had  a  great  deal  to  do.'  On  my  saying  that  I 
had  often  thought  of  him,  and  that  a  petition  had  been  frequently  raised 
in  my  heart  on  his  account,  he  said,  '  And  I  have  often  thought  of  you  ; 
there  has  not  been  one  day,  not  one  day,  but  I  have  thought  of  you, 
and  of  Messrs.  Allen  and  Grellet,  and  always  felt  myself  united  to  you 
three  in  spirit.'  He  remarked,  that  it  was  a  difficult  thing  to  act  for  a 
nation,  '  But  I  hope,'  said  he,  <  that  what  I  have  done  is  right ;  I  hope 
I  have  acted  under  God,  and  that  the  measures  I  have  taken  are  ap- 
proved by  him.  I  am  encouraged  to  believe  so,  because  not  one  drop 
of  blood  has  been  spilled.  When  the  nations  were  all  in  deep  distress, 
and  suffering  under  the  late  war,  they  then  prayed  to  God,  but  they 
are  like  the  Jews  of  old,  now  they  have  forgotten  him.'  Much  time 
was  occupied  in  conversation  upon  these  subjects,  which  seemed  to 
engage  his  attention  more  than  the  land.  He,  however,  remarked,  that 
he  was  much  pleased  with  what  he  had  seen,  and  that  he  was  thankful 
for  it.  He  asked  if  I  had  dined,  and  on  my  saying  no,  he  said,  '  Then 
we  will  dine  together.'  The  repast  was  prepared  in  our  simple  style, 
with  which  he  seemed  well  satisfied.  He  had  a  copy  of  the  Scriptures 
with  him  in  the  carriage,  and  on  opening  our  Bible,  which  was  on  the 
table,  turned  to  the  119th  psalm,  which  he  said  he  had  been  reading 
that  morning.  He  then  took  leave  in  a  very  affectionate  manner,  say- 
ing, <I  must  now  leave  you, — I  hope  this  will  not  be  the  last  time  I 
shall  come  ;  remember  me  in  your  prayers.'  I  attended  him  to  the 
carriage,  and  as  it  drove  off,  he  said,  '  God  bless  you.' " 


22 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1821. 


<<  How  often  does  my  heart  feel  for  the  dear  Emperor  in  his  trying 
and  very  difficult  situation  !  My  prayers  are  put  up  for  his  preservation. 
I  believe  he  is  preciously  under  divine  notice.  O,  that  his  steps  may 
never  be  suffered  to  slide. 

Twelflh  Month  1th. — Attended  the  committee  of  the  Meeting  for 
Sufferings  on  the  Abolition  of  the  Slave  Trade  business.  I  had  secretly 
prayed  to  be  preserved  from  saying  anything  that  might  do  harm,  my 
feelings  being  so  deeply  engaged  on  behalf  of  the  poor  Africans,  and  I 
hope  that  this  was  the  case.  The  report  prepared  by  Luke  Howard 
was  read  and  passed.  Our  object  was  to  throw  the  business  of  promot- 
ing civilization  in  Africa,  before  the  meeting,  to  see  if  it  might  not  be 
brought  forward  to  the  Yearly  Meeting.  I  rose  and  said,  that  I  consider- 
ed the  present  a  very  important  proposition  ;  that  I  did  not  wish  Friends 
hastily  to  adopt  anything,  but  still  to  consider  it  possible,  that  as  the 
matter  of  abolition  had  become  a  Society  concern,  so  it  might  be  the 
duty  of  Society  to  take  another  step.  After  some  discussion,  it  was 
finally  agreed  to  let  the  matter  stand  over  for  the  consideration  of  the 
next  meeting. 

Twelfth  Month  9th. — Meeting  ;  the  words,  '  Having  a  form  of  godli- 
ness, but  denying  the  power  thereof:  from  such  turn  away,'  rested  so 
much  upon  my  mind,  that  I  rose  and  repeated  them,  showing  how  little 
the  best  forms,  and  an  outward  appearance  among  men,  will  avail, 
without  the  power  of  religion. 

I  called  on  my  dear  mother  as  usual,  and  we  enjoyed  each  other's 
company,  being  nearly  united  in  spirit ;  she  is  waiting  by  the  side  of 
Jordan  till  '  the  shining  ones'  which  John  Bunyan  describes,  arrive  to 
conduct  her  to  the  other  side.  Ah  !  when  my  time  comes,  may  I  be 
equally  prepared  !  She  sweetly  adverted  to  that  anchor  which  had  held 
me  in  so  many  storms,  and  expressed  her  confidence  that  it  would  preserve 
me  in  all  future  tempests. 

16th. — Rose  at  six  ;  my  mind  a  little  comforted  on  waking;  renewed 
desires  were  felt  to  dedicate  myself  unreservedly  to  the  Lord's  service ; 
how  great  is  His  mercy,  to  have  condescended  unto  me  as  He  has  done  ! 
May  it  be  more  and  more  my  study  to  cherish  the  good  in  all  with  whom 
I  may  come  in  contact,  or  have  any  influence ! 

i  discovered,  I  think  I  may  say  almost  providentially,  that  an  old 
servant  of  my  mother's,  who  came  to  live  in  the  family  when  I  was 
only  four  weeks  old,  was  living  ;  she  was  always  a  pious  creature,  and 
used  to  delight  me,  when  a  child,  by  singing  hymns  and  religious 
poems.  I  find,  that  in  consequence  of  the  misconduct  of  a  brother,  she 
has  been  reduced  to  great  distress  and  want.  I  was  quite  affected,  and 
blamed  her  for  not  letting  me  know,  for  I  was  not  aware  that  she 
was  living. 

11th. — Deplored  my  spiritual  poverty  and  manifold  weaknesses,  but 


1821. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


23 


a  gleam  of  hope  came  in  that  I  should  not  be  forsaken  by  Iliin,  whom 
I  wish  above  all  things  to  love  and  serve.  I  have  had  to  recommend 
to  others  the  great  advantage  of  endeavouring  constantly  to  keep  the 
mind  stayed  upon  God,  we  should  then,  at  every  pause  in  the  concerns 
of  life,  have  something  sweetly  to  rest  upon. 

J.  Corfield  called  to  take  leave  ;  he  is  going  to  Lisbon,  where  he 
intends  to  establish  the  British  system  of  education,  having  been  trained 
at  the  Borough  Road." 

William  Allen  and  his  daughter  atttended  the  Quarterly  Meeting  for 
Bedfordshire  and  Hertfordshire,  held  at  Hitchin  this  month  ;  they  lodged 
with  Samuel  and  Phebe  Allen,  at  Westraill,  and  W.  A.  speaks  with 
interest  and  satisfaction  of  the  opportunity  thus  afforded  for  social  inter- 
course with  his  dear  brother  and  sister,  who,  with  their  family,  gave 
them  a  kind  and  cordial  reception.  In  afterwards  alluding  to  this  visit, 
he  says — 

'<  The  remembrance  of  it  has  left  so  sweet  a  savour,  that  we  shall  be 
desirous  of  repeating  it  when  practicable." 

He  mentions  the  meeting  as  a  time  of  divine  favour,  in  which  the 
Lord's  power  and  life-giving  presence  were  felt,  and  observes — 

"  The  Master  was  good  to  us,  and  graciously  dispensed  the  anoint- 
ing both  in  meetings  and  in  families.  All  the  glory  must  be  ascribed 
to  our  merciful  Helper,  for  we  are  abundantly  convinced  that  without 
Him,  we  can  do  nothing  to  his  honour.  There  are  some  hopeful  young 
people  here.  I  have  great  reason  to  be  thankful  in  having  taken  this 
little  journey.  May  I  be  more  and  more  devoted  to  the  work  of  ray 
Heavenly  Master ! 

Tioelflh  Month  24<^.— Quarterly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  ; 
there  was  a  sweet  solemnity  over  it,  which  comforted  and  refreshed  my 
mind. 

2bth. — On  waking,  commended  myself  anew  to  the  protection  of 
Israel's  Shepherd,  with  desires,  that  at  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  I  might 
be  preserved  from  saying  anything  which  might  injure  the  great  cause, 
or  hurt  Friends.  It  was  a  very  crowded  meeting;  I  had  to  bear  my 
testimony  to  the  primitive  simplicity  and  purity  of  the  Gospel  dispensation, 
at  greater  length  than  is  usual  for  me  ;  several  other  Friends  spoke  in 
ministry,  and,  towards  the  close  of  the  meeting,  I  knelt  down  and  sup- 
plicated for  the  children  of  my  people,  and  for  those  who  were  halting 
between  two  opinions,  praying  that  the  divine  visitation  to  their  souls 
might  be  continued,  and  more  powerfully,  until  they  gave  up  fully  to 
the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  the  heart.  This  has  been  one  of  the 
most  satisfactory  Quarterly  Meetings  that  I  remember  for  a  long  time. 

I  find  that  when  I  was  at  Brighton,  it  was  determined  to  remove  the 
Friends'  school  from  Islington." 

Two  days  after  this  date,  William  Allen  sent  a  long  letter  to  his 


24 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1821. 


beloved  friend,  Stephen  Grellet,  in  which  he  notices  the  following 
events : — 

<'  My  dear  child  was  acknowledged  a  minister  at  our  last  Monthly 
Meeting,  under  a  precious  feeling  of  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  with 
the  unanimous  concurrence  of  Friends  ;  she  has  informed  thee  of  the 
decease  of  dear  Anne  Capper,  whose  exemplary  and  useful  life  was 
closed  in  great  peace  and  sweetness.  I  have  lately  heard  that  dear 
Hablitz  is  deceased.  Thou  hast  doubtless  learnt  that  the  school  of 
Professor  Bambas,  at  Scio,  is  broken  up,  and  that  he  is  escaped  to  the 
Island  of  Hydra.  It  appears  to  be  the  policy  of  the  Governor  to  assist 
in  crushing  the  Greeks,  five  of  whom  have  lately  been  executed  in  the 
Ionian  Islands,  for  assisting  their  suffering  brethren. 

Schools  have  been  established  at  Corfu,  as  well  as  Santa  Maura  ;  at 
Malta  the  schools  under  Naudi  are  doing  exceedingly  well;  they  have 
above  two  hundred  girls,  and  more  than  as  many  boys. 

Another  number  of  the  '  Reformer'  has  been  handed  to  me,  by  which 
it  appears  that  the  editors  have  not  yet  done  with  me  ;  I  could  reply 
easily  enough  to  their  statements,  but  the  spirit  which  dictated  those 
animadversions  must  he  starved ;  it  has  a  life  in  controversy,  and  seems 
to  me  likely  enough  to  go  on  to  Ranterisra.  I  see  that  they  are  now 
abusing  the  Baptist  Missions,  which,  though  not  conducted  upon  our 
principles,  have  nevertheless  been  productive  of  much  good.  Divine 
Providence  has  a  variety  of  instruments  at  work  to  break  up  the  ground. 
Thou  and  I  have  seen,  in  our  travels  on  the  continent,  what  large 
allowance  must  be  made  for  education,  habits,  and  circumstances.  Our 
Great  Master  alone  knows  how  far  the  heart  is  sincere,  and  I  believe 
many  of  those  who  have  been  so  harshly  censured  by  the  Radical  Re- 
formers, may  appeal  in  this  language, — '  Though  Abraham  be  ignorant 
of  us,  and  Israel  acknowledge  us  not,  thou,  O  Lord,  art  our  father.'  " 

In  a  letter  to  Prince  Alexander  Galitzin,  enclosing  the  prison  discip- 
line reports,  and  a  letter  from  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  to  the  Prince, 
William  Allen  says — 

"I  avail  myself  of  the  present  conveyance  to  bring  to  thy  remem- 
brance one  who  can  never  forget  thee,  nor  those  sweet  opportunities  in 
which,  with  dear  Grellet,  and  our  beloved  friend  Papof,  he  had  the 
privilege  of  enjoying  thy  company,  and  of  uniting  in  conversation  upon 
subjects  relative  to  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  upon 
earth.  It  would  comfort  rne  much  to  receive  a  few  lines  from  thee, 
for  I  can  truly  say  that  I  love  thee  in  the  fellowship  of  the  Gospel  of 
Christ." 

In  his  intercourse,  with  persons  of  rank  and  influence,  it  was  always 
William  Allen's  desire  to  keep  in  view  the  objects  for  which  he  was 
brought  into  such  association.  He  considered  himself  merely  as  an 
instrument  to  aid  in  endeavouring  to  give  a  favourable  bias  to  the 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


25 


powers  of  usefulness  which  they  possessed  ;  but  regarding  those  powers 
as  very  important,  he  was  anxious  not  to  omit  a  right  opportunity  of 
avaihng  himself  of  them.  When  at  Brighton,  he  was  introduced  to 
Lady  Olivia  Sparrow,  whose  active  benevolence  led  her  to  enter  warmly 
into  plans  for  the  improvement  of  the  labouring  classes.  Schools,  and 
the  construction  of  cottages,  had  particularly  engaged  her  attention,  and 
she  was  so  much  pleased  to  meet  with  a  person  whose  views  had  been 
similarly  directed,  that  she  afterwards  had  frequent  communication  with. 
him  upon  these  subjects. 

"  Twelfth  Month  21th. — I  must  be  upon  my  guard  against  indulging 
a  listless  and  desultory  state  of  mind.  0,  the  necessity  of  constant 
watchfulness  and  prayer ! 

31s^. — Morning  Meeting — adjournment.  I  had  the  svt-eet  reward  of 
peace  for  thus  dedicating  my  time  to  my  dear  Master's  service.  I  felt 
that  I  loved  him. 

We  are  now  at  the  close  of  the  year  1821.  One  of  the  most  import- 
ant occurrences  in  it  (to  me)  is,  that  my  dear  child  has  consented  to 
accept  Cornelius  Hanbury's  offer  of  marriage. 

In  public  affairs  there  are  horrible  massacres  of  the  Greeks  by  the 
Turks,  and  dreadful  retaliation.  The  Persians  are  threatening  to  come 
down  on  the  Turks,  and  the  Russians  also.  In  France  there  has  been 
a  late  change  of  ministry  ;  the  ultras  have  come  in  ;  the  Slave  Trade  is 
still  countenanced, — they  are  far  from  being  in  a  settled  state.  Spain 
and  Portugal  are  forming  a  new  government.  South  America  has  ob- 
tained its  independence.  A  wide  field  for  us  , ^fulness  will,  I  trust,  open 
there. 

First  Month  1st,  1822. — Rose  before  six:  my  mind  turned  to  the 
Lord ;  access  was  granted  in  prayer  for  preservation,  and  also,  that  my 
Divine  Master  would  make  his  will  more  and  more  clearly  known,  by 
the  influence  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  and  enable  me  to  gather  souls  to  him. 
After  breakfast,  wrote  the  following  letter  to  Joseph  Hume,  in  reply  to 
a  note  from  him,  requesting  my  name  to  the  calling  of  a  general  meeting, 
on  the  subject  of  the  suffering  Greeks  : — 
'  Esteemed  Friend, 

'  While  I  rejoice  that  the  sufferings  of  the  oppressed  Greeks  are  likely 
to  become  the  subject  of  a  public  meeting,  I  am  prevented  from  giving 
my  name  to  the  requisition,  from  the  consideration,  that  a  vast  majority 
of  the  persons  likely  (o  attend  such  a  meeting,  would  not  have  the  least 
scruple  to  contribute  directly,  as  \ve\[  as  indirectly,  to  enable  the  Greeks 
to  destroy  their  enemies  in  defence  of  themselves.  Now,  as  the 
members  of  our  religious  society  believe,  that  all  war,  defensive  as  well 
as  offensive,  is  contrary  to  the  spirit  of  the  christian  religion,  we  are 
restrained  from  uniting  in  any  measures  which  may  incur  the  danger  of 
compromising  our  religious  principles  in  this  respect.    I  am  not,  how- 


26 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


ever,  without  hopes,  that  the  Society  of  Friends  may  raise  a  separate 
fund,  to  be  applied  by  a  committee  of  their  own,  towards  alleviating  the 
sufferings  of  those  Greeks,  who,  having  fled  from  their  oppressors,  have 
taken  refuge  in  the  Ionian  Islands,  or  elsewhere. 

I  remain,  &c." 

"  First  Month  9ih. — Commended  myself  and  my  dear  child  unto  Him 
in  whom  we  put  all  our  trust,  craving  His  blessing  upon  that  engage- 
ment, in  which  she  takes  the  first  public  step  to-day.  Went  to  meeting, 
in  the  first  part  of  which  I  was  very  low,  but  towards  the  close  I  rose 
with  this  text,  '  Come  ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to  the  mountain  of  the  Lord, 
to  the  house  of  the  God  of  Jacob,'  &c.,  showing  how  the  love  of  God 
entering  the  heart,  warms  us  with  love  to  our  brethren  and  sisters,  and 
dwelling  upon  the  eflfects  of  that  love,  or  charity,  as  shown  in  the 
Epistle  to  the  Corinthians  ;  were  we  under  this  influence,  it  would  make 
us  overseers  one  of  another,  for  good,  and  thus  the  discipline  of  the 
society  would  be  supported  in  the  best  possible  manner.  At  the 
Monthly  Meeting,  Cornelius  and  Mary  declared  their  intention  of  taking 
each  other  in  marriage ;  they  both  spoke  very  well.  It  was  a  solemn 
time. 

llih. — I  received  a  note  from  John  Venning,  announcing  his  arrival 
in  London,  and  went  up  to  see  him.  He  brings  a  good  account  of 
Sarah  Kilham,  and  says  she  has  materially  assisted  him  in  a  boys' 
school,  which  the  Emperor  has  permitted  him  to  establish  for  the  poor 
little  foreign  boys,  who  used  to  be  begging  about  the  streets ;  they  now 
amount  to  about  seventy.  I  received  an  affectionate  letter  from  the 
Princess  Mestchersky. 

25th. — I  was  engaged  to-day  in  preparing  for  the  meeting  of  several 
Friends,  to  form  an  association  to  keep  open  a  correspondence  with  the 
continent  and  parts  abroad,  to  find  out  and  keep  open  channels  for  the 
circulation  of  books  and  tracts  explanatory  of  our  religious  principles, 
and  to  collect  and  diffuse  information  on  subjects  interesting  to  humanity, 
without  regard  to  sect  or  party.  This  has  been  upon  my  mind  ever 
since  I  was  last  upon  the  continent,  and  has,  from  time  to  time,  revived 
with  a  feeling  which  encourages  me  to  hope  that  it  is  a  right  measure. 
The  Friends  arrived  about  twelve  o'clock  ;  we  were  eleven  in  all,  and 
had  a  most  agreeable  meeting ;  they  dined  with  me,  and  it  was  agreed 
that  we  should  meet  at  each  other's  houses.  This  has  been  a  very 
satisfactory  day,  and  at  times  I  was  inwardly  comforted  with  a  sweet 
feeling  that  the  Lord  was  near. 

Second  Monili  3rd. — Went  to  see  my  dear  mother,  where  I  met  my 
brother  Joseph  and  his  wife.  I  thought  the  presence  of  the  Lord  was 
sensibly  to  be  felt ;  she  was  very  sweet,  encouraging  us  to  cleave  to  the 
truth,  that  so,  in  times  of  conflict,  we  might  be  strengthened  to  turn  the 
batde  to  the  gate. 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


27 


8th. — Comforted  with  a  feeling  of  the  divine  presence.  Went  to 
Newgate  to  accompany  John  Venning ;  E.  J.  Fry  and  several  of  the 
committee  were  there,  and  also  William  Jowett  and  his  wife,  from  Malta, 
and  Reid,  the  surgeon,  who  has  been  in  New  South  Wales.  E.  J.  F. 
read  to  the  prisoners ;  there  was  a  solemn  silence  afterwards,  in  which 
we  felt  that  the  Lord  was  owning  and  blessing  the  work.  She  then 
knelt  down  in  supplication,  and  proceeded  with  such  clearness,  sweet- 
ness, depth  and  power,  that  my  tears  flowed  freely,  and  I  believe  all 
were  affected.  Jowett  followed,  and  commented  upon  the  portion  of 
Scripture  which  had  been  read,  in  a  very  agreeable  manner.  I  then  felt 
it  right  to  convey  counsel  and  warning,  under  a  feeling  of  much  love 
and  sympathy.  It  was  an  affecting  occasion  ;  the  prisoners  behaved 
exceedingly  well,  and  before  we  came  away  dear  John  Venning  addressed 
them,  and  afterwards  Reid,  the  surgeon.  It  was  a  time  never  to  be 
forgotten.    The  Lord's  power  was  eminently  felt  over  all. 

nth. — My  mind  having  been  much  attracted  towards  the  children  of 
Friends,  at  Epping  school,  I  went  to  the  meeting  there,  this  morning, 
accompanied  by  ray  sister,  Cornelius,  and  Mary.  The  dear  children 
were  addressed  at  some  length,  and  in  visiting  the  family  afterwards,  I 
had  an  opportunity  in  free  conversation  of  enlarging  on  religious  subjects. 
May  I,  from  time  to  time,  and  more  and  more,  endeavour  to  live  under 
the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit  of  Him  who  can  alone  safely  guide  and 
direct  me  ! 

18th. — I  took  John  Vennintj  to  the  Borough  Road  school,  where  he 
was  delighted  with  the  reading  of  the  girls,  and  very  much  struck  with 
the  propriety  of  their  answers  to  Scripture  questions. 

Second  Month  20th.- — The  marriage  of  my  dear  child  with  Cornelius 
Hanbury,  was  solemnized  at  Devonshire  House  to-day.  The  meeting 
was  large  ;  a  holy  solemnity  prevailed  during  part  of  the  time,  and  they 
repeated  the  usual  form  in  a  very  distinct  and  feeling  manner.  Our 
precious  E.  J.  Fry  was  sweetly  engaged  in  supplication,  and  some  other 
Friends,  in  ministry.  After  meeting,  Mary,  Cornelius,  and  I,  went  to 
see  my  dear  mother,  who  was  much  affected  at  receiving  us  under  such 
circumstances,  and  uttered  several  lively  expressions  in  blessing  the  dear 
children. 

We  went  to  dine  at  our  kind  friend  Thomas  Christy's,  at  Clapham. 
There  was  a  large  company,  but  every  thing  was  very  nicely  arranged 
and  conducted.  I  was  much  supported  during  the  day,  in  the  humble 
belief  that  our  Divine  Master  was  not  far  off.  We  had  a  memorable 
meeting  in  the  evening,  when  doctrine  and  exhortation  flowed  freely. 
I  believe  the  words  vibrated  through  all  hearts,  when  dear  R.  C.  said, 
'  The  blessing  of  the  Lord  be  upon  you ;  we  bless  you  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord.' 

23rd. — My  sister  and  I  took  a  ride  to  Loddiges'  nursery  ground,  at 


28 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


Hackney,  to  confer  with  him  about  seeds  for  Contineas,  and  the  South 
of  Russia.* 

Third  Month  \st. — Meeting  for  Sufferings.  The  subject  of  Hannah 
Kilham's  concern  to  promote  the  education  of  the  Africans,  was  brought 
forward.  It  was  conchided  that,  at  present,  the  meeting  could  not  take 
it  up ;  it  did  not  see  its  way.  Such  a  minute  was  however  made,  as  to 
leave  the  business  open  for  discussion  at  the  Yearly  Meeting. 

6^/). — Dear  John  Venning  sets  off"  for  Petersburg  to-day,  with  his 
wife.    Wrote  to  the  Princess  Sophia  Mestchersky." 

After  expressing  the  comfort  afforded  by  her  letter,  William  Allen 
says — 

'<  I  love  all  those  who  I  believe  love  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ  in  sincerity.  They  are  my  dear  brethren  and  sisters,  of  whatever 
nation  they  be,  or  whatever  religion  they  may  profess.  Thou  hast  felt, 
to  me,  as  a  dear  sister  in  Christ,  and  it  cheers  and  comforts  me  to  be 
remembered  by  thee." 

Third  Month  l\th  My  appeal  this  morning  has  been,  Lord  thou 

knowest  that  I  have  no  other  refuge  than  thee;  O,  let  thy  judgment 
subjugate  all  in  me,  that  is  inconsistent  with  purity  of  heart,  and  ever 
preserve  me  from  speaking  in  thy  name,  without  thy  authority ;  leave 
me  not,  0  God  of  my  salvation.  I  have  longed  for  an  increase  of 
christian  humility,  and  to  be  preserved  in  that  charity  which  thinketh  no 
evil.    How  deceitful  is  the  heart !  Lord  purify  it. 

— Robert  Slade,  and  W.  F.  Reynolds  called.  They  are  kindly 
anxious  to  retrieve  the  funds  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society. 
We  were  about  to  proceed  to  call  upon  the  bankers,  but  reflecting  that 
a  few  hundred  pounds  could  not  extricate  the  concern  from  its  difficul- 
ties, it  was  proposed  that  we  should  adopt  a  bold  measure,  and  raise  the 
sum  of  five  thousand  pounds,  which  would  pay  all  arrears  of  the  build- 
ings and  advances,  then,  bringing  up  the  annual  subscriptions  to  one 
thousand  five  hundred  pounds  per  annum,  we  might  go  on  comfortably. 
This  suggestion  was  cordially  adopted  ;  we  began  our  canvass  this 
morning,  and  received  four  contributions  of  one  hundred  pounds  each. 

20;/t  Spent  the  evening  at  my  cousin  Birkbeck's,  and  commenced 

a  plan  with  the  Bradshaws,  for  investigating  the  cases  of  the  poor  in 
Stoke  Newington.  They  have  a  map  of  the  village,  and  will  divide  the 
whole  into  six  districts. 

2\st  On  waking  this  morning,  the  text  was  sweetly  brought  to  my 

remembrance,  '  As  the  hart  panteth  after  the  water  brooks,  so  panteth 
my  soul  after  thee,  O  God;'  and  I  could,  in  tenderness  of  spirit,  adopt 
the  language,  'Lord,  thou  knowest  all  things;  thou  knowest  that  I 
love  thee." 

*  Some  of  the  seeds,  sent  in  1S20,  having  been  injured  in  the  voyage,  William  Allen 
forwarded  a  fresh  supply,  which  arrived  in  safety. 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEJSr, 


29 


I  received  a  letter  from  Governor  Farquhar,  of  the  Mauritius,  giving 
an  encouraging  account  of  Jenkin,  and  of  the  prospects  for  the  school 
concern  there,  and  in  Madagascar. 

An  EngHshinan,  of  the  name  of  Horton,  whose  medical  engagements 
led  him  to  the  South  of  Russia,  having  visited  the  garden  at  Ekaterin- 
oslav,  thus  introduces  himself  to  the  notice  of  William  Allen,  in  a  letter, 
dated  21st  December,  1821  :— 

"  You  will  no  doubt  be  surprised  at  receiving  a  letter  from  a  per- 
fect stranger,  living  in  the  Government  of  Ekaterinoslav,  in  the  Russian 
Empire. 

Professional  circumstances  obliging  me  to  pay  a  visit  to  the  said 
capital,  I  met  with  an  acquaintance,  a  Mr.  Contineas,  in  every  point  of 
view,  a  most  estimable  man.  He  made  you  a  material  subject  of  his 
conversation,  and  requested  me  to  pay  a  visit  to  the  garden  of  the  Crown, 
at  the  same  time  assuring  me  how  much  he,  as  well  as  every  one  con- 
nected therewith,  was  indebted  to  you  for  the  liberal  assistance  which 
you  have  afforded,  by  supplying  them,  at  various  periods,  with  seeds, 
otherwise  impossible  to  be  obtained. 

I  shall  be  happy  if  I  am  the  means  of  giving  you  any  satisfaction,  when 
I  assure  you  that  the  said  garden  has  made  a  material  progress  by  your 
assistance,  and  I  am  at  the  same  time  glad  to  say,  that  gratitude  on  the 
part  of  the  director,  &c.,  has  been  your  reward. 

There  has  been  an  official  act  passed,  by  which  means  your  name 
will  be  perpetuated  in  this  country;  that  act  has  allotted  a  piece  of 
ground  in  the  said  garden,  as  a  nursery,  in  which  there  is  erected  a  neat 
monument,  bearing  your  name. 

As  being  a  countryman,  I  naturally  feel  proud  in  giving  you  the  said 
information." 

^'Tliird  Month  22nd. — Walked  to  Islington  school,  by  the  New 
River,  with  my  dear  child  and  Lucy  Bradshaw,  to  attend  the  examina- 
tion of  the  children  ;  they  performed  very  well,  and,  in  a  conference 
afterwards,  with  the  Friends  from  the  associated  Quarterly  Meetings, 
much  satisfaction  was  expressed  with  the  state  of  the  school.  A  very 
decided  opinion  was  given,  against  removing  this  establishment  out  of 
the  reach  of  a  London  committee.  Some  of  us  staid,  and  had  a  religious 
meeting  with  the  dear  children  before  we  separated.  We  were  favoured 
with  a  sweet  and  precious  feeling.  Both  the  teachers  and  the  children 
■were  addressed,  and  my  dear  Mary  was  engaged  in  prayer." 

About  this  period,  William  Allen  first  became  acquainted  with  Maria 
Edgeworth,  whose  talents  amused  and  interested  him.  He  dined  in 
company  with  her  at  Dr.  Lushington's,  and  afterwards  met  her  at  Samuel 
Hoare's,  Jun.,  where,  he  says,  "  there  was  a  very  agreeable  family 
party."  In  a  subsequent  written  communication  to  him,  on  the  subject 
of  the  peasantry  of  Ireland,  M.  Edgeworth  gave  a  striking  proof  of  those 


30 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


descriptive  powers  which  characterize  her  notices  of  this  class  of  her 
country  people. 

"  Third  Month  21th. — I  received  a  very  sensible  anonymous  letter  a 
few  days  ago,  requesting  me  to  turn  my  attention,  and  that  of  the  friends 
of  religion  generally,  to  the  demoralizing  effects  of  fairs  held  near  the 
metropolis  ;  wishing  us  to  promote  petitions  to  Parliament  to  pass  an  act, 
at  least  to  restrict  them  to  the  sale  of  merchandize,  and  to  prohibit, 
under  suitable  penalties,  all  sorts  of  shows,  and  everything  likely  to 
demoralize  the  poor.  I  think  this  an  excellent  hint,  and  wish  to  employ 
all  the  influence  I  may  have  with  members  of  Parliament,  to  take  up 
this  and  other  subjects  which  encourage  crime.  Lotteries  might  follow 
next  to  fairs. 

29</j — My  dear  mother  removed  from  town  to-day,  to  a  house 
which  I  have  engaged  for  her,  at  No.  12,  Church-street,  Stoke  New- 
ington. 

30M. — My  sister  and  I  went  to  dine  at  my  cousin  G.  Birkbeck's,  and 
in  the  afternoon  we  all  went  to  Lodiges'  Nursery,  to  see  the  Camellias, 
which  are  now  in  full  bloom  and  very  beautiful  ;  there  is  quite  a  forest 
of  them  ;  his  hot-houses  are,  perhaps,  the  most  capacious  in  the  world; 
one  of  them  is  forty  feet  high ;  in  this,  there  is  a  Banana  tree,  which 
reaches  just  to  the  top.  The  seeds  for  Russia  are  to  be  ready  next  week." 

Fourth  Month  1st  William  Allen  had  for  some  time  been  exerting 

himself,  in  conjunction  with  some  other  persons,  to  establish  an  Infant 
School  at  Stoke  Newington,  and,  on  the  1st,  he  writes — 

<'  The  Infant  School  opened  to-day.  The  new  periodical,  upon 
the  plan  of  the  Philanthropist,  came  out,  and  is  called  '  The  Inquirer.' 

Fourth  Month  bth. — I  went  up  to  Pall  Mall,  to  see  Sir  Robert  and 
Lady  Liston,  who  were  so  kind  to  us  at  Constantinople,  and  had  a  very 
agreeable  conference. 

9th. — Met  the  Lanark  parties  to-day,  at  Plough  Court ;  Robert  Owen 
brought  forward  some  extraordinary  propositions.  It  seems  to  me  to 
be  our  bounden  duty  to  make  a  stand  ;  to  examine  the  children  of  our 
population  now  at  Lanark,  who  have  been  under  Owen's  training  for 
years,  not  superficially,  but  rigorously  in  classes,  as  to  their  scriptural 
and  religious  knowledge,  as  well  as  other  things,  also  to  visit  the  work 
people  in  their  families,  and  then  decide  upon  the  question  of  continu- 
ing or  withdrawing." 

Soon  after  this  date,  W.  A.  writes — 

"  I  have  made  up  my  mind  to  have  no  more  discussions  with  Robert 
Owen,  about  his  principles,  that  being  clearly  waste  of  time. 

10/A. — The  prospect  of  attending  the  next  Yearly  Meeting  in  Dublin, 
came  rather  strongly  before  me  to-day  ;  it  has  once  or  twice  previously 
been  presented  to  my  mind." 

On  endeavouring  to  weigh  this  matter,  with  a  simple  desire  to  be 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


31 


rightly  directed,  William  Allen  at  length  concluded  upon  going  over  to 
the  Yearly  Meeting;  he  and  Robert  Forster  travelled  together  to  Holy- 
head, where  they  met  with  Robert  Fowler  and  his  son  Thomas,  and, 
together  with  J.  N.  Richardson,  crossed  to  Howth.  The  wind  was 
remarkably  high,  but  they  were  favoured  to  land  in  safety.  W.  A.  had 
intended  taking  up  his  quarters  at  an  hotel,  but  Samuel  Bewley  insisted 
upon  his  going  to  his  house,  and  from  this  truly  hospitable  family,  as 
well  as  from  many  other  Friends  he  received  proofs  of  kindness  and 
attention,  which  called  forth  his  grateful  feelings.  He  found  various 
opportunities  for  religious  service,  and  both  in  public  and  private  minis- 
try, as  well  as  in  conversation,  was  engaged  in  endeavouring  faithfully 
to  perform  the  work  assigned  liim.  At  the  beginning  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  he  says — 

"  I  hope  I  have  not  acted  presumptuously  in  coming  ;  my  prayer  this 
morning  was,  to  be  kept  from  doing  anything  which  might  throw  the 
least  shade  on  the  cause  of  ray  great  and  gracious  Master;  and  that  we 
who  are  here  under  an  apprehension  of  duty,  may  be  preserved  and 
comforted,  and  permitted  to  depart  in  peace." 

Several  ministers  from  England  were  also  at  the  meetinof.  The  warm 
interest  which  W.  A.  felt  in  young  persons,  was  frequently  awakened 
in  social  intercourse,  though  he  did  not  always  give  expression  to  it. 
On  one  occasion  he  says — 

"  I  had  much  conversation  with  some  dear  young  people,  whose  faces 
appear  to  be  turned  Zionward." 

In  mentioning  his  visit  to  another  family,  he  says — 

<<  I  encouraged  them  to  be  faithful  in  the  performance  of  the  very  least 
thing  which  should  appear  to  them  a  duty,  and  had  to  point  out  the 
importance  of  closing  in  with  the  offers  of  divine  mercy  in  the  day 
of  visitation." 

In  one  meeting  for  worship,  where,  he  says,  much  solemnity  prevailed, 
the  nature  and  operation  of  that  grace  and  truth  which  came  by  Jesus 
Christ  were  pointed  out.  Many  of  the  company  were  not  members  of 
the  Society  of  Friends,  and  as  he  was  walking  to  the  house  of  his  kind 
host,  he  was  accosted  by  a  person  who  begged  to  take  him  by  the  hand, 
stating,  how  much  he  felt  what  was  expressed  in  meeting,  and  adding 
his  earnest  wish  that  William  Allen  would  often  come  amongst  them. 
The  latter  directed  him  to  a  more  effectual  guide  and  teacher,  the  Holy 
Spirit  of  God. 

In  another  meeting,  he  was  led  to  quote  these  words  of  the  apostle, 
and  to  enlarge  upon  them—"  For  I  determined  not  to  know  any  thing 
among  you,  save  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified." 

He  mentions  the  minds  of  Friends  having  been  much  engaged,  in  one 
sitting  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  in  considering  the  deplorable  effects  of 
the  use  of  ardent  spirits  amongst  the  poor. 


32 


LIFE  ANU  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


His  visits  to  some  of  the  institutions  in  Dublin  were  rather  en- 
couramns  — 

"  We  found  the  Richmond  Bridewell,"  he  says,  "in  a  much  better 
state  than  when  we  visited  it  in  1820.  The  rooms  were  very  clean,  and 
the  prisoners  classed.  Robert  Forster  and  I  visited  the  school  in  Kil- 
dare  street,  and  were  much  pleased  to  see  the  spirited  manner  in  which 
John  Vevers,  the  superintendent,  adopts  improvements;  he  has  intro- 
duced Pestalozzi's  method  of  arithmetic,  and  the  linear  drawing,  with 
great  effect.  I  was  pleased  with  the  manner  in  which  he  qualifies  his 
masters." 

When  about  to  return  home,  W.  A.  writes — 

"  I  leave  Dublin  in  peace,  notwithstanding,  I  believe  I  omitted  two 
things  which  I  ought  to  have  done  ;  but  this  arose  from  backwardness, 
— I  did  not  withhold  wilfully." 

On  his  arrival  at  home  he  called  upon  his  mother,  and  says — 

"  She  is  as  comfortable  in  her  new  house  as  outward  things  can  make 
her, — this  plan  of  mine  has  answered  completely. 

Fifth  Month  13th. — Robert  Owen  intends  to  hold  a  public  meeting 
about  Motherwell,  and  is  very  anxious  for  me  to  attend,  but  I  refuse  to 
be  concerned  in  it,  as  we  have  not  sufficient  security  that  the  thing  will 
be  carried  on  upon  christian  principles. 

I  went  up  to  the  House  of  Commons,  to  canvass  members  to  speak 
for  us  at  the  great  meeting  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society, 
on  fifth-day  next.  Met  Robert  Slade  and  William  Crawford,  by  appoint- 
ment." 

The  extensive  correspondence  which  W^illiam  Allen  maintained  with 
various  persons  on  the  continent  of  Europe,  produced  an  interchange 
of  many  interesting  and  instructive  letters.  Those  of  his  estimable 
friend,  Marianne  Vernet,  of  Geneva,  not  only  afford  an  evidence  of  the 
piety  and  devotedness  of  her  heart,  but  also  prove  that  his  example  of 
meek  submission  to  the  will  of  his  God,  when  under  heavy  affliction,  in 
that  city,  had  made  a  deep  and  salutary  impression  upon  her  mind. 

In  replying  to  a  request  from  him,  that  she  would  have  the  little  enclo- 
sure, at  Sacconet,  attended  to,  she  says — 

"  I  thought  much  of  you  yesterday,  when  I  visited  the  sacred  spot  of 
which  you  spoke  to  me  in  your  letter.  It  is  just  as  you  would  desire 
it  to  be.  My  heart  was  lifted  up  to  our  merciful  Saviour,  and  I  could 
have  wished  we  had  been  there  together.  That  place  speaks  emphati- 
cally to  my  soul ;  there  I  received  impressions  which  will  never  be 
effaced.  May  I  be  enabled  to  follow  your  footsteps,  should  God  call 
me  to  experience  such  a  trial !" 

Fifth  Month  I6th. — Rose  at  six  :  my  mind  was  comforted  with  the 
presence  of  the  Lord,  on  waking  this  morning,  and  access  to  him  was 
granted  in  prayer.    I  went  to  the  Freemasons'  Tavern  to  the  British  and 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


33 


Foreign  School  Anniversary.  The  Duke  of  Sussex  came  punctually  to 
take  the  chair ;  W.  Wilberforcc,  Lord  Suffield,  T.  S.  Rice,  M.  P., 
W.  Evans,  M.  P.,  the  Duke  de  Broglie,  the  Baron  de  Siiiel,  the 
American  John  Randolph,  Philiipe  Ugoni,  from  Italy,  (the  friend  of 
Monpiani  who  is  now  in  prison  for  his  liberal  opinions,)  J.  Brechet,  also 
from  Italy,  the  friend  of  Count  Porro  :  audience  highly  respectable.  The 
whole  business  went  off' very  well. 

llt/i. — Attended  the  joint  meeting  for  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings,  and 
the  deputies  from  the  country,  to  hear  read  the  selections  from  the 
Yearly  Meeting's  Epistles  and  Advices,  since  the  Book  of  Extracts  was 
made,  in  order  to  form  a  supplement ;  but  there  was  first,  the  considera- 
tion of  an  appointment  to  visit  Friends  of  Pyrmont  and  Minden,  and 
several  Friends  were  nominated. 

18//?  Went  to  call  on  Lord  Suffield,  and  had  much  conversation 

with  him  on  the  s-ubject  of  our  schools ;  he  is  to  have  a  master  and 
mistress  from  the  Borough  Road.  We  conversed  also  upon  my  favourite 
plans  of  colonies  at  home;  Lord  S.  introduced  me  to  his  lady,  and 
I  endeavoured  to  interest  her  on  the  subject  of  village  schools.  Hence 
I  went  to  the  City  of  London  Tavern,  to  the  committee  for  the  distressed 
Irish.  It  seems  that,  on  the  western  coast  of  Ireland,  the  potato  crop 
failed  last  year,  and  that  famine  and  fever  are  the  consequence.  John 
Smith,  M.  P.,  was  in  the  chair,  and  T.  S.  Rice,  M.  P.,  was  present. 

Fifth  Month  20th. — Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  at  ten  ; 
I  was  nominated  clerk,  which  was  agreed  to.  Large  company  at  dinner  ; 
Robert  Owen  came  in,  and  says  that  he  is  getting  on  famously  in  his 
plan  for  a  colony  at  Motherwell,  near  Hamilton;  that  he  has  got  four, 
teen  members  of  Parliament  on  his  committee,  and  wants  my  name,  but 
I  persisted  in  refusing  ;  telling  him  plaitdy,  that  I  suffered  so  much  once 
from  being  on  a  committee  on  which  there  were  some  enemies  to  re- 
vealed religion,  that  I  was  determined  never  to  be  connected  with  such 
again,  and  I  told  him  that  I  withdrew  my  subscription.  He  was 
evidently  chagrined. 

22nd. — Rose  before  six:  my  heart  was  contrited,  and  I  prayed  that 
I  might  be  preserved  from  looking  back  after  I  had  put  my  hand  to  the 
plough.  Yearly  Meeting  at  ten — adjournment  to  four.  Josiah  Forster 
was  continued  as  clerk,  and  Edward  Pease  and  myself  were  appointed 
assistants." 

The  business  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  pretty  closely  occupied  William 
Allen's  attention  for  some  time.  After  the  reading  of  the  Queries  in 
the  large  committee,  he  says — 

"I  believed  it  my  duty  to  make  a  remark  upon  the  fourth  query,  on 
the  subject  of  children,  pressing  parents  to  watch  over  their  own  spirits, 
in  order  that  their  silent  example  might  beneficially  influence  the  minds 
of  their  children.    I  had  peace  in  it. 

Vol.  II.  3 


34 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


26//). — A  nephew  of  H.  Kilhain's  arrived  from  Petersburg,  and 
brought  me  a  letter  from  Sarah  Kilham,  with  a  good  account  of  her 
school. 

21th. — In  the  Yearly  Meeting  this  afternoon,  Josiah  Forster  brought 
forward  the  subject  of  slavery  in  the  West  India  Islands.  The  meeting 
entered  into  it  just  as  we  could  wish,  and  a  precious  solemnity  prevailed, 
which  warranted  a  minute  being  made,  recognizing  it  as  a  concern  of  the 
Society,  and  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings  was  directed  to  act  as  way 
might  open. 

29//i. — I  met  Zachary  Macaulay  in  the  street  to-day  ;  he  is  delighted 
to  hear  that  Friends  are  about  to  bear  a  public  testimony  against 
slavery. 

First  Month  2>\st. — My  dear  mother  sent  for  me  this  morning,  parti- 
cularly desiring  to  see  me  for  a  few  minutes  before  I  went  to  town  ; 
■when  I  reached  her  bedside,  she  appeared  in  a  sweet  tender  state  of 
mind,  and  though  her  speech  is  very  imperfect,  I  clearly  understood 
the  substance  of  what  she  wished  to  communicate.  She  said  that  the 
canopy  of  divine  love  had  been  over  her  that  morning,  and  that  under 
the  influence  of  it  her  friends  had  felt  very  near  to  her  in  .spirit,  that 
her  soul  saluted  them  in  the  love  of  the  Gospel,  and  wished  them 
God  speed  to  the  heavenly  city,  and  she  desired  me  to  convey  her  feel- 
ings to  the  meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders. 

The  Yearly  Meeting  met  at  eleven,  and  closed  at  this  sitting.  Friends 
parted  in  a  sweet  frame  of  mind. 

Sixth  Month  \st. — Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  last  sit- 
ting; I  gave  my  dear  mother's  message  to  Friends  in  a  few  words.  It 
seemed  to  be  felt  throughout  the  meeting. 

bth. — Baron  Fridani  introduced  himself  to  me.  He  came  with  Dr. 
Salemi.  The  Baron  was  very  useful  to  us  about  the  Scripture  Lessons 
at  Paris.  He  is  another  of  the  refugees  from  Ilaly.  Went  to  John 
Sanderson's,  to  attend  a  committee  on  H.  Kilham's  concern. 

Qth. — John  Bowring  came  by  appointment  to  breakfast  with  me  this 
morning,  in  order  that  we  might  write  letters  to  Spain,  on  the  subject 
of  the  Slave  Trade.  We  accordingly  wrote  the  sketch  of  a  letter  to 
the  minister  of  state  at  Madrid,  to  one  of  the  most  eloquent  of  the 
Corlez,  to  Count  Torreno,  &c.  I  am  to  send  the  rough  copies  to 
Thomas  Harrison,  and  when  he  returns  them  to  me,  they  are  to  be  trans- 
lated into  Spanish,  and  sent  by  Bowring  to  Madrid. — Correspondence 
committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society.  Some  interest- 
ing letters  from  Spain,  New  York,  and  South  America.  Took  Joseph 
Price  with  me  to  a  conversazione  at  J.  Bowring's.  Met  the  Baron 
Fridani,  Berchet,  Ugoni,  B.  la  Roche,  and  several  others.  Fridani  is 
a  Sicilian;  he  is  desirous  of  promoting  schools  in  Sicily,  and  is  a  friend 
of  Pictet^s. 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


35 


nth. — Dr.  Lushlngton  and  W.  Crawford  called  about  tlie  Inquirer. 
Dr.  L.  thinks  he  knows  of  a  most  suitable  person  to  conduct  it,  if  we 
could  insure  him  two  hundred  pounds  per  annum,  for  three  years  certain  ; 
this,  I  think,  is  objectionable;  but  it  was  at  last  agreed,  that,  if  he 
produced,  at  least,  four  sheets  in  each  number,  and  edited  the  work, 
he  should  for  one  year  be  guaranteed  two  hundred  pounds. 

Sixth  Month  10th. — To  town  with  my  sister  A.  H.  and  Maria  Brad- 
shaw ;  E.  J.  Fry  and  her  husband  were  waiting  at  Plough  Court,  and 
they,  with  M.  B.  and  I,  went  to  the  Borough  Road  School,  to  meet  the 
Prince  and  Princess  of  Denmark  and  the  Baron  Be  Stael.  The  Prin- 
cess is  a  very  superior  person, — affable  and  intelligent.  They  went 
through  the  details  of  the  school,  and  seemed  pleased  ;  they  staid  above 
an  hour  and  half. 

llth. — To  the  African  Institution  at  twelve.  L.  Howard  went  with 
me  as  far  as  Steinkopff's,  where  he  introduced  me  to  Professor  Blum- 
hardt,  of  Basle,  who  says  their  training  establishment  is  going  on  well  ; 
it  is  on  the  missionary  plan. 

15ih. — I  had  a  bad  cold  and  felt  very  unwell ;  and  if  I  had  not 
engaged  to  take  Pepys,  and  R.  H.  Solly,  down  to  the  visitation  of  the 
Royal  Society  at  Greenwich,  I  believe  that  I  should  not  have  gone.  We 
set  off  about  a  quarter-past  one  ;  met  Davy,  Wollaston,  &c.,  &c.  I  felt 
very  low  and  dull.  The  Prince  of  Denmark,  who  has  just  been  elected  a 
Fellow  of  the  Royal  Society,  was  there.  We  dined  at  Greenwich.  It  was 
a  suffering  time  to  me,  from  bodily  indisposition,  and,  because  my  mind 
was  not  in  it.  The  Prince  dined  with  us,  also  the  INIarquis  of  Lans- 
downe,  Lord  INIelville,  Lord  Darnley,  Lord  Aberdeen,  &c.,  &c. 

I6th. — Went  to  Winchmore  Hill  meeting,  though  I  was  so  unwell,  I 
had  some  thoughts  of  staying  home.  I,  however,  felt  most  easy  to  go, 
and  was  glad  that  I  did.  I  was  engaged  in  ministry,  and  feeling  rather 
better  than  worse,  in  the  afternoon,  went  to  Tottenham.  It  was  a 
precious  meeting.  I  felt  it  right  to  speak  on  the  subject  of  the  spiritual 
warfare. 

llth. — My  cold  is  better  to-day,  and  I  am  peaceful  in  the  review  of 
the  religious  labours  of  yesterday. 

l8//i. — Received  a  letter  from  Petersburg  of  a  discoura":in£r  nature 
with  respect  to  the  schools.  I  suspect  that  the  enemies  of  education 
have  worked  upon  the  prejudices  of  some,  and  the  fears  of  others,  to 
impede  this  great  and  good  work." 

By  letters  from  Petersburg,  of  a  more  recent  date,  however,  it  appears, 
that  the  clouds  which  threatened  to  overwhelm  the  great  cause  of  edu- 
cation in  Russia,  were  happily  dispersed ;  and,  shortly  afterwards, 
John  Venning  writes — 

"For  your  information,  and  that  of  your  committee,  I  have  the  pleasure 
to  send  you,  herewith,  an  extract  of  a  letter,  received  yesterday  from 


36 


LIFE  AND  CORnESPONDENCE 


1822. 


his  excellency,  Mr.  Papof,  relative  to  the  school  for  poor  Russian  boys. 
I  have  given  in  the  outline  of  a  plan  for  the  establishment  of  a  model 
school  for  two  hundred  boys  and  two  hundred  girls;  the  boys  to  be 
under  the  superintendence  of  Mr.  Heard,*  the  girls  under  Miss  Kilham. 
It  will  be  laid  before  his  Majesty  in  a  few  days,  and  as  the  beloved 
Monarch  supports  whatever  is  good  and  beneficial  to  mankind,  I  have 
little  doubt  but  that,  through  the  over-ruling  and  merciful  goodness  of 
the  Lord,  the  plan  will  succeed.  Our  foreign  school  has  now  one 
hundred  and  twenty  boys,  and  had  we  room,  we  should  have  five  hundred. 
The  progress  they  are  making  is  wonderful.  The  Lord's  hand  is  mani- 
fest in  the  institution.  I  could  tell  you  some  things  that  would  awaken 
all  your  love  to  our  Great  Master,  but  must  defer  it." 

In  the  letter  from  Basil  Papof,  above  alluded  to,  he  says,  in  reference 
to  the  application  to  the  Emperor,  on  behalf  of  James  Heard, — 

<<At  all  events,  the  name  of  William  Allen  will  be  certainly  a  good 
recommendation  to  the  young  man." 

In  addressing  a  member  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  committee, 
James  Heard  writes — 

"  On  Monday  last,  Mr.  Venning  sent  to  inform  me,  that  the  proposal 
had  received  his  Majesty's  sanction,  and  that  a  committee  had  been 
appointed  to  carry  it  into  execution.  Count  RomanzoflT  is  pursuing 
the  plan  which  I  left  with  him,  and  building  village  schools  all  over  his 
estate,  and  sending  the  elder  monitors  from  the  Homel  school,  to  take 
charge  of  them.  I  have  assisted  m  organizing  a  German  school  here, 
containing  about  one  hundred  and  thirty  boys  :  the  master  knew  nothing 
of  the  system  when  he  began  the  school,  but  what  he  gleaned  from  books, 
and  thankfully  accepted  the  improvements  which  I  suggested  to  him. 
Miss  Kilham's  school  is  to  be  connected  with  that  for  boys,  and  the 
whole  is  to  be  called  the  central  or  model  school." 

A  few  weeks  afterwards,  he  says,  in  a  letter  to  William  Allen — 
"  I  was  much  pleased  to  find,  by  a  letter,  which  I  received  from 
Count  Romanzoff,  yesterday,  that  he  has  finished  another  school  in  a 
village  called  Markovitch  :  thus,  the  seed  sown  at  Homel,  is  spreading 
over  the  surrounding  country,  and  will,  in  time,  I  trust,  produce  the 
happiest  results,  not  only  to  the  peasantry  themselves,  but  to  society  at 
large." 

In  pursuing  his  diary,  William  Allen  writes — 

"  Sixth  Month  19lh. — Meeting.  I  was  depressed,  and  almost  from 
my  first  sitting  down,  these  words  rested  on  my  mind  : — '  We,  who  are 
in  this  tabernacle,  do  groan  being  burdened,'  I  sympathized  with  a 
suffering,  tried  state.    My  dear  Mary  spoke  for  a  short  time,  and  her 


*  The  young  man  who  liad  conducted  Count  RomanzolT's  school  at  Home!,  and  was  now 
sent  to  Petersbuig  by  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society. 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


37 


communication  was  much  in  unison  with  what  was  on  my  mind,  and 
soon  after  she  sat  down,  I  rose  and  had  to  address  a  deeply  tried  state. 

25//;. — Quarterly  Meeting. — A  long  and  able  report  of  the  committee 
of  Islington  school,  giving  an  account  of  the  rise  and  history  of  that 
institution.  The  committee  to  provide  another  situation,  to  call  a  quar- 
terly meeting  before  any  thing  is  decided  upon. — Wrote  to  Count 
Hogendorp,  of  the  Hague  ;  also  to  Repaleure,  recommending  Josiah 
Forster,  Joseph  Marriage,  and  Peter  Bedford  to  their  notice,  and  request- 
ing information  about  the  colony  at  Fredericks-Oord,  &c.  In  the 
evening  I  went  to  Steward  Street,  to  take  leave  of  dear  Peter  Bedford  ; 
Josiah  Forster  came  in,  and  we  sat  down  in  silence  for  a  few  minutes, 
when  there  was  a  sweet  feeling.  I  had  to  address  them,  and  we  parted 
in  the  love  of  the  Great  Master." 

In  replying  to  the  above  letter.  Count  Hogendorp  writes — 
"The  colony  of  Fredericks-Oord  is  thriving,  and  five  or  six  other 
colonies  have  grown  up  around  it.    From  our  northern  provinces, 
this  wise  and  benevolent  institution  has  lately  been  extended  to  the 
southern." 

The  London  proprietors  of  the  cotton  mills,  at  New  Lanark,  had  for 
some  time  considered  it  right,  that  a  deputation  should  go  down  to 
investigate  the  state  of  the  concern  ;  not  only  with  reference  to  the 
commercial  department,  but  as  it  regarded  the  education  of  the  children, 
&c.  Joseph  Foster,  Michael  Gibbs,  and  William  Allen,  were  accord- 
ingly appointed  ;  and  on  the  27th,  W.  A.  writes — 

"  My  mind  is  comfortably  supported  under  a  belief,  that  it  is  my  duty 
to  go  to  Scotland,  notwithstanding  I  feel  it  so  hard  to  leave  home. 

Joseph  Foster  and  Michael  Gibbs  came  to  Plough  Court,  and  about 
half-past  three,  we  set  ofT,  going  round  by  Southgate  and  calling  on 
John  Walker  on  our  way. 

Sixth  Month  30th. — My  mind  was  turned  to  the  Lord  on  waking  this 
morning,  and  I  was  renewedly  impressed  with  the  importance  of  en- 
deavouring to  keep  in  this  state  through  the  day.  What  a  privilege 
do  the  members  of  our  Society  possess,  in  being  taught  to  wait  upon 
God  in  the  depths  of  the  soul!" 

This  day  was  spent  at  Liverpool,  and  Seventh  Month  1st,  W.  A. 
mentions  breakfasting  at  Everton,  with  Nicholas  Waterhouse,  and  says — 

"  I  felt  gospel  love  flow  to  this  family.  N.  W.  walked  with  us  into 
Liverpool,  and  showed  us  their  two  excellent  school-rooms,  for  two 
hundred  boys,  and  two  hundred  girls,  supported  wholly  by  Friends. 
The  rooms  cost  about  eight  hundred  pounds.  The  young  women  began 
first  with  their  girls'  school,  and  succeeded  well :  this  set  the  men  to 
work.  We  set  out  for  Manchester  in  the  afternoon,  and  arrived  between 
nine  and  ten. 

Seventh  Month  3rd. — Went  to  see  several  mills.    We  dined  at  Peter 


38 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


Taylor's ;  met  some  of  Ihe  most  considerable  proprietors,  and  several 
others.  We  had  much  useful  conversation  on  the  subject  of  the  labour- 
ing classes,  with  which  Joseph  Foster  afterwards  expressed  himself 
highly  satisfied.  The  respectable  part  of  the  working  people  here,  are 
rapidly  accommodating  themselves  with  small  houses,  by  means  of 
building  clubs  ;  they  give  security  upon  the  house,  and  gradually  pay 
off  the  cost  out  of  their  earnings." 

After  attending  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  at  Kendal,  where  he  was 
pleased  to  meet  with  Elizabeth  Robson  and  Frances  Thompson,  W.  A. 
writes — 

"  My  mind  was  a  little  comforted  ;  the  rectitude  of  those  feelings, 
•which  I  had  in  London,  relative  to  attending  these  meetings  on  the 
road,  has  been  fully  confirmed  by  events,  and  I  have  great  reason  to  be 
thankful  and  encouraged.  The  only  alloy  is  one  slip  I  made,  which 
immediately  occasioned  uneasiness. 

1th. — At  Carlisle. — A  kind  young  man,  George  Head,  called  to  con- 
duct us  to  meeting.  Towards  the  close,  I  spoke  in  ministry,  and  had 
peace.  We  dined  at  Joseph  M.  Head's;  the  family  exceedingly  kind. 
JNIeeting  in  the  afternoon. 

^th. — We  arrived  at  Old  Lanark  this  evening.  I  feel  thankful  in 
being  brought  here  in  safety,  though  we  shall  have  much  to  go  through." 

This  did,  indeed,  prove  to  be  the  case.  On  investigating  the  educa- 
tional department,  it  was  obvious,  that  a  revision  of  the  system  was 
needed  ;  and  the  deputation  made  a  decided  stand,  with  regard  to  some 
points  which  were  provided  for,  in  the  articles  of  partnership.  They 
visited  many  of  the  families  of  the  work-people,  after  which,  William 
Allen  says — 

"  I  generally  adverted  to  the  subject  of  the  Bible,  and  was  pleased  to 
see  that  the  people,  universally,  not  only  had  the  Bible,  but  that  they 
read  in  it,  and  many  of  them  daily.  We  saw  a  number  of  religious 
books  among  them,  and  I  was  led  to  give  them  serious  advice  as  way 
opened." 

They  left  Lanark  for  a  few  days,  and  proceeded  to  Glasgow.  In  the 
course  of  this  journey,  one  day  was  devoted  to  an  excursion  to  Loch 
Lomond  ;  its  beauties  afforded  interest  and  pleasure,  and  W.  A.  men- 
tions having  some  serious  conversation  with  one  of  the  passengers  in  the 
steam  boat.    In  speaking  of  his  aged  friend,  John  Wigham,  he  says — 

"  I  was  comforted  in  seeing  the  old  veteran, — his  day's  work  is  nearly 
done." 

He  remarked  with  pain,  the  number  of  shops  in  Glasgow,  where 
spirits  are  sold.  Sometimes  four  or  five  notices  of  "  Grocer  and  Spirits 
Dealer"  meet  the  eye,  in  a  row.  In  again  returning  to  Lanark,  William 
Allen  was  very  low,  and  writes — 

<'I  went  by  myself  to  the  Falls,  in  Lady  Ross's  grounds,  and  my 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN". 


39 


prayers  were  put  up  for  (he  poor  work-people  at  the  mills,  and  their 
children,  and  that  I  miglit  be  rightly  directed  in  any  decision  that  I 
might  come  to,  relative  to  continuing  in,  or  going  out  of  the  concern. 
In  conversation  afterwards  with  Robert  Owen,  I  told  him,  that  I  had 
been  rendered  so  miserable,  by  the  manner  in  which  the  important 
business  of  the  education  of  the  population  at  New  Lanark  had  been 
conducted,  that  I  had  come  to  the  full  determination  to  withdraw  from 
the  concern,  unless  it  was  put  entirely  upon  the  footing  laid  down  in 
the  articles,  or,  in  short,  unless  it  was  placed  entirely  under  the  manage- 
ment and  control  of  the  London  parties.  R.  O.  at  first  expressed  him- 
self rather  warmly,  but  at  length  consented  that  the  whole  business  of 
education  should  be  managed  by  them.  We  afterwards  had  further 
important  conversation  with  him. 

Seventh  Month  20th. — Conferences  respecting  the  new  arrangements. 
M.  Gibbs  says,  that  this  visit  to  Lanark  has  been  of  more  importance 
than  that  to  purchase  the  mills.    R.  O.  went  with  us  to  Edinburgh. 

Seventh  Month  2lst  Alexander  Cruikshank  called,  and  accompanied 

us  to  meeting;  I  felt  it  right  to  speak  on  the  words,  '  That  which  may 
be  known  of  God  is  manifest  in  them,'  distinguishing  between  a  mere 
outward  knowledge,  and  that  saving  knowledge  of  God  and  of  Christ, 
which  is  life  eternal.  Robert  Owen  and  one  of  his  companions  were 
there.  Afternoon  meeting  at  three;  just  before  the  close,  I  was  led  to 
offer  a  little  encouragement  to  those  who  could  say  with  the  Psalmist, 
<  All  my  springs  are  in  thee.' 

22nd. — Went  to  breakfast  with  Sir  Robert  and  Lady  Liston,  at  their 
beautiful  place  at  Milburn  ;  I  met  with  a  very  cordial  reception,  and 
we  had  much  conversation  about  the  poor  Greeks,  &c.  Sir  Robert 
says  that  they  were  the  aggressors  in  the  first  instance.  Started  at  half- 
past  two  for  Haddington. 

27th. — Reached  Stoke  Newington  to  breakfast ;  all  my  feelings  about 
the  propriety  of  taking  this  journey,  have  been  remarkably  confirmed. 
What  the  consequences  may  be  of  the  views  now  opening  must  be  left. 
It  seems  as  if  the  time  for  giving  up  the  public  lectures  might,  perhaps, 
be  come.    May  I  be  rightly  directed !" 

William  Allen  wrote  to  apprize  Robert  Owen  of  their  safe  arrival  at 
home,  and  soon  afterwards  addressed  to  him  the  following  letter : — 

"  I  yesterday  received  thy  reply  to  ray  letter  announcing  our  safe 
return  to  London;  that  reply  awakened  afresh  all  (he  sympathy  which 
I  have  ever  felt  for  the  benevolent  part  of  thy  character.  Sorry  indeed 
am  I  to  see,  that  our  principles  are  diametrically  opposite  ;  but  may  that 
Great  and  Holy  Being,  who  seeth  not  as»man  sees,  so  influence  thy 
heart,  before  the  shadows  of  the  evening  close  upon  thee,  that  it  may 
become  softened,  and  receive  those  impressions  which  He  alone  can 
give;  then  thou  wilt  perceive  that  there  is  indeed  something  infinitely 


40  LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  1822. 

beyond  human  reason,  and  which  human  reason  alone  can  never  com- 
prehend, though,  in  itself,  perfectly  reasonable.  At  present,  however, 
it  is  quite  plain  to  me  that  we  must  part. 

John  Walker  has  been  made  acquainted  with  all  the  details  of  our 
late  visit  to  Lanark,  and  he  most  cordially  enters  into  our  views;  he  is 
anxious  that  the  education  of  the  children  there  should,  without  loss  of 
time,  be  placed  upon  the  footing  contemplated  by  the  Articles  of  part- 
nership." 

"  Seventh  Month  2dth  Received  a  very  interesting  letter  from  John 

Venning  ;  he  says  that  ten  thousand  copies  of  the  Psalms  in  modern 
Russ  are  issued  every  month,  besides  Bibles  and  Testaments.  Thus 
the  Lord's  work  is  going  on  in  that  vast  empire. 

30th. — My  brother  Joseph  called,  and  gave  me  an  account  of  Thomas 
Shillitoe's  proceedings  in  Norway  ;  he  is  a  self-denying  and  diligent 
labourer  in  his  Master's  cause.  Went  to  Karslake  and  Crealock's,  to 
attend  the  committee  on  the  affairs  of  a  deceased  personage.  I  must 
press  things  forward,  in  order  to  get  this  tedious  business  wound  up. 
Returned  to  Newington  ;  met  our  neighbour  Letitia  Barbauld  at  the 
door,  and  persuaded  her  to  come  in  and  take  tea  with  us. 

31st  Meeting  ;  my  dear  Mary  spoke  sweetly  and  exactly  to  my  state, 

under  heaviness  through  temptations  and  infirmities. 

Eighth  Month  6th. — On  waking  this  morning,  the  necessity  of  more 
self-denial,  and  taking  up  the  cross  daily,  was  impressed  upon  my  mind, 
and  also  of  endeavouring  to  keep  nearer  to  that,  which  not  only  shows 
'^vhat  we  should  do,  but  what  we  should  refrain  from  doing :  by  this 
means,  we  should  be  enabled  more  fully  to  slay  our  minds  upon  God, 
and  avoid  anxious  thoughts  for  the  morrow.  Though  low,  and  feeling 
very  destitute  of  good,  I  thought  it  best  to  go  to  Devonshire  House 
Monthly  Meeting,  to  sit  by,  and  try  to  sympathize  with,  my  dear  brother 
Joseph,  who  has  a  religious  concern  to  visit  the  meetings  of  Warwick- 
shire, Leicestershire,  and  Rutland.  My  mind  became  somewhat  calmed 
and  comforted  ;  towards  the  close  of  the  first  meeting,  I  spoke  on  the 
subject  of  a  believer,  and  had  much  peace  and  relief;  the  meeting  for 
business  was  satisfactory.  I  felt,  as  I  thought,  a  precious  degree  of 
good  overshadowing  us,  so  that  I  was  glad  I  went. 

Qth. — Mary  read  to  me  my  own  notes  of  my  travels  in  Sweden.  Peter 
Bedford  called,  and  gave  me  a  very  interesting  account  of  his  late  jour- 
ney to  the  continent.  He  and  his  companions  went  about  one  hundred 
miles  out  of  their  way  to  visit  Fredericks-Oord,  and  were  much  satisfied. 

Eighth  Month  lAth. — Rose  a  little  after  five:  my  mind  calm  and 
comforted.  I  concluded  to  visit  Longford  Monthly  Meeting,  held  at 
Staines.  I  spoke  in  ministry  in  the  first  meeting,  and  afterwards  called 
on  several  families. 

\Sth  Rose  with  a  degree  of  sweetness  on  my  mind ;  my  soul,  on 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


41 


waking,  was  lifted  up  to  my  Saviour.  Meeting:  I  spoke  on  the  subject 
of  prayer,  and  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  seemed  to  go  with  the 
words.  In  the  afternoon  meeting,  I  showed  the  importance  of  simple 
dependence  on  the  Lord,  and  was  comforted  in  the  reward  of  peace. 
My  Divine  Master,  I  trust,  accepts  the  service  of  his  poor  deficient 
creature. 

2lsf. — My  mind  is,  within  this  day  or  two,  pretty  powerfully  impressed 
with  the  feeling  that  it  may  possibly  be  right  for  me  to  go  to  meet  the 
Emperor  of  Russia  at  Vienna. 

22nd. — I  went  to  attend  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Kingston,  held,  to- 
day, at  Croydon.  It  was  between  four  and  five  before  the  meeting 
closed.  I  had  much  inward  comfort  and  peace  in  having  dedicated  the 
day  to  my  dear  Master's  service. 

23rd. — I  went  up  to  Count  Lieven,  with  whom  I  had  a  long  conver- 
sation, and  imparted  to  him,  in  confidence,  the  impressions  which  had 
been  made  upon  my  mind,  that  it  might  possibly  be  my  duty  to  endea- 
vour to  meet  the  Emperor  of  Russia  at  Vienna,  or  somewhere  on  the 
road,  in  his  way  to  Congress;  and  I  queried  whether  the  Count  saw  any 
objection.  He  said,  that  on  the  contrary,  he  thought  it  might  be 
desirable,  seeing  how  well  the  Emperor  was  acquainted  with  me,  and 
the  very  great  influence  which  he  possessed.  It  is  agreed,  that,  if  I  think 
it  right  to  go,  I  shall  first  have  an  hour's  conference  with  Count  Lieven ; 
and,  at  all  events,  whether  I  go  or  not,  I  am  to  see  him  next  week. 
Called  afterwards  at  Earl  Bathurst's  office  ;  saw  Gordon,  his  secretary, 
and  requested  a  sight  of  the  despatches  from  Sierra  Leone,  about  the 
captured  slaves ;  he  promises  to  send  them  to  Plough  Court. 

Julien,  from  Paris,  called,  also  Jobert,  and  Traineau,  and  we  had  some 
interesting  conversation.  Went  to  John  Sanderson's,  to  meet  H.  Kil- 
ham's  committee.  The  great  impediment  to  her  going  to  Africa,  is  the 
want  of  a  suitable  person  to  accompany  her.  Called  as  usual  on  my 
dear  mother. 

Eighth  Month  2Wi. — My  mind  under  some  degree  of  precious 
feeling  ;  the  burden  of  Vienna  returns.  O  !  if  it  be  right  for  me  to  go, 
may  there  be  increasing  clearness  that  it  is  divinely  required  at  my 
hand  !  Settled  some  important  points  about  the  hospital  lectures  with 
Arthur  Aikin. 

2Qth. — I  told  my  dear  mother  of  my  feelings,  about  trying  to  meet 
the  Emperor  of  Russia,  at  Vienna  ;  she  bore  it  remarkably  well, 
encouraging  me  to  attend  to  the  pointings  of  duty. 

2'Bih. — Reflecting  upon  the  journey  to  the  continent,  and  earnestly 
breathing  for  best  direction  and  help,  it  seemed  to  be  renewedly  sealed 
on  my  mind  as  a  duty,  and  I  was  ready  to  conclude,  'Surely  this  is 
evidence  enough.' 

29^/i. — I  went  np  to  Downing  Street,  had  an  interview  with  Earl 


42 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


Bathurst,  and  informed  him  of  the  object  of  ray  journey.  He  is  to  intro- 
duce me  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  who  is  going  to  Congress.  I 
thought  it  was  best  to  inform  my  own  Government,  and  set  out  with  its 
goo*l  wishes.  It  w'as  very  kind  in  Earl  Bathurst  to  see  me  without  any 
previous  appointment, 

30th — Took  tea  at  John  Sanderson's,  where  there  was  a  committee 
on  H.  Kilham's  concern.  It  appears  that  she  is  quite  ready,  but  if  a 
suitable  person  to  accompany  her  does  not  offer  in  (he  course  of  a  month, 
the  whole  must  be  put  off  for  another  year." 

In  a  letter,  which  William  Allen  received  from  Sir  Charles  Macarthy, 
soon  after  his  return  from  Sierra  Leone,  he  says — 

"  I  found  our  good  friends,  the  liberated  Africans,  cuUivating  their 
soil,  and  clearing  their  farms,  with  zeal  and  industry.  I  distributed 
premiums  amongst  them,  visited  the  whole  of  the  towns  twice,  I  mean 
those  at  the  extremity  of  the  Peninsula,  and  others  frequently.  They 
appeared  flourishing.  The  children  have  made  some  progress  in  read- 
ing, and  upon  the  whole,  a  person  who  had  seen  the  settlers  a  few  years 
past,  or  had  visited  any  of  the  native  villages  upon  the  coast,  would 
return  thanks  to  God,  for  the  benevolence  of  our  country." 

Eighth  Month  2>\st. — I  made  some  beautiful  observations  this  evening 
with  my  astronomical  circle,  and  have  completely  succeeded,  by  Bailey's 
method  of  high  and  low  stars  near  together,  in  putting  it  into  the 
meridian  to  the  fraction  of  a  second,  so  that  now  I  may  be  always  sure 
of  my  observations. 

JVinth  Month  2nd. — Z.  Macaulay  called,  and  we  conversed  about  the 
Slave  Trade  ;  went  up  together  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  and  confer- 
red with  him  on  the  subject ;  he  seems  hardly  to  know  what  is  to  be 
done  about  it  at  the  Congress  ;  he  talked  of  a  registry,  but  I  said  that 
nothing,  in  my  opinion,  would  put  it  down,  but  making  it  piracy  by  the 
great  Powers  of  Europe.  I  obtained  his  permission  to  let  letters,  &c., 
be  sent  to  me  in  his  bag  from  London.  From  hence,  I  went  to  Down- 
ing-street,  saw  the  Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer,  and  requested  him  to 
ask  Earl  Bathurst  for  a  note  to  introduce  me  to  Prince  Melternich  at 
Vienna  ;  he  promises  to  speak  to  him.  I  saw,  also,  A.  Gordon,  Earl 
Bathurst's  private  secretary,  who  was  very  kind,  and  I  requested  him  to 
tell  the  Earl  that  if  he  felt  any  difficulty  about  giving  me  a  note  to  Prince 
Metternich,  I  would  not  press  it,  as  perhaps  the  introduction  to  the 
Duke  of  Wellington  would  be  sufficient  ;  he  promises  to  write  and  let 
me  know,  and  he  says  that  he  will  also  consult  the  Earl  about  what  may 
be  necessary  in  the  way  of  passports,  &c.  The  Duke  of  Wellington  told 
me  that  my  shortest  way  would  be  by  Brussels,  Frankfort,  Ratisbon, 
&,c.    Called  on  Baron  Fagel,  but  he  was  out. 

Went  to  Spicer-street,  Spitalfields,  to  the  school  examination  ;  the 
children  answered  admirably.    I  addressed  the  parents,  who  seemed 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN, 


43 


some  of  the  most  respectable  of  the  working  class  in  that  district,  and 
particuUirly  adverted  to  the  subject  of  observing  the  first-day  of  the  week, 
and  attending  a  place  of  worship  ;  it  was  satisfactory  to  myself. 

3rd. — Having  felt  it  best  to  write  a  short  letter  to  the  Emperor  of 
Russia,  to  inform  him  of  my  coming,  and  to  prepare  the  way  ;  I  drew 
up  the  following  this  morning  : — 

TO  ALEXANDER  THE  FIRST,  EMPEROR  OF  RUSSIA. 

"Permit  one  who  has  felt  deeply  and  affectionately  for  thy  present 
and  future  happiness,  to  recall  himself  to  thy  remembrance.  Since  the 
last  memorable  interview  which  Stephen  Grellet  and  I  had  with  thee  at 
Petersburg,  when  our  Heavenly  Father  was  pleased  to  comfort  us 
together  with  the  sweet  feeling  of  his  divine  presence  and  love,  often, 
very  often,  have  I  been  tenderly  drawn  to  visit  thee  in  spirit,  and,  as  I 
was  enabled,  to  raise  the  secret  prayer  for  thy  preservation  ;  but  for 
some  time  past,  it  has  been  impressed  upon  my  mind,  as  a  religious 
duty,  to  try  to  obtain  another  interview,  and  this  sense  of  duty  has  so 
increased,  that  I  cannot  feel  peace  in  mind,  without  giving  up  at  least 
to  make  the  effort.  If,  however,  any  insurmountable  obstacles  should 
occur  to  prevent  it,  I  trust  that  my  Great  Master  will  favour  me  with 
peace,  in  having  made  the  attempt. 

I  purpose  by  divine  permission,  to  be  at  Vienna  about  the  20th  or 
22nd  of  the  present  month  called  September,  our  style,  and  as  I  shall 
have  encountered  some  fatigue,  hazard,  and  expense  in  the  journey,  may 
I  beg  thee  to  admit  me  to  an  interview  as  soon  as  convenient  to  thee, 
after  my  arrival,  of  which  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  the  minister  from 
our  Government,  will  be  apprized. 

In  a  fresh  feeling,  as  I  humbly  trust,  of  the  flowings  of  Gospel  love 
towards  thee, 

I  remain, 

Respectfully  and  afTectionately  thine." 
'<  I  went  up  to  Count  Lieven,  with  whom  I  had  much  conversation? 
and  felt  it  righf  to  give  him  my  letter  to  read  ;  he  seemed  well  satisfied 
with  it,  and  I  then  sealed  it  in  his  presence  and  gave  it  to  him  ;  it  was 
directed,  according  to  the  Emperor's  wish,  'a  sa  propre  main,'  and  the 
Count  promised  to  send  it  by  the  very  first  opportunity.  We  parted 
under  afTectionate  feelings,  he  requesting  me  to  call  upon  him  as  soon 
as  possible  after  my  return.  Hence,  I  went  to  Chandos  House,  to  Nie- 
mann, the  Austrian  Ambassador,  who  received  me  very  kindly,  and 
put  me  into  the  best  way  of  getting  a  passport,  directing  what  sort  it 
should  be  ;  he  said  he  would  not  only  sign  it  himself,  but  send  it  to  the 
Prussian  Minister,  &c.  I  then  went  to  Downing-street,  and  called  upon 
ray  friend  Gordon  ;  he  had  spoken  to  Earl  Bathurst,  who  had  ordered 
for  me  precisely  the  one  in  question  ;  he  went  to  the  Foreign  Office  while 
I  was  waiting,  but  finding  that  he  could  not  get  it  for  an  hour,  he  pro- 


44 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


raised  to  send  it,  and  did  so  accordingly.  In  the  course  of  my  ride 
this  morning,  I  was  mercifully  favoured  with  the  renewed  evidence, 
that  this  undertaking  is  riglit,  and  my  mind  was  humbled. 

JYinth  Month 'ilh. — Meeting,  and  Monthly  Meeting  also.  My  mind 
was  low,  but  was  secretly  sustained  ;  and  in  reference  to  going  forth 
in  my  journey,  with  so  little  outward  support,  I  seemed  to  have  a  pre- 
cious degree  of  evidence  that  the  act  of  faith  was  accepted,  and  these 
words,  addressed  by  the  Almighty  to  Abram,  were  presented  to  my 
mind,  with  such  sweetness,  that  my  spirit  was  contrited,  and  my  eyes 
were  filled  with  tears — '  Fear  not,  I  am  thy  shield,  and  thy  exceeding 
great  reward.'  The  reply  of  our  dear  Redeemer  to  the  apostles,  when 
they  said,  <  Lo,  we  have  left  all,  and  followed  thee,'  was  also  brought  to 
my  remembrance.  <  Verily,  I  say  unto  you,  there  is  no  man  that  hath 
left  home,  or  brethren,  or  sisters,  or  father,  or  mother,  or  wife,  or  children, 
or  lands,  for  my  sake  and  the  gospel's,  but  he  shall  receive  an  hundred 
fold  now  in  this  time,  and  in  the  world  to  come  eternal  life.'  It  seemed 
as  though  this  were  given  me  for  my  own  encouragement  only. 

In  the  second  meeting,  I  was  under  considerable  exercise  of  mind, 
for  I  had  concluded  not  to  lay  the  subject  of  my  journey  before  Friends, 
as  a  religious  concern,  to  be  considered,  according  to  our  rules,  by  the 
Monthly  Meeting  of  men  and  women  Friends  united,  but  merely  to  ask 
for  a  certificate  of  membership,  and  my  station  as  a  minister.  I,  how- 
ever, became  uneasy  with  this  determination,  and  hinted  to  Josiah 
Forster,  who  sat  next  to  me,  that  I  wished  to  speak  to  him  ;  we  accord- 
ingly went  out  together,  and  I  told  him,  that  it  seemed  best  for  me  simply 
to  lay  before  Friends,  the  state  of  my  mind  in  reference  to  this  subject. 
He  encouraged  me  to  do  so,  and  afier  returning  to  the  meeting,  and 
explaining  my  views,  a  joint  conference  of  men  and  women  Friends 
was  held  ;  after  a  pause,  in  which  I  felt  a  little  sense  of  divine  love,  I 
told  Friends,  that  it  had  appeared  right  for  me  to  pay  a  visit  to  the 
continent,  for  objects  not  necessarily  connected  with  my  station  as  a 
minister,  and  therefore,  at  one  time,  I  had  only  thought  of  asking  for  a 
common  certificate  of  memjjership,  but  as  I  believed  it  would  also  be 
right  for  me  to  seek  out  and  visit  pious  persons  on  my  return  from  Vienna, 
I  wished  to  lay  the  concern  before  them,  and  more  especially,  as  during 
my  late  journey,  I  had  some  prospect  of  this  service,  but  was  prevented 
from  accomplishing  it,  by  my  illness  in  Greece.  I  said  that  I  did  not 
wish  to  stamp  things  high,  but  should  feel  relieved,  if  I  were  left  at 
liberty,  should  way  open,  to  visit  the  brethren  in  those  parts;  after  some 
time,  several  Friends  spoke  encouragingly.  I  had  been  exceedingly 
low  before,  but  this  unity  of  the  brethren  and  sisters,  and,  above  all, 
the  sweet  feeling  of  our  divine  Master's  presence,  revived  me.  It  was 
concluded  to  appoint  a  committee,  to  draw  up  two  certificates,  one  for 
me  to  take  with  me,  the  other  to  be  forwarded  for  the  approbation  of 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


45 


the  Quarterly  and  Morning  Meetings,  and  if  approved,  it  is  to  be  sent 
after  me. 

Peter  Bedford  was  kindly  employed  in  taking  my  passport  to  the 
Austrian,  Prussian,  French,  and  Dutch  Ambassadors,  to  be  vise'd,  and 
brought  it  quite  finished.  He,  and  Josiah  Forster,  dined  with  us.  I 
was  engaged  in  preparing  for  the  journey — writing  letters,  &.C.,  to  my 
dear  sister,  and  beloved  children,  at  Eastbourne. 

A''inth  Monih  bth. — My  mind  low  and  humbled,  but  still  a  belief 
prevails,  that  it  is  ray  duty  to  leave  all  my  outward  comforts,  and  un- 
dertake this  journey  ira  thefaitli. — To  town  between  nine  and  ten.  W. 
Wilberforce  called,  and  I  took  him  up  to  Z.  Macaulaj's,  where  we  met 
James  Stephen,  Sen.,  and  had  much  conversation  on  the  subject  of  the 
Slave  Trade,  which  we  all  agree,  ought  to  be  made  piracy  by  the 
Great  Powers,  and  if  it  cannot  be  done  by  all,  then  to  entreat  each 
power,  separately,  to  do  it  for  itself,  &c.  Dined  with  W.  Wilberforce, 
at  Z.  Macaulay's,  and  left  them  under  very  precious  feelings.  I  con- 
clude to  sleep  in  town  to-night,  as  my  nephew,  D.  B.  Hanbury,  and  I, 
are  to  start  early  to-morrow  morning.  Robert  Forster  called,  and 
brought  me  a  list  of  pious  persons,  known  to  Stephen  Grellet,  and  whom 
he  visited.  Peter  Bedford  supped  with  us,  and  we  had  a  sweet  time  of 
religious  retirement  before  we  parted. 

In  a  letter  received  from  my  dear  children  this  morning,  is  the  fol- 
lowing paragraph  from  Cornelius,  which,  from  the  coincidence  of  feel- 
ing it  exhibits,  is  remarkable;  that  very  text  respecting  Abram,  which 
was  immediately  applied  to  ray  mind,  was  given  to  him  to  apply  also 
instrumentally." 

"Thou  wast  brought  very  sweetly  near  to  me  in  spirit  this  morning, 
whilst  we  were  holding  our  religious  meeting,  and  I  felt  almost  as 
though  I  could  have  embraced  thee  in  the  love  of  the  everlasting  Gos- 
pel, and  bid  thee,  most  affectionately,  farewell  in  the  Lord.  My  mind 
was  humbled  in  gratitude  for  this  precious  feeling,  and  the  fresh  belief 
was  granted,  that  our  gracious  Lord  and  Master  was  not  only  very  near 
to  thee  now,  but  that  he  would  also  be  mercifully  pleased  to  be  near 
thee  in  the  arduous  service  now  before  thee,  and  cover  thy  head  in  the 
day  of  battle ;  and  this  language  seemed  sweetly  to  revive  in  my 
remembrance,  '  Fear  not,  I  am  thy  shield,  and  thy  exceeding  great 
reward.'  " 

'<  How  can  I  be  sufficiently  thankful  for  such  children  as  I  am  blessed 
with." 


46 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

1822. — Journey  to  Vienna — Exertions  on  behalf  of  the  poor  Greeks — Interviews  with  the 
Emperor  of  Russin,  and  other  distinguished  persons — Proceeds  to  Verona,  and  endea- 
vours to  promote  the  Abolition  of  Slavery,  &.c. 

JVinth  Month  6th,  1822. — My  mind,  though  under  the  heavy  burden 
of  the  concern  before  me,  was  sweetly  supported  by  best  help.  Peter 
Bedford,  J.  T.  Barry,  and  Robert  Forster  came  to  see  us  off.  We 
went  to  the  Custom  House  quay,  where  Daniel  and  I  embarked  on 
board  the  Talbot  steam  packet  for  Calais,  taking  an  affectionate  leave 
of  our  beloved  friends.  I  felt  low,  but  calm  and  resigned,  and  com- 
forted with  a  feeling  of  divine  love.  We  proceeded  rapidly  down  the 
river,  but  the  tide  was  not  in  our  favour,  and  the  last  few  miles  were 
very  tedious. — We  had  a  long  way  to  walk  after  landing,  before  we 
reached  the  pier  at  Calais,  and  were  much  fatigued  when  we  arrived  at 
Meurice's  hotel ;  but  ray  mind  has  been  turned  to  the  Lord  throughout 
the  day,  and  I  have  been  favoured  with  much  tranquillity. 

1th  Rose  about  six:  I  have  a  humble  hope,  yea  covfidence,  that  I 

am  in  the  way  of  ray  duty.  I  went  to  Quilliac's  to  see  after  the  car- 
riage brought  here  by  Josiah  Forster  and  Peter  Bedford  ;  it  was  not 
sold,  and  I  think  it  will  do  for  us,  with  some  alterations,  which  I 
ordered.  We  started  from  Calais  about  half-past  two.  The  country  is 
flat,  and  reminds  me  of  Holland;  we  see  great  quantities  of  tobacco 
hung  up  to  dry  against  the  outsides  of  the  cottages." 

Proceeding  through  Belgium,  the  travellers  arrived  at  Brussels  on 
the  9th,  and  put  up  at  the  Belle  Vue  Hotel.  William  Allen  mentions 
meeting  with  James  Biggs,  an  Englishman,  who  had  been  active  in 
establishing  a  boys'  school,  on  the  British  system,  and  says — 

«'  The  school  is  in  a  flourishing  state,  the  master  was  trained  at  the 
Borough  Road,  and  is  a  zealous  man  and  well  qualified.  We  dined  at 
the  table  d'hote,  where  I  had  much  interesting  conversation  with  a 
young  Englishman,  who  seemed  very  intelligent.  I  urged  him  to 
unite  some  useful  objects  with  those  of  pleasure,  and  he  received  what 
I  said  very  well.  Called  upon  a  pious  friend  of  J.  Biggs's,  and  had 
some  agreeable  conversation ;  also  upon  a  bookseller,  who  has  been  a 
Jew,  but  is  converted  to  Christianity. 

Mnfh  Month  lO?/;.— My  mind  was  a  little  comforted  and  supported 
on  waking  in  the  night, — anxiety  diminished.  0,  how  sweet  to  trust 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  stay  upon  our  God!    A  person  from 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


47 


Ostend  called  about  schools  ;  he  is  sent  by  the  government,  or  at  least, 
by  the  municipal  authorities,  to  obtain  information.  I  had  much  con- 
versation with  him  on  benevolent  subjects,  and  also  on  religion,  which, 
though  a  Roman  Catholic,  he  received  well ;  I  advise  him  to  send  a 
young  man  to  the  Borough  Road  to  be  instructed.  Louis  Merfens,  a 
pious  person  with  whom  Stephen  Grellet  was  acquainted,  called;  I 
found  him  an  extremely  interesting  man,  and  we  had  much  conversa- 
tion, principally  on  religious  subjects.  I  urged  him  to  endeavour  to 
establish  a  school  for  poor  girls,  and  to  organize  a  ladies'  committee, 
which  he  seemed  disposed  to  do.  I  gave  him  some  tracts,  and  also 
the  Scripture  Lessons  for  the  schools  here  ;  there  will  be  great  difficulty 
in  introducing  them,  for,  on  one  hand,  the  priests  are  enemies  to  the 
diffusion  of  divine  light  and  knowledge,  and,  on  the  other,  the  deists 
hate  and  despise  divine  revelation  ;  but  it  is  a  work  of  the  ever  blessed 
Redeemer;  he  is  omnipotent,  and  we  must  leave  all  to  him. 

L.  J.  Mertens  is  a  man  of  considerable  property ;  he  is  very  earnest 
for  me  to  endeavour  to  find  some  pious  suitable  person  who  would  set 
up  a  boarding-school  here.  He  says  there  is  room  for  several  such 
establishments,  and  that,  if  they  were  superintended  by  persons  of  good 
principles,  the  consequence  in  forming  the  minds  of  the  next  generation, 
would  be  incalculably  great.  He  is  a  distributor  of  Bibles  and  Tracts. 
Charlier,  the  pastor,  came  in,  also  J.  Biggs ;  Mertens  was  earnest  with 
me  to  dine  with  him,  but  I  settled  to  go  in  the  evening,  and  did  so. 
He  has  an  amiable  wife  and  eight  children,  who  seem  to  be  'well 
brought  up.  The  evening  was  spent  in  conversation,  but  my  mind 
was  clothed  with  a  precious  feeling  of  the  Master's  love,  and  what 
passed  was  not  common  conversation,  but  pointed  towards  the  one 
great  object  which  brought  me  out.  What  was  said  seemed  to  find  a 
ready  entrance  to  all  hearts.  I  was  led  to  dwell  much  on  the  benefit 
and  strength  of  religious  retirement  in  families,  and  of  sitting  in  silence, 
and  we  parted  in,  I  think  I  may  say,  the  love  of  the  Gospel.  On  re- 
turning to  the  inn  I  felt  much  peace  in  this  day's  work. 

JSlnth  Month  llth. — Rose  about  half-past  five  ;  my  mind  calm,  with 
a  humble  trust  that  I  am  in  my  right  allotment.  We  left  Brussels  about 
nine  o'clock.  Saw  a  good  deal  of  hemp  to-day,  put  up  in  shocks  like 
wheat.    Lodged  at  Orey,  a  small  village. 

12th. — Anxious  on  waking,  not  knowing  how  we  should  overcome 
the  difficulty  about  the  language,  &c.,  but  hope  sprang  up,  and  I  became 
comforted  ;  I  try  to  keep  my  mind  stayed  upon  the  Lord,  who  is  all- 
powerful.  We  breakfasted  at  Lifege,  and  after  passing  Battice,  a  charm- 
ing view  opens  on  our  left ;  it  is  a  fine  country  from  thence  to  Aix  la 
Chapelle,  which  city  is  in  the  Prussian  territory.  We  lodged  at  Juliers, 
and  the  following  night  at  Remagen.  Soon  after  leaving  this  place,  we 
have  a  capital  road  by  vineyards  and  gardens ;  the  Rhine  is  close  on 


48 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


our  left,  and  the  views  are  beautiful.  If  the  mind  were  quite  at  ease 
to  enjoy  them,  they  would  indeed  afford  pleasure.  We  had  a  charming 
ride  this  morning,  and  reached  Neuwied  a  little  after  eleven  ;  only 
German  is  spoken  here,  so  that  I  am  driven  to  my  resources,  but  I  get 
on  very  well.  I  inquired  after  John  Phillip  Wiltz,  a  pious  character, 
whom  Stephen  Grellet  found  out,  and  with  whom  Robert  Forster  has 
corresponded,  at  S.  G.'s  request.  He  is  in  very  infirm  health,  in  con- 
sequence of  an  accident  which  he  met  with  by  fiilling  down  a  precipice, 
when  taking  something  to  a  poor  sick  person  late  at  night,  but  he  has  a 
precious  mind.  I  find  that  the  pious  people  here  form  part  of  a  regular 
society,  called  the  '  Inspirees,'  and  sometimes  Quakers  ;  that  the  society 
has  existed  more  than  one  hundred  years,  and  that  its  members  have 
printed  rules.  They  were  first  refugees  from  France,  Alsace  and  the 
Palatinate,  and  they  now  correspond  with  similar  societies,  in  different 
parts  of  Germany.  J.  P.  Wiltz  says  that  they  have  been  visited  several 
times  by  Friends  ;  that  Claude  Gay  was  here  about  thirty  years  ago, 
also  L.  Seebohm,  from  Pyrmont,  and,  about  eight  years  since,  Stephen 
Grellet  visited  them.  Robert  Forster  sent  Wiltz  a  large  box  of  books, 
which  he  has  distributed  widely  and  with  good  effect ;  some  were  pre- 
sented to  the  Prince  and  Princess  of  Neuwied,  and  he  has  forwarded  a 
number  of  them  to  Bergzabern,  a  place  not  far  from  Strasburg,  where 
there  is  a  great  awakening,  and  they  have  been  exceedingly  well  re- 
ceived every  where.  The  district  in  which  Bergzabern  is  situated,  is 
to  the  north  of  Strasburg,  on  the  western  side  of  the  Rhine,  and  is  in 
the  dominions  of  the  King  of  Bavaria.  A  young  woman,  who  preaches 
occasionally,  and  whose  name  is  Barbara  Heyneman,  resides  there;  she 
has  suffered  much  persecution  from  the  priests,  but  the  King  of  Bavaria 
has  put  a  stop  to  it. 

The  Inspirees, — though  they  think  they  are  one  with  us  in  principle 
— are  only  so  in  part.  They  agree  with  us  in  believing  in  the  imme- 
diate influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  in  the  unlawfulness  of  war  and 
oaths, — that  baptism  with  water  forms  no  part  of  the  christian  dispensa- 
tion, and  that  the  ceremony  of  taking  bread  and  wine,  called  the  sacra- 
ment, w^as  not  instituted  as  an  ordinance.  But  they  differ  from  us  in 
their  worship,  as  they  have  singing  and  stated  prayer.  They  meet  every 
evening  in  the  week  for  prayer,  as  well  as  twice  on  the  first-day.  They 
think  it  is  not  permitted  to  go  to  law  at  all,  but  that  they  ought  to  suffer 
patiently  all  manner  of  injuries. 

JVinthMonth  15th  I  concluded  to  attend  the  worship  of  the  Inspirees 

this  morning  ;  and  Guillaume  Noe,  a  nice  young  man,  who  speaks 
French,  and  who  has  been  kindly  useful  to  us,  came  to  show  me  the 
way.  The  meeting  was  held  in  the  house  of  one  of  the  community  ;  the 
women  sit  on  one  side,  and  the  men  on  the  other.  There  were  about 
thirty  present,  and  my  mind  was  brought  into  tenderness  in  sitting  with 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


49 


them — believing,  from  their  countenances,  and  my  own  feelings,  that 
they  had  known  something  of  the  renovating  power  of  truth.  We  after- 
wards went  to  call  upon  the  father  of  our  guide,  an  elderly  man,  and 
one  of  their  principal  persons  ;  he  is  confined  to  the  house,  and  is  never 
likely  to  be  out  again.  I  sat  a  few  minutes  by  him  in  silence,  with  ray 
mind  retired,  and,  before  parting,  addressed  a  few  words  to  him  in 
German,  which  occurred  to  me  at  the  time,  and  which  he  seemed  to 
feel  much,  and  took  an  affectionate  leave  of  me.  I  then  walked  by 
myself  on  the  banks  of  the  Rhine.  My  soul  was  poured  out  in  secret 
prayer  to  the  Lord,  that  He  would  graciously  support  and  direct  his 
poor  solitary  one,  who  had  left  all  in  faith  ;  and  He  was  pleased  to  con- 
trite my  heart  under  a  sense  of  his  sweet  presence  and  love. 

J.  P.  Wiltz  said,  that  if  I  did  not  visit  the  Prince  of  Neuwied,  I  should 
ever  after  regret  it.  I  therefore  determined  to  make  the  attempt  this 
afternoon  ;  I  took  Daniel  with  me,  and  though  I  had  no  letter  of  intro- 
duction, we  were  pretty  soon  admitted.  The  Prince  was  very  affable, 
also  his  mother  and  sister,  who  live  with  him  ;  his  wife  is  suffering  from 
mental  aberration.  I  endeavoured  to  make  the  most  of  the  little  time  I  had, 
and  explained  to  him  that  the  religious  people  of  Neuwied,  though  they 
called  themselves  Quakers,  differed  essentially  from  us,  in  several 
respects.  I  however  told  him,  that  they  resembled  us  in  others,  and 
gave  him  Benezet's  Observations,  J.  Woolman,  Brief  Remarks  and 
Thoughts,  and  H.  Tuke's  Principles,  all  in  German,  except  the  first ; 
I  also  gave  him  a  copy  of  the  Scripture  Lessons.  We  conversed  about 
schools,  prisons,  the  poor,  &c.,  and  I  believe  he  was  pleased  with  the 
visit,  as  well  as  gratified  with  the  present  of  books.  We  parted  very 
cordially.  On  my  return,  I  went  to  our  friend  W^iltz,  and  spent  a  con- 
siderable time  with  him.  He  wishes  for  another  supply  of  Friends' 
books,  and  particularly  for  fifty  copies  of  W.  Penn's  Fruits  of  Solitude, 
in  German  ;  he  informed  me  that  the  King  of  Prussia  has  ordered  the 
New  Testament  to  be  read  in  all  schools,  and  that  he  has  given  leave 
to  have  school  books  printed  for  the  use  of  persons  of  their  communion, 
a  thing  unheard  of  before. 

I  find  from  Wiltz,  that  the  Inspirees,  and  the  French  Prophets,  of 
the  Cevennes,  have  one  common  origin.  There  were  four  Frenchmen 
by  birth,  refugees  in  England,  who  resided  in  London,  about  the  year 
1700.  They  went  to  Constantinople,  under  an  impression  of  religious 
duty  :  Charles  Portalis  died  at  Leghorn,  on  his  way  back,  but  the  other 
three,  viz. :  Jean  Alluet,  Elie  Marion,  and  Nicolas  Facio,  returned  to 
London,  and  published  a  book,  containing  somewhat  of  their  history  ; 
it  is  signed  with  their  three  names,  and  Wiltz  gave  me  a  copy,  in  French 
and  German.  He  gave  me  further  information,  respecting  pious  persons 
in  different  places,  and  I  find  that  they  have  regular  annual  assemblies 
for  conference,  attended  by  deputies  from  distant  parts  ;  this  meeting 

Vol.  n.  4 


50 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


circulates,  and  is  to  be  held  at  Neuwied,  in  about  a  fortnight.  Before 
we  parted,  we  had  a  religious  meeting  with  Wiltz,  his  wife,  and  some  of 
his  children,  and  two  young  women  ;  there  was  a  solemn  comfortable 
feeling  during  the  silence  ;  I  had  something  to  communicate,  which  I 
delivered  in  French,  and  never  got  on  so  well  in  this  way  before  :  J.  P. 
Wiltz  interpreted  into  German.  It  was  a  confirming  time,  and  we  took 
leave  under  a  degree  of  the  precious  feeling  of  gospel  love. 

I  find  that  the  poor,  at  Neuwied,  are  suffering  very  much,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  ruin  of  their  manufactories.  I  mentioned  to  Wiltz  our 
plan  for  colonies  at  home ;  he  says,  that  it  is  admirably  adapted  for  this 
country,  where  a  vast  quantity  of  land  remains  uncultivated. 

JVinth  Month  16th. — Left  Neuwied  about  seven  o'clock  ;  the  scenery  of 
this  place  is  delightful.  Daniel  read  to  me  in  the  Testament,  and  my  mind 
was  contrited,  at  the  words  in  the  fifth  chapter  of  Luke,  addressed  by  our 
blessed  Lord  to  Levi,  as  he  sat  at  the  receipt  of  custom — 'Follow me' — 
only  two  words,  but  so  effectual,  that  he  immediately  arose — « left  all,' 
and  followed  Christ.  0,  that  I  may  do  so  too !  I  had  a  precious  feeling  of 
divine  love,  as  I  rode  along — this  serves  to  keep  me  up  under  my  numerous 
discouragements.  The  Rhine  was  close  on  our  left,  vine-covered  hills 
on  the  right,  and  a  fine  prospect  before  us.  As  we  advanced,  a  beautiful 
expanse  of  water  was  terminated  by  a  bridge  of  boats,  connecting 
Coblentz  and  Ehrenbreitstein.  At  the  latter  place,  very  extensive 
fortifications  are  carrying  on,  and  many  men  are  employed.  There  is  a 
strong  castle  at  the  lop  of  the  rocks.  We  have  had  some  truly  grand 
views  this  morning,  particularly  on  approaching  Montabaure.  We  lodged 
at  Koenigstein,  and  reached  Frankfort  the  following  day  ;  soon  after  our 
arrival,  I  went  to  the  post-oflSce,  and  found  a  letter  from  Samuel  See- 
bohm,  in  reply  to  an  inquiry,  whether  he  could  meet  me  here,  stating, 
that  he  was  sorry  he  could  not  join  me.  This  was  a  little  discouraging,  as 
it  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  get  on  without  an  interpreter,  but  looking  to 
my  great  Master,  it  was  presented  to  my  mind,  that  I  had  been  led 
to  undertake  this  journey,  under  feelings  which  had  never  yet  deceived 
me,  and  I  became  calm  and  comforted.  I  also  found  here  a  letter 
from  my  precious  child,  and  a  few  kind  and  feeling  lines  from  dear 
J.  T.  Barry :  all  well  at  home  to  the  10th  ;  this  is  so  far  relieving. 

I  found  out  C.  S.  Lix,  the  Moravian,  recommended  by  W^iltz,  and 
at  his  house,  I  met  with  J.  D.  Marc,  a  converted  Jew,  the  missionary 
from  the  Jews'  Society  ;  he  seems  an  agreeable  man,  and  has  an  excel- 
lent wife,  born  in  Spitalfields.  P.  Bedford  knows  the  family  ;  they  are 
now  residing  here,  but  expect  soon  to  be  removed  to  Dusseldorf.  I 
had  some  talk  about  a  servant,  who  could  act  as  interpreter.  Marc 
recommended  a  converted  Jew,  whom  he  knew  to  be  a  very  honest 
man,  and  who  could  speak  English.  I  saw  the  person,  and  must  think 
about  it.    I  went  to  see  Frederick  Meyer,  the  senator,  and  had  a  good 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


51 


deal  of  interesting  conversation  with  him.  I  find,  that  they  have  excel- 
lent institutions  here,  but  that  it  would  take  several  days  to  see  them. 
He  says,  a  society  of  ladies  has  been  very  useful  amongst  the  poor,  and 
that  there  is  a  new  prison  building.  I  gave  him  our  prison  rules  and 
questions.  On  parting  with  him,  I  again  went  to  Lix's,  and  on  con- 
versing farther  with  J.  D.  Marc,  about  the  servant,  finally  agreed  to  take 
him, — his  name  is  Balthaser  Narolsky.  Both  Marc  and  Lix  introduced 
me  to  their  families.  I  had  some  religious  communication  with  them 
under  a  comfortable  feeling.  Lix  offered  me  the  use  of  the  Moravian 
meeting-house,  if  I  wished  to  have  a  meeting,  but  it  did  not  seem  laid 
on  me  at  present.  I  parted  affectionately  with  these  dear  people,  and 
felt  my  mind  strengthened  and  comforted. 

Jfinth  Month  I8th. — Marc  called.  I  find  that  Professor  Leander  Van 
Ess  is  now  established  at  Darmstadt.  The  Catholics  are  eager  for  Bibles, 
and  there  is  a  great  stir  among  them  ;  they  come  to  Frankfort  from  a 
distance  to  purchase  them.  I  gave  Marc  a  copy  of  the  French  Scripture 
Lessons,  besides  other  pamphlets.  He  wants  more  of  Tuke's  Principles 
in  German,  and  would  be  glad  of  Tracts,  We  left  Frankfort  in  the 
afternoon,  with  Narolsky. 

19th. — My  mind  calm  and  comfortable,  though  I  go  on  in  simple 
faith,  seeing  nothing  but  that  it  is  my  duty  to  proceed.  We  entered 
the  Bavarian  territory  to-day.  I  think  my  plan  for  colonies  at  home 
would  answer  admirably  for  this  country,  as  well  as  for  Russia  and 
Prussia. 

21st. — On  arriving  at  Nuremberg,  I  went  to  inquire  after  several 
persons  whom  Stephen  Grellet  visited  when  here  ;  one  of  them  is 
deceased,  and  some  were  absent.  Neumann  was  of  this  number,  but 
his  wife  received  me  in  a  very  becoming  manner,  as  a  christian  friend, 
and  as  one  who  claimed  kindred  with  all  those  who  love  the  Saviour. 
I  felt  her  spirit  near  to  me,  as  a  sister  in  the  truth,  and  gave  her  one  of 
my  Brief  Remarks  in  German.  This  kind  friend  sent  her  grandchild 
to  show  me  the  way  to  one  of  their  pastors,  who  seems  to  be  a  superior 
man;  he  gave  me  some  information  about  the  Bible  cause,  &c.  I  after- 
wards met  with  another  interesting  character,  who  was  very  kind,  and 
I  regretted  that  I  could  not  stay  a  day  or  two  at  this  place." 

After  passing  through  Ratisbon,  where  they  made  but  a  short  stay, 
he  continues — 

<«23rrf. — I  had  been  very  low  in  the  night,  respecting  my  journey;  but 
during  the  day,  my  Divine  Master  granted  me  his  support,  and  sweetly 
calmed  me,  so  that  my  mind  was  stayed  on  Him,  and  my  faith 
strengthened  in  the  renewed  evidence,  that  he  had  indeed  sent  me  on 
this  errand,  and  would  support  me  through  it. 

Soon  after  our  arrival  at  Pfetter,  Narolsky  informed  me,  that  a  gentle- 
man in  the  inn,  with  signs  of  an  order  at  his  breast,  told  him,  that  he 


52 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


should  be  very  glad  if  he  could  speak  a  word  or  two  to  me.  I  imme- 
diately went  down  stairs,  and  was  accosted  in  a  very  kind  and  respect- 
ful manner  by  Le  Chevalier  dePrentner,  of  Straubing,  who  formerly  held 
an  official  situation  at  Munich.  He  is  particularly  interested  about 
prisons — says  that  much  is  doing  to  ameliorate  the  condition  of  them, 
and  that  they  are  building  one  at  Munich.  He  wishes  me,  when  I  come 
there,  to  see  Le  Comte  de  Reigersberg,  Minister  de  Justice,  a  Munich. 
He  says,  that  it  has  been  very  painful  to  him,  when  he  has  had  to  pro- 
nounce sentence  of  death,  and  wished  to  know,  whether  I  thought  it 
absolutely  necessary.  I  soon  gave  him  my  sentiments,  also,  one  of  our 
Prison  Discipline  Reports,  the  Prison  Questions,  and  Rules  for  Prisons; 
I  likewise  gave  him  Friends'  Address  on  the  Slave  Trade.  I  was  much 
pleased  with  him,  and  with  this  opportunity. 

Ninth  Month  2^th. — My  mind  was  comforted  and  refreshed,  as  I  rode 
along.  I  have  been  favoured  with  a  little  sweet  feeling  of  my  heavenly 
Master's  love,  and  trust  that  some  congenial  spirits,  at  our  Quarterly 
Meeting,  are  sympathizing  with  me. 

We  have  passed  the  last  douane,  in  Bavaria,  to-day,  and  have  entered 
the  dark  country  of  Austria." 

On  arriving  at  Scharding,  the  first  town  in  the  Austrian  dominions,  all 
William  Allen's  books  and  pamphlets  were  taken,  and  secured  in  one 
parcel,  which  was  to  be  presented  to  the  censor,  at  Vienna,  and  receive 
his  sanction  before  any  use  could  be  made  of  them.  The  parcel  was 
sealed  with  a  leaden  seal,  and  a  deposit  was  required,  amounting  to 
nearly  four  Napoleons;  this  was  to  be  returned,  on  the  money  being 
demanded  at  Vienna. 

Proceeding  by  Lintz,  on  the  road  towards  Vienna,  he  writes,  after 
passing  Molk — 

'<  This  stage  I  spent  almost  wholly  in  silence,  meditating  upon  the 
concern  which  brought  me  from  home,  but  still,  the  fixed  and  settled 
feeling  remains,  that  I  am  in  the  way  of  my  duty,  and  that  I  must  go  on  in 
the  faith.  I  was  humbled,  in  best  help  and  support  being  thus  granted, 
even  in  the  needful  time. 

We  are  now  in  a  very  open  country,  but  here  and  there  are  small 
enclosed  patches,  full  of  saffron,  in  blossom.  The  roofs  of  the  houses 
are  universally  covered  with  little  squares  of  wood  resembling  tiles ;  the 
walls  are  brick  and  plastered,  and  are  of  considerable  thickness,  and 
there  is  iron  grating  before  the  windows.  We  meet  with  a  remarkable 
breed  of  hogs,  with  curly  hair,  somewhat  like  sheep. 

Ninth  Month  21th. — We  started  from  Burkersdorf,  a  little  after  six, 
and  reached  Vienna  between  seven  and  eight  o'clock.  The  two  first 
inns  we  drove  to  were  full,  I  then  came  to  the  City  of  London 
Hotel,  and  here  we  are  well  accommodated.  The  master,  Alexander 
Schwabe,  speaks  English,  and  was  six  years  with  T.  W.  Smith ;  he  is 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


53 


much  attached  to  W.  F.  Reynolds — this  appears  like  something  provi- 
dential. Lord  Strangford  lodges  in  the  same  house,  and  seemed  quite 
glad  to  see  me.  After  breakfast,  I  copied  my  letter  to  the  Emperor  of 
Russia,  and  wrote  a  note  enclosing  it  to  Baron  Wylie.  The  Emperor 
is  at  the  palace,  I  drove  there  and  met  with  Baron  Wylie,  who  was 
rejoiced  to  see  me ;  he  opened  my  note,  and  sent  the  enclosure  to  the 
Emperor,  who  was  in  the  house  but  was  engaged.  In  descending  the 
great  staircase,  where  the  soldiers  were  keeping  sentry  with  fixed  bayo- 
nets, I  saw  a  tall  genteel  person,  in  military  uniform,  covered  with  gold 
lace,  come  out  of  a  passage,  which  communicated  with  the  Emperor's 
apartments ;  the  guards  presented  arms,  and  there  was  I  with  my  hat 
on;  he  was  lower  down  than  I,  and  I  hung  back  to  give  him  time  to  go 
forward,  but  he  halted,  and  looking  back  with  a  smiling  countenance, 
said,  <  Are  you  not  an  Englishman  ?'  I  said  I  was,  and  gave  him  my 
card.  '  0,'  said  he,  '  you  have  been  to  see  me  in  London.'  By  this  I 
found  it  was  Prince  Esterhazy  :  he  asked  me,  why  I  had  not  been  to  see 
him :  I  told  him  I  was  but  just  arrived,  and  he  then  wished  me  to  call 
upon  him,  at  his  father's,  to-morrow,  which,  though  it  was  first-day,  I 
thought  it  right  to  engage  to  do.  I  returned  to  the  hotel,  and  shortly 
afterwards,  Baron  Wylie  sent  for  me,  to  say,  that  the  Emperor  would 
see  me  this  evening,  at  eight  o'clock,  and  that  he  seemed  quite  pleased 
with  my  arrival.  When  I  went,  at  eight  o'clock,  however,  Prince  Metter- 
nich  was  with  him,  and  about  half-past  ten,  he  sent  to  express  his  regret 
that  it  should  have  happened  so,  and  to  request  me  to  come  at  eight 
o'clock,  to-morrow  evening.  I  returned  to  the  inn  ;  my  mind  peaceful 
and  calm,  with  the  full  conviction  that  I  am  in  the  way  of  my  duty. 

JYinth  Month  2Sth. — Went  to  the  censor's  office  about  the  books ;  I 
cannot,  however,  get  them,  and  unless  Prince  Metternich  will  write  a 
line,  they  must  go  to  the  censor,  where  they  are  liable  to  be  detained  a 
month,  or  more. 

I  received  a  note  from  Baron  Wylie,  inviting  me  to  dinner,  and  de- 
siring me  to  bring  Daniel.  Called  upon  him  at  the  palace,  and  then 
went  to  Prince  Esterhazy,  but,  although  he  was  at  home,  and  waiting 
for  me,  I  was  denied  by  a  military  man,  to  whom  I  gave  my  card.  On 
returning  to  the  hotel,  I  wrote  the  Prince  a  note,  who,  in  reply,  sent 
his  English  servant,  to  say  how  sorry  he  was  at  the  mistake,  and  re- 
questing me  to  call  upon  him  to-morrow,  at  my  own  time.  Dined 
with  Baron  Wylie,  at  three  o'clock.  The  streets  of  Vienna  are 
narrow,  and  the  houses  high  and  remarkably  well  built,  with,  very 
generally,  double  windows.  Returned  to  the  hotel  in  the  afternoon, 
and  at  half-past  seven  went  back  to  Baron  Wylie,  who  informed  the 
Secretary  in  W^aiting  that  I  was  come,  and  shortly  afterwards  I  was 
sent  for.  On  entering  the  Emperor's  apartment,  he  immediately 
advanced  to  meet  me,  and  took  me  by  the  hand  in  the  most  cordial 


54 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


manner,  expressing  the  gratification  he  felt  in  seeing  me.  After  con- 
versing a  little,  he  made  me  sit  down  by  him,  and  said  he  had  nothing 
to  do  all  the  evening  but  attend  to  what  I  had  to  say.  He  asked 
whether  we  should  first  pray  together.  I  replied,  that  having  several 
subjects  to  speak  upon,  which  might  be  considered  as  of  an  outward 
nature,  if  he  pleased,  we  would  discourse  upon  them  first,  and  then 
take  a  little  time  for  retirement ;  but  I  left  it  entirely  to  his  decision, 
whether  this  should  be  first  or  last,  and  he  was  quite  willing  that  I 
should  proceed.  Not  knowing  whether  this  might  not  be  the  only 
opportunity  of  seeing  him,  I  put  down  the  subjects  on  which  I  wished 
to  speak  with  him.  The  first  was  the  Colonies.  He  told  me  that  there 
had  lately  been  a  great  accession  to  the  number  of  the  Mennonites  from 
the  neighbourhood  of  Dantzic,  and  that  he  continued  to  be  extremely 
well  satisfied  with  them.  I  related  to  him  some  of  the  circumstances 
of  the  visit  which  Stephen  Grellet  and  I  paid  to  them,  as,  the  meetings 
we  held  among  them,  their  religious  sensibility,  &c.  The  Emperor 
said  he  was  far  from  being  satisfied  with  some  of  the  other  colonists, 
particularly  the  Duhobortsi,  of  whom  he  has  no  favourable  opinion  ;  he 
said  that  he  had  been  amongst  them,  but  he  did  not  seem  to  know 
much  about  the  Malakans.  I,  however,  laboured  to  explain  the  wide 
difference  between  the  Malakans  and  the  Duhobortsi,  the  Malakans 
believing  fully  in  divine  revelation,  and  valuing  the  Scriptures,  which 
the  others  do  not ;  of  this  he  was  apprized.  I  told  him,  that,  from 
what  we  had  seen  of  them,  and  the  little  meeting  which  we  had  with 
some  of  those  at  Simferopol,  we  believed  them  to  be  a  simple-hearted 
people.  The  Emperor  said  that  he  had  located  several  of  them  in 
South  Russia,  but  he  had  not  yet  received  any  report  of  them.  I  ex- 
pressed a  hope  that,  if  they  were  sufficiently  settled  in  their  principles, 
they  might,  by  degrees,  draw  over  the  Duhobortsi  to  them.  I  then 
showed  him  my  plans  for  colonies  at  home,  with  the  drawings  of  cot- 
tages, &c.,  and  briefly  explained  the  outline  of  them,  leaving  them  with 
him  for  a  few  days,  that  he  might  look  at  them  more  at  his  leisure.  I 
stated,  that  a  modification  of  them  might  be  highly  usefiil  in  Russia,  and 
that  some  of  the  seigneurs  might,  by  these  arrangements,  draw  a  greater 
revenue  from  their  peasants  than  they  had  at  present,  while,  at  the  same 
time,  they  might  be  preparing  them  for  freedom  ;  he  fully  agreed  with 
me,  and  seemed  interested  in  the  subject. 

We  now  spoke  of  Schools,  and  I  thought  it  right  to  tell  the  Emperor 
of  the  report  which  had  been  current  in  England,  that  he  had  sup- 
pressed schools  upon  the  British  system  throughout  his  dominions.  He 
said  this  was  not  the  case,  that  if  I  came  into  Russia  I  should  find  them 
flourishing,  and  that  he  only  discouraged  those  who  would  teach  from 
the  French  Lessons,  reminding  me  that  it  was  we  who  first  put  him 
upon  his  guard  against  them.    He  said  that  he  had  ordered  no  other 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


55 


book  to  be  taught  throughout  his  dominions,  than  that  very  selection 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures  which  we  made  at  Petersburg.  I  informed  him 
of  the  fund  which  we  had  raised  for  printing  them  in  the  diflferent  lan- 
guages of  Europe ;  that  they  were  printed  in  French,  in  Italian,  and  in 
Spanish,  and  were  likely  to  be  used  throughout  South  America.  The 
Emperor  expressed  much  gratification  on  hearing  this.  The  conversa- 
tion on  this  subject  was  extremely  relieving  to  my  mind. 

I  laid  before  the  Emperor  the  present  state  of  the  Slave  Trade,  and 
showed  him  the  drawing  made  by  Samuel  Croad,  of  Portsmouth,  of  the 
Vigilante,  one  of  the  French  slave  ships,  lately  taken  by  Sir  R.  Meade's 
squadron  at  Bonny,  or  rather  by  the  boats  under  one  of  his  captains.  I 
showed  him  also  the  thumbscrews  taken  on  board  this  vessel,  and  left, 
the  drawing,  with  the  description,  for  him  to  look  at  after  I  was  gone. 
He  assured  me  that  he  was  entirely  with  us  in  this  business,  and  quite 
disposed  to  do  everything  in  his  power  to  make  the  abolition  complete. 
I  expressed  ray  decided  opinion,  that  nothing  short  of  making  the 
Slave  Trade  piracy,  or,  at  least,  putting  the  persons  engaged  in  it,  out 
of  the  protection  of  the  laws  of  their  country,  would  accomplish  this 
end.  I  earnestly  entreated  him  to  endeavour  to  carry  this  point  in  the 
Congress,  and  if  this  should  be  found  impossible,  that  he  would  then 
set  the  example  himself,  and  use  his  influence  with  other  Potentates 
also,  to  do  it  separately,  that  the  guilt  and  the  odium  might  rest  upon 
those  nations  that  refused  to  concur  in  the  measure.  The  Emperor 
most  fully  agreed  to  the  desirableness  of  such  a  procedure,  and  I  said 
that  we  depended  very  much  upon  him  in  the  discussions  which  would 
take  place  on  the  subject  in  Congress.  I  found  that  he  had  read  Sir 
James  Mackintosh's  speech,  in  which  he  was  treated  with  some  asperity, 
but,  so  far  from  expressing  any  resentment,  he  spoke  of  it  in  a  very 
christian  manner,  merely  as  a  misconception,  and  asked  ray  opinion  of 
Sir  James.  I  then  stated  to  the  Emperor  that  his  having,  in  the  tariff, 
prohibited  the  sugars  of  those  nations  that  had  abolished  the  Slave 
Trade,  and  admitted  them  from  the  nations  that  had  refused  to  abolish 
it,  was  much  taken  notice  of  in  England  as  an  inconsistency.  He 
assured  me  that  he  had  resorted  to  the  measure  of  prohibition,  purely 
as  a  matter  of  self-defence,  and  that  it  was,  as  I  understood  him,  con- 
fined to  refined  sugar,  with  a  view  to  protect  his  own  sugar  refiners; 
that  while,  since  the  treaty  of  Vienna,  other  Powers  had  increased  their 
prohibitions,  he  had  refrained  from  doing  so,  until  at  length  he  found 
that  the  balance  of  trade  was  turning  against  him,  but  that  he  was  one 
of  the  last  to  adopt  those  measures;  that  with  respect  to  sugar,  if  he 
had  seen  the  business  at  the  time,  in  the  point  of  view  in  which  it  was 
now  placed,  he  would  have  given  it  a  consideration.  I  put  into  his 
hand  the  letter  from  Thomas  Clarkson,  and  that  from  Wilberforce,  both 
which  he  laid  aside  to  read  when  I  was  gone.    He  smiled  when  1  e 


56 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


took  Clarkson's  letter,  and  said,  '  That  is  Clarkson's  writing.'  I  men- 
tioned to  him  that  in  the  parcel  of  books,  which  had  been  seized  by  the 
douaniers,  were  several  things  relative  to  the  Slave  Trade,  which  I 
wished  to  have  laid  before  him,  and  we  then  had  some  conversation 
relative  to  the  desirableness  of  my  going  to  Verona,  to  be  at  hand  to 
urge  the  business  with  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  and  to  furnish  facts  to 
meet  the  arguments  of  the  French.  I  said,  that  I  by  no  means  wished 
to  go,  unless  the  Emperor  thought  it  most  advisable  ;  he  replied  that 
he  would  turn  the  matter  over  in  his  own  mind,  and  in  the  course  of 
two  or  three  days,  he  would  tell  me  what  he  thought ;  but  that  I  must 
see  him  again,  and,  at  all  events,  wait.  I  happened  to  have  one  of 
'  Friends'  Address  to  the  Inhabitants  of  Europe  on  the  Slave  Trade,' 
in  German,  which  he  desired  to  keep,  meaning,  I  believe,  to  show  it  to 
the  Emperor  of  Austria  ;  I  said,  I  wished  that  leave  could  be  obtained 
to  reprint  it  here.  I  informed  him  of  what  Friends  had  done  in  raising 
a  subscription,  and  printing  Tracts  on  this  subject,  in  different  lan- 
guages, with  which  he  expressed  himself  much  pleased. 

The  conversation  then  turned  upon  the  Greeks.  I  related  what 
dear  Grellet  and  I  had  seen  of  them  in  our  travels,  and  my  conviction, 
that,  by  proper  treatment  and,  management — especially  of  their  youth — 
they  might  be  made  a  fine  people.  I  mentioned  what  we  had  seen  of 
Bambas's  school  at  Scio,  the  progressive  state  of  improvement  among 
the  people,  and  their  eagerness  for  the  Scriptures  and  Tracts  ;  also  the 
kindness  with  which  we  were  entertained  amongst  them,  but  that  some 
of  these  very  persons  had  since  been  murdered,  and  their  families  sent 
into  slavery  in  Turkey.  The  Emperor  seemed  to  feel  deeply  for  them, 
and  said,  he  had  proofs  that  this  rebellion  against  the  Turks  was  orga- 
nized at  Paris,  by  the  revolutionists,  who  wished,  above  all  things  for 
a  war,  and  to  make  the  Greeks  the  means  of  embroiling  the  Powers  of 
Europe — that  the  Greeks  were  certainly  an  oppressed  people,  but  that 
their  resistance  was  premature,  they  were  not  prepared  for  it,  and  the 
consequence  was,  that  they  were  now  ten  times  worse  off  than  before — 
that  if  he  were  to  interfere,  war  might  become  general;  he  considered 
it  a  permission  of  Divine  Providence,  that  must  be  submitted  to.  I 
mentioned  the  circumstance  of  his  having  put  down  the  Freemasons' 
societies  in  his  dominions.  He  said  it  had  long  been  done  in  the  place 
where  we  now  were,  and  that  he  had  proofs  of  their  concerting  mea- 
sures, secretly,  which  might  prove  dangerous.  I  stated  my  hope,  that 
this  prohibition  did  not  extend  to  societies  bona  fide  for  benevolent 
purposes,  observing,  that  good  men  should  be  encouraged  to  unite  their 
efforts  in  doing  good,  and  dwelling  a  little  upon  the  usefulness  of  such 
societies.  With  this  he  perfectly  agreed,  and  set  me  at  ease  on  the 
subject,  assuring  me,  that  it  was  far  from  his  intention  to  discourage 
these  associations,  and  giving,  as  a  proof,  his  continued  patronage  and 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


57 


support  of  Bible  Societies.  On  my  adverting  to  the  circumstance  of 
the  resio-nation  of  Prince  Alexander  Galitzin,  as  President  of  the  Prison 
Discipline  Society,  the  Emperor  said,  that,  knowing  the  Prince  had  too 
much  upon  him,  he  had  nominated  another  person.  I  showed  the  plate 
of  the  tread  wheel  for  the  employment  of  prisoners,  with  which  he 
seemed  interested,  and  I  left  it  with  him  ;  he  repeatedly  expressed  his 
gratification  at  seeing  me,  inquired  about  dear  Stephen,  and  said  that 
he  often  thought  of  him  and  of  me,  and  prayed  for  us.  During  the 
whole  of  the  conversation,  there  was  such  a  sweetness  to  be  felt,  that 
all  fear  was  taken  away,  and  we  conversed  with  the  familiarity  of  old 
friends  and  acquaintance.  I  ventured  to  entreat  him  to  endeavour  to 
get  the  Emperor  of  Austria  to  relax  a  little  in  some  of  his  measures, 
which  savour  too  much  of  intolerance,  and  I  related  the  mischief  which 
had  been  done  among  the  Catholics  of  Smyrna,  who  had  been  almost 
ruined  by  a  fanatic  missionary  priest ;  he  received  every  thing  in  the 
kindest  manner.  It  was  now  drawing  towards  ten  o'clock :  as  I  ex- 
pected to  see  him  again,  I  did  not  wish  to  proceed  farther  with  these 
topics,  and  made  a  pause,  in  which  ray  mind  was  favoured  to  feel  some- 
thing of  the  overshadowing  of  the  Lord's  power.  The  Emperor  took 
hold  of  my  hand  and  said,  '  Have  you  anything  for  me  ?  I  am  now 
ready  to  hear  what  you  may  have  to  communicate,'  at  the  same  time 
inclining  his  head  towards  me.  After  a  short  silence,  I  addressed  him 
in  the  fresh  flowing  of  Gospel  love,  saying  that  I  had  been  brought  into 
a  feeling  of  sympathy  with  him,  believing  that  he  had  experienced  many 
and  deep  trials,  and  had  been,  and  was,  surrounded  with  difiiculties ; 
here  he  pressed  my  hand  and  seemed  aflfected ;  but  I  encouraged  him 
to  look  to  the  Lord  for  support  and  direction,  saying  I  did  believe  that 
if  the  Emperor  kept  his  eye  singly  to  Him,  with  a  desire  to  do  His 
will,  that  whatever  tribulation  might  be  suflered  to  befall  him,  it  w'ould 
be  a  means  of  establishing  him  more  firmly  on  Jesus  Christ,  the  sure 
foundation  ;  I  dwelt  also  upon  the  safety  of  those  who  love  the  Saviour, 
and  endeavour  to  stay  their  minds  upon  God.  Much  more  than  I  can 
possibly  recollect  flowed  freely  with,  as  I  thought,  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  and  I  concluded  with  the  text,  '  Because  he  hath  set  his 
love  upon  me,  therefore  will  I  deliver  him.'  We  were  both  contrited 
with  the  sweet  feeling  of  Divine  Goodness,  and  on  my  remarking  that 
this  made  me  forget  for  the  moment  the  diflTerence  in  our  relative  situa- 
tions, he  put  his  arm  afTectionately  round  me.  On  parting,  he  repeated 
his  wish  to  see  me  again  after  three  days.  It  was  now  between  ten 
and  eleven  o'clock,  and  I  returned  to  my  nephew  at  the  inn,  with 
reverent  thankfulness  to  my  Great  and  Good  Master,  who  is  an  ever 
present  help  to  the  least  and  feeblest  of  his  servants,  who  rely  entirely 
upon  Him. 

JVinth  Month  29th. — Went  to  Prince  Esterhazy,  about  eleven  o'clock, 


58 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


and  was  immediately  admitted.  The  Prince  speaks  English  quite 
fluently,  and  the  first  business  we  entered  upon  was  the  Slave  Trade, 
the  conduct  of  the  French  respecting  it,  &c.  I  then  spoke  of  prisons, 
and  showed  him  the  plan  of  a  prison  for  three  hundred.  This  subject 
he  took  up  warmly,  and  wishes  to  correspond  with  me  respecting  it ; 
he  is  also  desirous  of  having  further  conversation  with  me  before  I  go. 
I  now  took  the  liberty  to  remark  that  the  Austrian  Government,  on 
account  of  its  rigour,  was  not,  at  present,  respected  by  the  thinking 
part  of  the  community  in  England,  by  that  part  who  were  friends  to 
religion  and  government ;  that  its  shutting  up  the  schools,  at  Milan, 
had  excited  feelings  of  strong  disgust,  and  that  many  considered  the 
government  as  bigoted,  and  hostile  to  the  progress  of  light  and  know- 
ledge. He  allowed  that  perhaps  they  were  rather  too  strict,  but  that  this 
arose  from  their  fear  of  the  principles  which  brought  about  the  French 
revolution  ;  he  however  assured  me  that  the  emperor  was  a  very  worthy 
man,  and  a  good  domestic  character.  We  conversed  upon  the  state  of 
the  poor,  and  I  explained  to  him  my  plans  for  colonies  at  home,  with 
which  he  appeared  pleased,  and  wished  to  know  more  about  them. 

The  Prince  expressed  a  desire  to  see  me  again  the  day  after  to-mor- 
row, and  says,  he  expects  to  be  in  London  in  the  Third  Month  next, 
when  he  wishes  me  to  call  upon  him.  After  my  return  to  the  inn,  I 
had  Narolsky  in,  and  read  several  chapters  in  the  Epistles  to  the  Thes- 
salonians,  to  him  and  Daniel ;  we  then  sat  some  time  in  silence,  and  T 
afterwards  had  to  make  a  few  remarks  on  one  of  the  verses  we  had 
been  reading, — 'Quench  not  the  Spirit.'  The  subject  opened  instruct- 
ively, and  I  had  peace  in  alluding  to  it. 

JYinth  Month  30th. — I  received  a  notice  to  attend  upon  the  head  of 
the  police,  Comte  Sedlnitzky.  I  was  in  hopes  it  was  to  receive  my 
books,  which  had  been  seized  ;  but  when  I  entered  the  olfice,  I  was 
surprised  to  see  the  Count  hold  in  his  hand  the  very  pamphlet,  '  Friends' 
Address  on  the  Slave  Trade,'  which  I  had  given  to  the  Emperor  of 
Russia.  He  said  that  Count  Nesselrode  had  applied  to  him,  by  order 
of  the  Emperor,  for  leave  to  have  it  printed,  and  that  there  was  no  ob- 
jection: it  might  be  printed  and  sold  at  Vienna.  This  is  a  pleasing 
circumstance,  as  it  shows  the  zeal  of  the  Emperor.  The  Count  recom- 
mended me  to  call  on  Prince  Metternich,  which  I  did,  but  he  was 
absent.  I  sent  in  the  evening  to  inquire  what  time  I  could  see  him, 
but  found  he  was  on  the  point  of  setting  off  on  his  journey  towards 
Verona,  and  that  the  Emperor  of  Austria  follows  him  to-morrow.  Re- 
ceived a  note  from  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  stating,  that  he  should  be 
happy  to  see  me  at  eleven  o'clock  to-morrow. 

Tenth  Month  1st. — I  determined  to  make  a  vigorous  eflbrt  to  get  my 
books  which  had  been  seized,  and  went  to  the  office  of  the  head  of  the 
police,  Count  Sedlnitzky.    The  Count  was  not  there,  but  I  spoke  to 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


59 


the  person  immediately  under  him,  stating,  that  I  urgently  wanted  some 
of  the  tracts,  to  show  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  whom  I  was  to  meet 
this  morning  by  appointment.  He  was  very  civil,  took  my  address,  and 
in  a  few  hours  the  books  were  sent  to  me.  I  then  waited  on  the  Duke, 
and  after  a  little  delay,  he  came  out  of  his  room,  and  called  me  in  to 
him.  After  some  conversation  respecting  the  Slave  Trade,  I  told  him 
this  was  a  large  subject ;  that  I  knew  he  was  very  much  harassed  at 
present,  that  Lord  Strangford  was  then  waiting  to  speak  to  him,  and 
that  if  he  would  permit  me,  I  would  wait  upon  him  when  he  had  more 
leisure.  He  seemed  to  take  this  well,  and  said  he  should  be  glad  to 
see  me  at  eleven  o'clock,  the  day  after  to-morrow,  as  he  did  not  set  ofT, 
towards  Verona,  for  some  days.  Hence  I  went  to  Sir  James  Wylie's. 
I  find  that  the  Emperor  intends  setting  out  to-morrow,  and  that  he  is  to 
meet  the  King  of  Bavaria  by  the  way.  I  concluded  it  best  to  address 
a  few  lines  to  the  Emperor,  stating,  that  I  should  wait  his  orders,  and 
afterwards  met  Prince  Esterhazy,  who  behaved  in  the  most  afTable 
manner.  After  dinner,  I  received  a  note  from  Sir  James  Wylie,  to  say, 
that  the  Emperor  wished  to  see  me  at  half-past  five  o'clock,  when  I 
accordingly  went.  He  received  me  very  kindly,  and  made  me  sit  down 
with  him  at  the  table  ;  he  had  read  over  my  papers,  about  colonies  at 
home,  said  he  liked  the  plan  very  much,  and  when  it  is  perfected,  I  am 
to  send  him  the  particulars,  either  through  Sir  James  Wylie,  or  Prince 
Alexander  Galitzin.  He  invites  me  to  send  to  him,  whenever  I  think 
proper,  and  says,  he  is  always  glad  to  hear  from  me.  With  respect  to 
Friends'  Address,  he  told  me  that  he  had  made  a  communication  to  the 
Austrian  government,  through  Count  Nesselrode,  and  that  leave  had 
immediately  been  given  for  reprinting  it ;  he  said  he  should  be  gratified, 
if  I  thought  it  right,  to  go  on  to  Verona,  as  it  would  give  him  more 
opportunity  of  conversing  with  me,  but  he  advised  me  to  consult  the 
Duke  of  Wellington.  I  told  him,  that  my  inclination  was  to  return 
home  as  soon  as  possible,  but  that  if  it  appeared  to  be  my  duty,  and 
that  I  might  be  useful,  I  was  ready  to  make  the  sacrifice.  We  had 
much  general  conversation,  in  perfect  freedom,  and  this  was  in  a  high 
degree  interesting.  We  spoke  of  Sarah  Kilham,  with  whose  exertions 
he  expressed  himself  perfectly  satisfied.  I  recommended  her  school  to 
be  made  a  place  for  training  pious  young  women  as  school-mistresses. 
I  was  sensible,  during  the  whole  of  the  interview,  of  a  precious  cover- 
ing of  the  Lord's  spirit,  and  it  seemed  so  to  increase,  that  I  gave  up 
speaking  of  outward  matters,  and  the  conversation  turned  entirely  upon 
what  related  to  a  better  country.  The  Emperor  asked  me,  if  I  would 
not  take  some  tea  with  him,  to  which  I  readily  assented  ;  he  rung  his 
little  hand  bell,  and  the  servants  came,  and  received  his  orders:  two 
cups  were  brought  in,  but  mine  had  sugar  in  it.  The  Emperor  imme- 
diately ordered  it  to  be  changed,  and  this  led  me  to  speak  further  of  the 


60 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


poor  Africans,  but  we  soon  came  again  upon  religious  subjects,  and 
these  were  the  topics  on  which  he  delighted  to  dwell.  He  said  he  had 
suffered  from  being  educated  by  those  who  had  no  sense  of  vital  reli- 
gion, but  that  since  the  year  1812,  when  his  mind  was  first  reached  by 
the  power  of  truth,  he  had  endeavoured  to  live  conformably  to  what  he 
believed  to  be  the  divine  will ;  he  felt  that  he  was  a  poor  weak  creature, 
but  he  constantly  prayed  for  assistance.  He  said,  that  finding  so  little 
company  that  suited  him,  he  spent  much  of  his  time  alone,  in  his  room, 
for  he  felt  that  he  suffered  loss,  when  he  was  much  with  those  who 
were  in  the  spirit  of  the  world;  'but,'  said  he,  'when  I  am  with  you, 
and  such  as  you,  who  love  the  Saviour,  I  can  breathe.''  He  said,  that 
he  found  it  necessary  to  keep  up  the  warfare  continually ;  he  then 
opened  his  whole  heart  to  me,  told  me  of  his  trials,  and  his  temptations, 
comparing  them  to  the  thorn  in  the  flesh,  which  the  apostle  describes. 
'And  if,'  said  he,  'the  holy  apostle  was  thus  tried,  need  we  wonder,  if 
it  is  the  experience  of  such  poor  weak  creatures  as  we  are.  But  let  us 
remember  what  the  answer  was  to  him  when  he  prayed  to  be  delivered — 
'My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee.'  Here  it  does  not  appear  that  he  was 
exempted  from  the  trial,  but  was  shown  where  he  was  to  find  his  sup- 
port under  it.'  We  now  sat  some  time  in  silence,  when  I  kneeled 
down,  and  supplicated  for  the  blessing  of  preservation.  The  Emperor 
knelt  on  the  floor  by  me.  On  rising,  we  were  again  silent  for  a  few- 
minutes,  and  then,  under  a  sense  of  the  renewed  visitation  of  our 
Heavenly  Father's  love,  took  leave  of  each  other,  not  knowing  but 
that  we  might  possibly  meet  again  at  Verona.  He  grasped  my  hand, 
and  it  came  into  my  mind  to  tell  him,  that  though  I  was  conscious  of 
being  a  very  weak  and  feeble  instrument,  I  believed  that  our  Divine 
Master  had  sent  me  to  comfort  and  encourage  him;  he  replied,  'I  be- 
lieve so.'  He  then  embraced,  and  kissed  me.  One  of  the  last  things 
he  said,  was,  '  When  you  write  to  Grellet,  tell  him  all  about  me.' 

After  leaving  the  Emperor,  I  sat  some  time  with  Sir  James  Wylie  ; 
he  has  been  a  kind  and  true  friend,  and  parted  with  me  affectionately, 
wishing  much  that  I  may  join  them  again  at  Verona.  On  returning  to 
the  hotel  I  felt  reverently  thankful,  that  I  had  been  strengthened  to  give 
up,  in  simple  faith,  to  the  apprehension  of  duty.  I  had,  in  the  course 
of  conversation,  to  tell  the  Emperor,  how  the  concern  came  upon  me, 
how  jealous  I  was,  in  the  first  instance,  lest  it  should  arise  from  crea- 
turely  activity,  and  my  affection  for  him,  but  that,  whenever  I  attempted 
to  put  it  off,  it  returned  again,  and  I  only  found  peace  in  submitting. 

Tenth  Month  2nd. — I  endeavoured  to  find  some  person  to  interpret 
for  me  to  the  poor  Greeks,  who  are  passing  through  here  almost  every 
day,  seeking  refuge  from  their  bloody  enemies  the  Turks.  Many  of 
them  have  lost  their  wives  and  children,  as  well  as  their  property,  and 
have  walked  till  their  feet  are  inflamed.    The  Austrians  will  not  let 


1S22. 


OF  %VILLIAM  ALLEN. 


61 


them  stay  here,  but  force  them  to  go  on  to  Ancona  ;  hitherto  they  have 
not  permitted  them  to  take  the  shorter  road  by  Trieste.  A  poor  fellow, 
who  has  lost  all,  is  at  the  inn,  and  is  almost  deranged  ;  I  went  up  to  see 
him,  and  gave  him  something  for  his  present  exigencies.  According  to 
appointment,  I  then  waited  upon  Prince  Esterhazy.  We  had  a  discus- 
sion on  the  Slave  Trade,  and  he  says  that  he  agrees  with  me  in  principle, 
but  it  is  evident  that  he  has  not  been  an  advocate  for  the  Abolition. 
Finding  it  of  little  use  to  press  this  subject  further,  I  merely  stated  my 
feelings  respecting  it,  and  turned  to  the  subject  of  prisons,  in  which  he 
does  seem  interested ;  I  dwelt  upon  the  great  duty  of  attempting  to 
reform  criminals,  but  observed  that  it  was  better  to  prevent  than  to  cure, 
and  we  went  into  the  subject  of  education.  He  says  he  has  large 
estates  in  Hungary,  where  something  of  the  kind  is  much  wanted.  I 
referred  him  to  the  first  article  in  the  '  Inquirer,'  and  promised  to  lend 
it  to  him  to  read,  as  I  have  only  one  copy.  His  father  coming  in,  I 
took  my  leave,  but  the  Prince  requested  me  to  come  again  to-morrow, 
at  ten  o'clock,  which  I  agreed  to  do.  [n  the  afternoon  I  went  to  the 
printer's  to  see  how  they  were  getting  on  with  the  Address  on  the  Slave 
Trade  ;  I  find  we  can  have  it  to-morrow  evening.  It  seems  that  morals 
are  in  a  very  low  state  here. 

In  the  evening,  the  valet  de  place  brought  me  two  Greeks,  resident 
in  this  place,  who  speak  French,  and  are  in  office  in  the  Greek  church. 
They  described  to  me  the  deplorable  situation  of  the  refugee  Greeks ; 
that  the  residents  here  had  had  a  fund,  but  it  was  exhausted,  and  they 
dare  not  raise  a  subscription  without  leave  of  the  police,  and  this  they 
did  not  know  how  to  obtain ;  I  engaged  to  apply  on  their  behalf,  both 
for  this,  and  for  leave  to  go  by  Trieste.  I  was  informed  that  the  son 
or  brother  of  Jean  Vlastow,  of  Scio,  whom  I  had  visited  when  there, 
was  now  at  Vienna ;  I  wished  to  see  him,  and  he  accordingly  came  to 
me.  He  seems  very  energetic,  and  of  strong  passions ;  his  wife  and 
children  have  joined  him  within  these  ten  days.  He  gives  a  terrible 
account  of  the  massacre  at  Scio ;  he  mentioned  several  persons  who 
would  be  thoroughly  trustworthy  in  the  application  of  any  funds  for  the 
relief  of  the  refugees,  and  is  to  come  again  to-morrow. 

Tenth  Month  3rd. — Wrote  a  note  to  the  Minister  of  Police,  requesting 
an  interview,  and  had  a  very  kind  answer,  appointing  one  o'clock. 
Gusella  came  with  a  written  statement  about  the  Greeks ;  sent  for  Pan- 
taleon  Vlastow,  and  had  more  conversation  with  him  respecting  Greece. 
He  reminded  me  of  their  college  under  Bambas,  and  of  their  library, 
both  of  which  are  burnt  and  destroyed.  He  says,  he  has  one  thing 
greatly  at  heart,  and  that  if  I  could  assist  them  in  it,  he  should  consider 
me  as  a  father.  All  the  professors  are  killed  or  dispersed,  but  the  col- 
lege had  two  young  Greeks,  of  excellent  talents,  training  at  Paris,  under 
Koray,  the  famous  Grecian  ;  they  are  from  twenty  to  twenty-three  years 


62 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


of  age,  and  are  the  hopes  of  their  country.  The  charge  is  five  thousand 
francs  per  annum,  for  the  two,  or  about  two  hundred  pounds — say  fifty 
pounds  a  quarter.  They  were  paid  for  by  the  college,  but  they  are  all 
ruined  together,  and  these  young  men,  unless  means  can  be  found  to 
retain  them,  must  leave  their  studies. 

I  inquired  particularly,  whether  they  were  training  as  philosophes,  of 
the  French  school,  but  he  assured  me,  that  they  were  brought  up  on  the 
principles  of  the  Greek  christians.  In  reflecting  upon  it,  I  thought  we 
might,  without  much  difficulty,  raise  fifty  pounds  for  one  quarter,  and 
have  time  to  correspond,  and,  perhaps,  I  might  visit  them,  at  Paris, 
before  the  next  was  due.  I  accordingly  agreed  to  advance  fifty  pounds, 
in  the  hope  that  Robert  Forster,  to  whom  I  purpose  to  write,  will  be 
able  to  raise  the  money  by  subscription. 

I  then  went  to  fulfil  my  appointment  with  Prince  Esterhazy.  We 
talked  about  the  poor  Greeks,  and  he  promises  to  send  my  application 
to  the  Minister  of  Police.  I  explained  to  him  my  plan  of  colonies  at 
home,  with  which  he  was  particularly  pleased,  and  engaged  me  to  let 
him  have  a  copy  before  my  departure.  On  leaving  him,  I  hastened  to 
the  Duke  of  Wellington,  who  received  me  very  kindly,  and  put  into  my 
hands  a  letter  he  had  just  received  from  Zachary  Macaulay,  together 
with  Sierra  Leone  Gazettes.  He  said  he  had  been  considering  the 
subject,  and  thought  it  very  desirable  that  I  should  go  to  Verona.  I 
told  him  that  it  would  be  very  disagreeable  to  me  to  be  thought  intrusive 
or  meddling,  and  that,  if  I  could  not  be  made  useful,  I  had  much 
rather  not  go.  He  replied,  that  if  it  were  very  inconvenient  to  me,  it 
was  not  his  business  to  press  it,  but,  that  having  so  many  things  to  attend 
to,  he  did  not  feel  himself  so  thoroughly  versed  in  the  subject  as  I  must 
be,  and  as  I  might  be  able  to  assist  him  on  this  point,  he  particularly 
wished  I  should  go.  I  had  not  been  without  a  feeling,  that  such  might 
be  the  issue,  and  I  told  him  that  my  heart  was  so  bound  to  the  cause, 
that  though  it  was  no  small  sacrifice,  in  every  respect,  I  would  go.  He 
seemed  pleased  with  the  decision,  and  I  have  arranged  to  set  off  to- 
morrow. 

About  one  o'clock,  I  waited  upon  Count  Sedlnitzky,  the  Minister  of 
Police.  He  received  me  with  great  kindness,  and  after  thanking  him 
for  the  permission  to  print  Friends'  Address,  on  the  Slave  Trade,  a 
proof  of  which  I  gave  him,  I  presented  the  request  of  the  poor  Greeks. 
With  regard  to  the  matter  of  Trieste,  he  said,  that  it  was  prohibited, 
lest  the  Turks  should  reproach  them,  with  giving  facilities  to  their 
enemies  to  get  away  by  sea,  and  fight  them  ;  but  with  respect  to  the 
application  about  the  subscription,  he  would  consult  others.  I  thought 
he  seemed  as  if  he  would  concede  this  point,  though  he  feared  that  a 
part  of  the  money  might  go  to  aid  their  brethren  in  arms. 

P.  Vlastow  came  this  afternoon,  and  we  had  more  talk  about  Greece. 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


63 


I  wrote  a  letter,  requesting  dear  Cornelius  to  pay  the  fifty  pounds  to 
Mavracordato,  taking  his  receipt.  I  also  wrote  a  letter  about  the  poor 
Greeks,  to  Prince  Esterhazy,  begging  him  to  go  to-morrow  to  the  Min- 
ister of  Police,  and  second  my  application,  as  he  promised. 

Tenth  Month  4:th. — "Wrote  a  long  letter  to  Z.  Macaulay,  about  the 
Slave  Trade.  Vlastow  and  another  Greek  came,  and  took  up  an  hour 
or  two.  It  is  heart-rending  to  hear  details  of  woe  which  one  cannot 
relieve,  but  I  do  think  strong  remonstrances  ought  to  be  made  in  favour 
of  the  wretched  Greeks,  taken  as  slaves  into  Asia,  by  the  Turks.  I  must 
speak  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington  about  them,  at  Verona. 

5th. — Advanced  ten  Napoleons  for  the  poor  Greeks,  who  daily  pass 
through  here,  on  their  way  to  Ancona.  I  went  to  Prince  Esterhazy's,  and 
gave  him  a  copy  of  my  plan  for  -colonies  at  home.  He  took  leave  very 
kindly,  and  says,  that  in  consequence  of  my  request,  the  government 
will  permit  the  Greeks  to  make  a  collection  for  the  refugees  passing 
through  ;  and  with  regard  to  my  other  request,  that  although  they  can- 
not give  them  passports  to  a  port  in  the  Adriatic,  they  will  give  them 
passports  to  Leghorn,  whence  they  may  go  to  Ancona  by  water;  this  is 
a  very  great  thing  gained.  The  Prince  says  he  is  glad  I  have  been 
here,  and  that  hereafter  any  suggestion  of  mine  will  be  listened  to  from 
him. 

I  went  to  Count  Sedlnifzky,  to  ask  if  there  would  be  any  difficulty 
about  my  staying  at  Verona;  he  said,  none  at  all,  but  advised  me  to 
apply  to  their  minister  at  Munich,  and  make  use  of  his  name.  He  says 
I  ought,  by  all  means,  to  see  the  prison  at  Lintz.  With  regard  to  my 
application  on  behalf  of  the  poor  Greeks,  he  said  precisely  what  Prince 
Esterhazy  had  told  me,  and  my  heart  expanded  with  gratitude  in  having 
been  made  the  humble  instrument  of  obtaining  some  relief  for  this  poor 
oppressed  people.  The  Count  was  very  kind  and  respectful,  and  we 
parted  excellent  friends.  Having  now  done  all  my  work  here,  I  went, 
with  a  light  heart,  to  the  hotel,  sent  for  the  poor  Greeks,  and  gave  them 
the  good  news,  for  which  they  were  very  thankful.  I  left  fifteen  hundred 
of  the  Address,  &c.,  in  German,  under  thecaieof  Alexander  Schwabe, 
who  promises  to  circulate  them  through  all  Austria ;  then  took  leave  of 
Lord  Strangford,  who  stays  some  days  longer,  and  a  little  before  three, 
started  with  an  easy  mind,  thankful  that  my  journey  had  been  thus  far 
prosperous." 

William  Allen  pursued  his  course  towards  Munich,  only  stopping  to 
lodge,  and  for  occasional  refreshment,  except  at  Lintz,  where,  accord- 
ing to  the  recommendation  of  Count  Sedlnitzky,  he  went  to  see  the 
prison,  or  house  of  correction.  It  is  for  the  whole  district  of  Upper 
Austria,  and  Saltzburg,  and  contained  about  two  hundred  prisoners, 
most  of  whom  were  employed.    He  says — 

"They  are  all  taught  to  read,  being  generally,  if  not  universally, 


64 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


ignorant  when  they  come  in.  Every  thing  is  extremely  neat  and 
clean." 

He  several  times  mentions  the  beauty  of  the  country,  and  on  approach- 
ing Saltzburg,  says — 

"  We  have  seen  nothing  of  mountain  scenery  so  fine,  since  we  set 
out ;  it  is  like  the  Alps  in  miniature." 

As  they  drew  near  to  Munich,  he  writes — 

<■<■  My  mind  thoughtful,  but  calm,  though  I  am  approaching  this  great 
capital  without  a  single  letter  of  introduction.  We  drove  to  the  Black 
Eagle,  where  we  are  well  accommodated.  I  took  a  person  to  show  me 
the  way  to  Dr.  Ringseis.  He  seems  a  man  of  taste  for  the  arts,  and  has 
some  beautiful  engravings,  busts,  and  cabinets  of  minerals ;  he  appeared 
quite  rejoiced  to  meet  me,  and  was  very  kind,  going  with  me  to  the 
Baron  Gumpenberg,  who  accompanied  us  to  the  old  President  Rausch, 
where  we  met  Langmire,  and  some  other  persons  whom  I  did  not  know. 
The  President  is  a  sweet-spirited  man.  I  find  that  the  persecution  of 
the  protestants  has  so  much  increased,  that  not  more  than  five  persons, 
who  are  not  members  of  the  family,  are  permitted  to  meet  for  the  pur- 
poses of  worship.  This  prohibition  took  place  about  the  time  of  Hein- 
leth's  return  from  Russia  ;  before  that  period  there  was  a  congregation 
of  from  fifty  to  sixty.  It  seems  that  things  are  in  a  very  poor  way  here. 
The  departure  of  Gossner,  for  Russia,  appears  to  have  been  a  disadvan- 
tage. The  poor  people  now  meet  in  small  companies,  within  the 
restriction  of  the  police.  I  endeavoured  to  encourage  Langmire.  In 
the  evening  Dr.  Ringseis  took  me  to  the  minister  of  finance,  Baron 
Lerchenfeld  ;  he  seems  to  be  a  clever,  thinking,  man,  I  was  intro- 
duced to  his  wife  and  daughters,  and  staid  tea  with  them  ;  we  had  much 
conversation  on  the  subject  of  the  Abolition  of  the  Slave  Trade,  and  on 
education  ;  he  seems  rather  inclined  to  have  a  school  on  the  British 
system.  We  talked  of  the  prison  plans,  and  on  the  plans  for  colonies 
at  home  ;  he  is  perfectly  aware  of  what  has  been  already  done  in  North 
Holland. 

Tenth  Month  llth. — Went  to  the  Maison  de  Force,  with  a  letter  of 
introduction  from  Dr.  Ringseis.  This  is  a  large  mass  of  buildings,  in 
some  respects,  very  much  upon  the  plan  of  the  Maison  de  Force,  at 
Ghent,  but  not  so  perfect.  Various  works  of  industry  are  carried  on. 
The  prisoners  are  taught  to  read,  and  also  receive  religious  instruction 
in  their  way.  If  a  murderer  does  not  confess,  he  is  imprisoned  for  life, 
but  not  executed.  On  the  whole,  it  appears,  that  the  main  thing  want- 
ing is,  a  good  system  of  prison  discipline ;  but  the  severity  of  the  police 
in  all  these  countries,  checks  and  keeps  down  public  spirit  and  liberal 
benevolent  exertions. 

We  are  informed,  that  the  institution  of  Count  Rumford,  for  the  poor, 
is  neglected.  We  just  saw  the  outside  of  the  building.   On  our  return, 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


65 


we  found  Baron  Gumpenberg,  who  spent  some  time  with  me  in  religious 
conversation  to  our  mutual  comfort.  In  the  afternoon,  I  went  to  Dr. 
RintTseis,  and  had  some  serious  conversation  with  hira.  He  wishes  me, 
by  all  means,  to  see  the  Crown  Prince ;  and,  as  he  is  intimate  with  him, 
he  will  write  a  letter  of  introduction.  I  had  to  go  to  Brook  Taylor,  the 
British  Minister,  about  my  passport.  He  received  me  very  kindly,  and 
it  was  well  I  went  myself,  and  explained  the  matter  to  him,  as  the 
Austrian  Ambassador  refused  to  sign  a  passport  for  Verona,  having  had 
general  orders  to  that  effect.  B.  Taylor,  however,  kindly  undertook 
the  whole  business ;  and,  in  the  evening,  I  received  a  handsome  note 
from  him,  with  a  special  passport,  as  Courier  to  the  Duke  of  Welling- 
ton, and  countersigned  by  the  Austrian  minister.  He  said,  that  this 
was  the  only  way  of  getting  through  the  difficulty.  I  went  with  Baron 
Gumpenberg,  to  spend  some  time  with  President  Rausch.  We  were 
comforted  together,  and  parted  in  much  love.  I  afterwards  met  Dr. 
Ringseis,  and  we  went  together  to  the  Baron  Lerchenfeld.  There  was 
a  mixed  company,  but  I  had  some  interesting  conversation  with  him, 
and  left  him  a  Manual,  Reports,  &c. 

Tenth  Month  12th. — I  finally  concluded  to  go  by  Tegern  See,  in 
hopes  of  seeing  the  Crown  Prince,  at  least  for  a  few  minutes:  and,  a 
little  after  nine,  we  started  from  Munich.  It  was  past  four  when  we 
arrived.  The  situation  is  beautiful ;  somewhat  resembling  the  lakes  of 
Westmoreland.  The  water  is  extremely  clear;  and,  if  ray  mind  had 
been  at  ease,  I  should  have  enjoyed  it.  The  place  was  in  a  bustle, 
from  the  number  of  carriages  setting  off  from  the  palace,  and  I  began 
to  be  afraid  that  I  should  at  last  miss  the  Prince.  I,  however,  wrote  a 
note  to  him,  and  sent  it  by  Narolsky,  together  with  the  letter  from  Dr. 
Ringseis.  He  was  gone  out  for  a  ride  ;  but,  on  his  return,  a  messenger 
came  to  inform  me,  that  the  Crown  Prince  would  see  me  instantly.  I 
accordingly  went  with  him  to  the  palace,  and  was  shown  up  the  great 
staircase,  and  through  a  grand  corridor,  to  the  Prince's  apartment.  He 
speaks  English  well,  and  received  me  very  kindly,  inquired  after 
Stephen,  and  also,  what  had  brought  me  on  my  way  to  Verona,  on 
which  J  satisfied  him.  He  talked  so  much,  and  so  quickly,  that  I  had 
some  difficulty  in  edging  in  what  I  had  to  say.  He  commended  the 
zeal  of  Friends  in  endeavouring  to  get  the  African  Slave  Trade 
abolished.  'But  why,'  said  he,  'do  you  not  interfere  in  endeavouring 
to  put  an  end  to  the  white  Slave  Trade?'  He  then  spoke  strongly  of 
the  atrocities  of  the  Turks,  in  Scio,  and  inquired  why  the  English  did 
not  rise  up  against  them.  I  told  him  the  subject  had  excited  strong 
feelings  in  our  country. 

I  said,  as  his  time  was  precious,  (he  being  about  to  set  out  early  the 
next  morning,)  I  would  be  as  brief  as  possible.  I  then  adverted  to 
several  subjects,  and  it  was  agreed  that  I  should  correspond  with  him 

Vol.  II.  5 


66 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


on  my  return  to  England.  I  must  write  to  him  respecting  the  restric- 
tions upon  the  pious  people  at  Munich,  with  regard  to  their  worship.  I 
was  very  glad  of  this  opportunity,  as  it  has  opened  a  channel  of  com- 
munication. 

I  returned  to  the  inn,  satisfied  in  having  done  all  that  seemed  possible 
in  the  time,  though  my  mind  was  not  completely  relieved.  The  Prince 
desired  me  to  remember  him  to  Stephen  Grellet.  I  then  went  after 
Counsellor  Kobel,  to  whom  Dr.  Ringseis  had  given  me  a  letter,  and 
found  him  a  very  agreeable  man  ;  he  happened  to  have  the  direction  of 
the  horses,  and  wrote  a  note  to  the  post-master,  desiring  him  to  supply 
me  at  any  hour  we  wished  :  this  proved  a  great  accommodation,  as  we 
had  been  told  we  could  not  have  any  until  twelve  o'clock,  and  I  now 
concluded  to  set  off  at  eight. 

Tenth  Month  13th — Started  at  half-past  eight.  I  never  saw  any  thing 
like  the  ride  this  afternoon.  Mountains,  rocks,  torrents,  narrow  defiles, 
interspersed  with  cottages,  all  in  various  combinations.  It  is  grand 
indeed.  The  Tyrolese  are  a  fine  looking  race  of  people.  The  costume 
of  the  peasants  is  singular.    The  men  wear  green  hats. 

lAth. — In  one  of  the  stages,  the  driver  told  us  there  was  not  a  Bible 
to  be  found  in  five  or  six  villages ;  and  another  said  he  had  never  seen 
a  Bible.  We  breakfasted  at  Inspruck,  the  capital  of  the  Tyrol.  As  I 
walked  alone  up  a  long  ascent,  near  Schonberg,  my  mind  was  turned 
to  the  Lord,  my  soul  was  raised  in  prayer  and  praise,  and  I  was  secretly 
comforted.    Faith  revived,  and  I  looked  forward  to  Verona  as  a  duty. 

Our  driver  does  not  know  how  to  read  or  write,  for,  though  when  a 
boy,  he  went  to  school  for  two  years,  he  has  forgotten  all  he  learnt 
there,  and  he  says,  that  this  is  the  case  with  many  adults.  The  cruci- 
fixes by  the  road  side,  through  the  Tyrol,  are  extremely  numerous,  and 
particularly  revolting  to  the  feelings. 

Tenth  Month  16th — On  arriving  at  Brenzoll,  we  got  into  difficulty 
about  horses,  the  imperial  train  being  just  before  us.  I  was  obliged  to 
submit  to  have  the  letter  bag  fastened  on  to  my  carriage,  and  as  horses 
are  so  scarce,  it  is  on  the  whole  an  advantage.  As  another  carriage 
from  the  same  inn  that  we  came  from  was  before  us,  and  could  get  no 
horses,  the  person  who  was  in  it,  stood  at  our  horses'  heads,  and  refused 
to  let  us  proceed ;  the  driver  said  I  was  a  courier  ;  he  said,  I  was  not. 
I  quietly  beckoned  him  to  come  to  the  side  of  the  carriage,  when  I 
showed  him  the  official  character  in  which  the  British  Minister,  at  Mu- 
nich, had  placed  me,  and  he  immediately  gave  way. 

11th. — We  entered  Verona  about  three  o'clock,  and  proceeded  to 
the  inn  to  which  we  had  been  recommended.  We  found  that  we  could 
be  accommodated,  and  I  felt  grateful  that  here  again,  where  we  had 
anticipated  considerable  difficulty  in  finding  lodgings,  there  was  a  place 
just  ready  for  us ;  but  the  inn  is  very  full. 


1S22. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


67 


I8ih  We  went,  tliis  morning,  to  find  out  Sir  James  Wylie,  but  he 

was  not  within ;  we  then  went  to  see  the  ruins  of  the  amphitheatre  ; 
only  a  small  part  of  the  exterior  wall  remains,  but  the  stone  seats  are 
very  perfect,  and  seem  to  have  been  recently  put  in  complete  repair,  its 
form  is  elliptical,  and  it  is  said  to  be  capable  of  seating  twenly-four 
thousand  people.  In  this  place  Bonaparte  harangued  thirty  thousand 
of  his  soldiers ;  he  stood  upon  one  of  the  upper  rows  and  was  heard 
distinctly.  I  waited,  by  appointment,  on  the  Duke  of  Wellington  ;  he 
made  me  sit  down  with  him,  and  entered  into  the  subject  of  the  Slave 
Trade.  He  began  by  remarking,  that  we  had  not  merely  to  consider 
what  was  desirable,  but  what  was  practicable ;  that  if  the  other  Powers 
made  it  piracy,  how  were  they  to  act  against  France  without  going  to 
war,  that  if  we  attempted  what  was  impracticable  we  should  effect 
nothing,  and  the  mischief  would  go  on  increasing.  He  read  me  a 
paper,  or  the  rough  sketch  of  one,  which  he  had  prepared  on  the  sub- 
ject, and  he  wished  me  to  make  some  memoranda  of  facts,  which  I  am 
to  search  for  and  send  to  him.  He  handed  me  a  packet  from  Zachary 
Macaulay,  and  gives  me  free  access  to  himself  at  all  times.  In  the 
afternoon,  I  wrote  a  note  to  the  Duke  with  the  requisite  information. 
Lord  Strangford  is  here. 

Tenth  Month  19th. — General  Macaulay  came  in;  he  arrived  the 
evening  before.  I  am  glad  he  is  come,  as  it  may  tend  to  liberate  me 
the  sooner,  for  when  I  have  done  my  part  with  regard  to  the  Slave 
Trade,  and  feel  relieved  in  my  mind,  I  can  leave  the  rest  to  him.  He 
seems  an  interesting  man  ;  he  is  not  able  to  live  in  England  on  account 
of  ill  health.  He  tells  me,  that  there  are  great  numbers  of  pious  per- 
sons in  France,  and  that  the  cause  of  vital  religion  is  gaining  ground 
in  Geneva  ;  this  is  indeed  good  news.  We  took  a  walk  together  by 
the  Corso,  and  out  at  the  Mantuan  gate,  talking  over  our  aflfairs.  The 
weather  is  beautiful ;  the  soil  near  Verona  is  very  poor. 

20th. — General  Macaulay  came  to  read  to  me  the  sketch  of  a  paper 
he  had  drawn  up  for  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  to  show  the  necessity  of 
making  the  Slave  Trade  piracy.  We  had  some  conversation  on  the 
subject,  and  then  went  by  appointment  to  wait  upon  the  Duke.  General 
Macaulay  gave  him  his  paper,  which  he  read  very  attentively,  and  then 
said,  that  we  were  altogether  mistaken  in  the  very  ground  of  our  appli- 
cation, to  have  it  made  piracy,  for  that  the  present  Congress,  was  not  a 
mere  continuation  of  the  Congress  of  1815,  which  consisted  of  eight 
Powers,  that  is,  I  suppose,  of  Great  Britain,  Russia,  Austria,  Prussia, 
France,  Netherlands,  Spain  and  Portugal,  but  that  the  present  only  con- 
sisted of  the  first  five,  and  could  perform  no  act  to  bind  the  last  three. 
That  so  far  from  the  present  Congress  interfering  with  the  internal  man- 
agement of  individual  states,  <I  am  here,'  said  the  Duke,  'as  one  to 
prevent  such  interference.'    He  had  some  further  conversation  on  the 


68 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


subject,  and  I  acknowledged,  that  I  now  saw  plainly  that  the  present 
Congress  could  not  do  more  than  make  it  piracy  for  the  powers  that 
composed  it.  The  Duke  said,  that  he  had  spoken  to  the  Emperor  of 
Russia  on  the  subject — that  he  was  with  us  entirely,  and  ready  to  agree 
to  any  thing,  but  that  he  was  himself  for  moderate  measures.  I  stated, 
that  making  the  Slave  Trade  piracy,  or  at  least  designating  it  by  that 
name,  might,  at  the  same  time,  be  accompanied  by  such  regulations  as 
to  prevent  any  inconveniences ;  that  even  if  France  would  not  agree, 
the  four  other  Powers  might  declare,  that  any  of  their  respective  subjects, 
who  should  engage  in  it,  should  thereby,  ipso  facto,  be  put  out  of  the 
protection  of  the  laws  of  their  country,  and  considered  hostes  generis 
humani.  The  Duke,  however,  still  stuck  to  his  text,  of  impracticability, 
and  thought,  that  at  least  the  foundation  for  such  a  step  should  be  laid 
in  other  measures,  by  which  the  French  should  be  urged  to  fulfil  their 
engagements.  Upon  General  Macaulay  remarking,  that  the  expecta- 
tions of  the  people  of  England  were  high,  and  that  he  feared  they  would 
be  greatly  disappointed,  the  Duke  said,  he  was  aware  that  he  stood  in 
no  enviable  situation.  After  this  conversation,  which  lasted  a  consider- 
able time.  General  Macaulay  and  I  withdrew,  and  took  a  walk  along 
the  Corso  ;  and  sitting  down  on  the  grass,  at  the  ramparts,  we  consulted 
upon  the  present  shape  of  this  important  business.  It  seems  scarcely 
prudent  to  push  the  measure  of  piracy  much  farther  at  present ;  there 
being  no  hope  that  France  would  agree  to  it,  or  that  the  other  Powers 
would  go  so  far  as  to  separate  themselves  from  her  upon  this  question. 
The  people  of  England  are,  however,  competent  to  have  the  question, 
as  it  regards  their  own  country,  moved  in  Parliament. 

We  took  a  walk  in  the  evening,  crossed  the  bridge,  and  went  in  a 
northerly  direction,  ascending  the  hill  by  the  old  wall  and  fortifications, 
"which  extend  for  miles.  We  saw  a  magnificent  sunset.  Verona,  with 
ithe  windings  of  the  Adige  at  our  feet,  and  an  immense  plain,  with  the 
Appenines  in  the  distant  horizon.  The  moon,  now  five  days  old,  was 
in  a  fine  crescent,  in  the  south-west.  My  heart  was  sad,  in  reflecting 
upon  the  hopeless  state  of  darkness  and  ignorance,  into  which  this  fine 
country  is  plunged. 

General  Macaulay  came  in  to  say,  that  he  was  ordered  to  leave  Verona 
to-morrow,  having  been  sent  for  to  the  Police,  and  his  permission  to 
stay  withdrawn.  I  advised  him  to  lose  no  time  in  seeing  the  Duke  of 
Wellington  upon  this  extraordinary  procedure. 

After  he  was  gone,  I  read  several  chapters  in  the  Gospel  of  John,  to 
my  nephew  Daniel  and  Narolsky,  and  my  mind  was  comforted.  We 
had  a  little  pause  afterwards. 

Tenth  Month  2\st. — General  Macaulay  called,  and  staid  a  good  while ; 
the  Duke  has  settled  his  business  about  the  police. 

22nd. — My  mind  very  low  in  the  night ;  I  long  to  be  gone,  and  yet 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


69 


do  not  feel  released.  General  Macaulay  says  that  a  poor  man,  named 
Tartaro,  was  put  into  confinement  last  Third  Month,  and  he  believes  is 
now  in  a  dungeon,  at  Naples,  for  circulating  the  Holy  Scriptures  ;  that 
in  that  country,  a  gentleman  who  was  travelling,  and  known  to  General 
Macaulay,  was  seized,  put  in  prison,  and  kept  there  twenty  days,  but 
could  never  learn  for  what  reason  ;  and  even  the  ambassador  of  his 
country  (the  Netherlands),  could  obtain  no  information.  The  gentle- 
man was  at  length  ordered  out  of  the  country. 

I  was  surprised  to  find  that  the  protestant  reformed  clergy,  at  Lau- 
sanne, are  so  intolerant  that  they  have  put  a  stop  to  meetings  for  even- 
ing prayer,  both  there  and  at  Vevay,  and  have  banished  a  lady,  named 
Greaves,  to  Geneva,  for  having  such  meetings  at  her  house.  She  is 
under  the  surveillance  of  the  Police ;  but  at  Geneva,  they  are  not  so 
illiberal  as  at  Lausanne.  On  the  other  hand,  however,  I  heard  some 
cheering  news,  which  is  that  the  Bible  is  printing  at  Leghorn,  without 
note  or  comment,  from  the  text  of  Martini. 

23rd. — I  was  again  very  low  in  the  night,  but  I  endeavoured  to  stay 
my  mind  upon  God,  and  was  favoured  to  feel  something  of  the  presence 
of  the  Comforter.  I  felt  much  for  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  and  my 
prayers  were  put  up  for  him.  I  walked  out  after  breakfast,  and  sought 
a  solitary  place  where  I  could  pour  out  my  heart  to  the  Lord  ;  I  was 
humbled  and  contrited,  and  had  reason  to  believe  that  my  gracious  Mas- 
ter was  not  afar  off.  I  visited,  in  spirit,  my  dear  children  and  the 
Friends  in  our  meeting  of  Gracechurch  Street,  now  held  at  Devonshire 
House.  I  prayed  to  be  rightly  directed,  and  that,  if  consistent  with  the 
divine  will,  way  might  open  for  ray  release  from  this  place. 

After  dinner,  as  I  was  going  up  to  Sir  James  Wylie's,  I  thought  I  heard 
some  person,  pretty  near,  call  '  Allen,'  but  thinking  it  unlikely  that  any 
one  should  know  me,  I  walked  on  ;  it  was,  however,  repeated,  and 
turning  round,  I  saw  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  dressed  quite  as  a  private 
gentleman.  He  spoke  to  me  very  kindly,  and  made  me  walk  with  him 
some  distance  towards  the  Corso.  I  told  him  of  my  desire  to  see 
the  French  minister,  and  he  very  kindly  offered  me  an  introduction, 
desiring  me  to  call  for  it  at  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.  This  cheered 
me  a  little,  and  I  could  but  consider  it  as  providential.  Took  a  walk 
in  the  evening ;  the  moon  was  very  brilliant,  and  was  beautifully 
reflected,  in  silver  flashes,  from  the  rapid  current  of  the  Adige,  as  we 
crossed  the  bridge.  General  Macaulay  spent  most  of  the  evening  with 
us;  he  will,  I  think,  be  very  useful  in  distributing  the  Italian  Scripture 
Lessons. 

Sir  James  Wylie  came  in  to  say,  that  the  Emperor  of  Russia  would 
see  me  at  seven  o'clock  to-morrow  evening. 

Tenth  Month  24</;. — I  called,  by  appointment,  on  the  Duke  of 
Wellington,  who  was  very  kind,  said  he  had  spoken  to  the  Count  de 


70 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


Montmorenci  about  me  last  evening,  and  gave  me  a  letter' of  introduc- 
tion to  him  ;  I  accordingly  called  about  two  o'clock.  Our  conversation 
was  first,  respecting  hospitals,  schools,  prisons,  &c.  I  find  that  he  is 
one  of  the  prison  discipline  committee,  at  Paris,  and  he  offered  to  give 
me  an  order  to  see  the  prisons,  when  I  should  go  there.  We  came 
then  to  the  main  matter,  the  Slave  Trade,  and  the  part  that  France  takes 
in  this  horrible  business.  He  had  little  to  say  in  justification,  but  can- 
didly acknowledged  that  something  further  was  wanted.  I  then  went 
more  fully  into  the  subject ;  the  Count  looked  very  grave,  and  seemed 
to  feel  what  was  said.  I  presented  him  with  Benezet's  observations, 
explanatory  of  our  principles,  and  some  other  tracts.  His  reception  of 
me  was  altogether  very  affable  and  cordial,  and,  on  taking  leave,  his 
expressions  of  regard  appeared  to  be  not  merely  complimentary.  I  was 
thankful  in  having  this  opportunity  to  express  what  had  rested  on  my 
mind. 

In  the  afternoon,  I  was  met  by  Sir  J.  Wylie,  who  was  coming  to  say 
that  the  Emperor  was  prevented  from  seeing  me  to-night  by  business 
with  Prince  Metternich,  but  requested  me  to  come  the  day  after  to- 
morrow at  the  same  hour.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Count  Montmorenci, 
quoting  in  it  several  parls  of  the  admirable  paper  on  piracy. 

Tenth  Month  25th. — This  detention  here  requires  the  exercise  great 
patience,  and  ray  little  stock  of  fahh  is  sometimes  put  to  a  severe  trial. 
I  had  a  strengthening  time  in  prayer  this  morning ;  my  petitions  were 
put  up  for  guidance  and  direction.  I  have  surrendered  myself  and  all 
that  I  have  into  the  Lord's  hand.  O,  that  he  may  condescend  to  lead  me ! 

 Went  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  and  had  a  very  satisfactory 

audience.  The  Duke  said  that  he  had  received  instructions  to  urge  the 
matter  of  piracy,  and  he  should  certainly  do  so.  It  seems  that  the  dis- 
cussions on  this  important  subject  are  going  on  at  considerable  length. 
He  encourages  me  to  go  to  him  whenever  I  wish  it.  Called  on  Sir 
James  Wylie.  Some  of  the  spring  water,  used  by  the  Emperor,  was 
brought  in  for  Sir  James  to  examine,  and  he  immediately  enlisted  me 
in  the  service.  We  went  over  to  an  apothecary's,  where  I  found  more 
of  the  requisite  tests  than  I  expected  ;  the  water  seems  very  pure. 

In  the  evening,  according  to  appointment,  I  waited  on  the  Emperor ; 
he  received  me  in  the  most  cordial  manner,  and  made  me  sit  down  by 
him,  at  a  long  table,  placed  in  the  middle  of  the  room.  He  began  by 
asking  me  about  my  journey,  &c.  I  told  him  of  my  having  seen  the 
Crown  Prince  of  Bavaria,  and  my  motives  for  it,  which  he  approved, 
remarking  more  than  once,  that  he  had  a  good  heart.  I  mentioned  my 
concern  on  finding  that  the  pious  people  at  Munich,  who  had  assembled 
for  the  purpose  of  prayer  and  divine  worship,  were  forbidden  to  meet 
in  greater  numbers  than  five  beside  the  family.  He  said  it  did  look 
rather  severe,  but  that  they  had  some  reason  for  it ;  that  Lindell  had 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


71 


acted  imprudently,  and  gone  too  far,  attempting  to  alter  (heir  form  of 
religion,  &c.  I  expressed  my  regret  at  that  general  disposition  which 
appeared,  at  present,  among  the  continental  powers,  to  check  inquiry, 
and  told  the  Emperor  of  the  instance  given  by  General  Macaulay,  of  a 
poor  man  confined  in  a  dungeon  at  Naples  for  circulating  the  Bible. 
He  seemed  struck  with  this,  and  I  believe  will  inquire  into  it;  he  asked 
me  if  I  had  spoken  of  it  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington :  I  told  him  no, 
for  the  person  not  being  a  British  subject,  I  did  not  suppose  that  the 
Duke  would  feel  authorized  to  interfere.  I  adverted  also  to  the  efforts 
to  put  down  the  schools  in  France,  but  the  Emperor  said  that  the  con- 
ductors of  them  had,  in  many  places,  been  introducing  dangerous  les- 
sons. We  had  some  farther  conversation  about  the  Slave  Trade,  and  I 
read  to  him  the  copy  of  my  letter  to  the  French  Minister  ;  he  seemed 
pleased  with  it,  and  said  he  had  given  his  plenipotentiary  the  fullest 
instructions,  and  that  he  was  quite  with  us.  We  talked  freely  and 
pleasantly  on  several  other  subjects,  and  among  the  rest,  on  my  plans 
for  colonies  at  home.  I  showed  him  how  easily  they  might  be  estab- 
lished in  the  Crimea,  and  that  the  saleable  products  might  be  in  oil,  silk, 
&c. ;  he  considered  the  subject  as  of  great  importance,  and  seemed 
quite  willing  to  adopt  it  as  soon  as  we  could  find  suitable  agents  to  carry 
it  into  effect.  Seeing  the  way  open,  I  ventured  to  relieve  my  mind  with 
regard  to  two  subjects,  w4iich  had  oppressed  me  very  much  when  travel- 
ling through  Russia  ;  the  first  was,  the  general,  and  almost  universal, 
use  of  brandy  among  the  poor ;  and  the  second,  the  corruption  through- 
out all  the  departments  of  government,  arising  from  the  insufficiency  of 
the  amount  of  salaries. 

With  respect  to  the  first,  he  said  it  was  a  subject  very  near  his  heart; 
that  he  was  doing  all  in  his  power  to  diminish  the  evil,  and  had  already 
succeeded  to  a  very  considerable  extent,  and  that  he  had  put  down  a  great 
number  of  the  shops  where  brandy  was  sold  ;  he  quite  relieved  me  on 
this  point.  With  regard  to  the  other,  he  looked  very  grave,  considering 
it,  as  indeed  it  is,  a  point  of  great  difficulty.  He  says  that  the  sums 
which  would  be  required  to  make  the  salaries  what  they  ought  to  be, 
would  be  so  enormous,  that  he  does  not  know  how  they  could  be  raised  ; 
he,  however,  hoped  to  do  it  by  degrees,  and  for  this  purpose  he  is  making 
retrenchments  in  different  departments.  Our  conversation  upon  religious 
matters  was  very  satisfactory.  He  again  adverted  to  some  of  the  temp- 
tations he  had  to  struggle  with,  and  how  he  had  been  so  far  favoured 
to  resist,  but  he  felt  himself  so  weak  that  he  could  not  look  far  before 
him  ;  he  could  only  pray  and  struggle  to  get  through  the  present  day ; 
'  and  in  this  way,'  said  he,  '  I  have  so  far  got  on.'  He  hinted  at  trials 
and  temptations  in  this  place,  'but,'  said  he,  'since  my  interview  with 
you,  I  have  felt  strengthened  ;  God  has  heard  your  prayers  ;  continue  to 
pray  for  me.'  He  asked  me  how  long  I  thought  I  should  stay,  saying  that 


72 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


if  I  remained  a  few  days  he  should  like  to  have  a  parting  opportunity. 
My  mind  was  covered  with  a  precious  degree  of  divine  sweetness  from 
the  source  of  never-failing  help,  and  we  parted  in  much  affection. 
During  this  interview,  I  showed  the  Emperor  my  certificate  ;  we  were 
more  than  an  hour  and  a  half  together.  I  then  went  over  and  sat 
some  time  with  Sir  J.  Wylie. 

Tenth  Month  21th  First-day.  General  Macaulay  came  in  and  re- 
mained with  us  while  we  read  our  chapter ;  he  called  again  in  the 
evening;  also  E.  Reed.  We  read  some  time  in  the  Bible,  and  this, 
with  serious  conversation,  occupied  great  part  of  the  evening.  My 
mind  was  stayed  and  comforted  with  a  little  feeling  of  the  Lord's  good- 
ness. 

28th. — General  Macaulay  and  I  had  a  long  conference  with  the  Duke 
of  Wellington  ;  he  read  to  us  the  despatches  which  he  is  about  to  send 
off  to  Ministers  in  London.  I  believe  he  has  a  very  difficult  part  to 
act  with  regard  to  France,  but  that  he  is  sincerely  with  us  in  wishing 
for  a  final  and  an  immediate  abolition. 

29th. — In  a  solitary  walk  my  mind  was  turned  to  the  Lord  with 
prayers  for  guidance  and  direction. 

30//i. — I  lay  awake  a  good  deal,  and  my  Divine  Master  was  pleased 
to  grant  me  a  sense  of  sweet  peace,  and  a  distinct  liberation  from  this 
scene  of  labour.  It  appeared  clear  to  me  that  I  must  call  on  the  Duke 
of  Wellington,  this  morning,  and  take  leave,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
offer  a  hint  or  two.  I  left  a  note  for  the  Crown  Prince  of  Sweden  at 
his  inn,  then  waited  on  the  Duke,  and  had  a  most  satisfactory  interview. 
I  told  him  that,  as  General  Macaulay  was  here,  and  well  acquainted 
with  the  business  relative  to  the  Slave  Trade,  I  did  not  see  that  it  was 
necessary  for  me  to  remain  longer,  and  I  expressed  my  gratitude  to  him 
for  the  kindness  and  attention  he  had  shown  me  since  my  coming  here.  I 
mentioned  to  him  that  there  were  several  objects  on  my  way  home,  which 
it  appeared  my  duty  to  attend  to,  and  among  the  rest,  to  procure  some 
information  respecting  the  Waldenses,  in  the  valley  of  Piedmont,  near 
Turin.  He  behaved  in  the  kindest  manner,  wishing  me  to  do  what 
appeared  to  me  best ;  and,  with  regard  to  the  Waldenses,  he  said  that 
Canning  had  written  to  him  on  the  subject,  and  it  would  come  before 
Congress;  that  he  would  give  me  a  letter  to  the  British  Minister,  at 
Turin,  the  Hon.  W.  Hill;  and  that  if  I  procured  any  information  which 
I  thought  worth  while  to  communicate,  I  might  send  it  to  him ;  thus 
way  opened  marvellously.  I  expressed  my  joy  that  the  matter  was  in 
his  hands.  I  then  stated  the  strong  impression  which  had  been  upon 
my  mind,  that  it  was  the  object  and  end  of  some  of  the  Powers  in  Con- 
gress, (having  Austria,  the  King  of  Sardinia,  and  the  King  of  the  two 
Sicilies  in  view,)  to  put  down  all  inquiry  as  dangerous — that,  under  the 
pretext  of  secret  societies,  and  the  spread  of  revolutionary  principles, 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


73 


they  sought  to  check  (he  circulation  of  the  Scriptures,  to  suppress  the 
education  of  the  poor,  and  were  doing  all  in  their  power,  by  shacT<ling 
the  press  and  stopping  out  the  liglit,  to  bring  the  dark  ages  once  more 
over  Europe. 

I  related  the  circumstance  of  the  gentleman  who  had  been  imprisoned 
twenty  days,  at  Naples,  without  being  able  to  learn  the  cause  of  it.  The 
Duke  said,  he  would  inquire  into  it,  and  reprobated  the  narrow-minded 
policy  which  I  had  adverted  to,  saying,  that  in  fact  they  injured  them- 
selves by  it.  I  was  comforted  by  hearing  one  sentiment  which  he  ex- 
pressed. '  We  are  here,'  said  he,  '  to  prevent  the  great  Powers  from 
oppressing  the  lesser— prevent  interference.^  I  expressed  the  satis- 
faction it  gave  me  to  hear  it,  remarking  to  him,  that  as  they  had  not 
interfered  to  save  the  poor  Greeks  from  the  Turks,  upon  the  same 
principle,  they  ought  not  to  interfere  with  Spain  ;  in  this  he  cordially 
united.  In  taking  leave,  I  again  thanked  him,  and  said,  'May  the 
Lord  bless  thy  endeavours  to  preserve  the  peace  of  Europe.'  We  then 
parted,  I  trust,  with  mutual  feelings  of  respect.  Soon  after  my  return 
to  the  inn,  he  sent  me  the  introductory  letter,  which  he  had  promised, 
to  the  British  Minister  at  Turin." 

During  William  Allen's  stay  at  Verona,  the  Duke  of  Wellington 
invited  him  to  dinner,  in  order  to  meet  some  of  the  influential  characters, 
then  assembled  for  the  Congress.  The  kindness  of  the  proposal  was 
gratefully  acknowledged,  but  W.  A.  begged  to  decline  the  invitation, 
observing,  that  he  was  only  a  humble  individual,  and  did  not  wish  to 
come  forward,  except  where  he  had  a  duly  to  perform  ;  and  though  he 
felt  particularly  obliged  for  the  kind  permission  granted  him,  to  wait 
upon  the  Duke  whenever  it  appeared  desirable,  yet,  on  this  occasion, 
he  believed  he  should  be  more  in  his  place  to  remain  rather  in  the 
shade.  The  apology  was  well  received,  and  the  Duke  confessed  that 
he  might  be  right.  In  writing  to  his  daughter,  W.  Allen  says,  in  refer- 
ence to  the  Duke — 

"  I  have  been  with  him  several  times,  both  at  Vienna  and  Verona, 
and  he  has  uniformly  treated  me  with  great  kindness  and  attention;  in- 
deed, I  think  that  every  where,  and  almost  with  every  body,  a  place 
has  been  given  me,  and,  as  Thomas  Story  said,  <I  have  left  the  door 
wide  open  after  me,  for  whoever  may  come  next.' " 

"  I  went  to  call  on  Sir  James  Wylie,  and  told  him  I  had  taken  leave 
of  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  and  now  only  waited  the  Emperor's  plea- 
sure, if  he  wished  to  see  me  again.  Examined  the  water  of  the  Adige, 
with  Sir  James ;  it  is  surprisingly  pure,  containing  only  a  slight  trace 
of  sulphuric  acid,  but  no  muriatic  salts. 

Received  a  note  from  Oscar,  the  Crown  Prince  of  Sweden,  to  say  he 
should  be  glad  to  see  me  at  six  o'clock;  before  I  went  to  hira.  Sir 
James  Wylie  came  in,  to  say  that  the  Emperor  had  fixed  to  see  me  at 


74 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


seven  o'clock  to-morrow  evening.  Thus  all  my  business  here  is  wind- 
ing up,  and  my  heart  is  filled  with  thankfulness  to  my  great  and  good 
Master. 

At  the  time  appointed,  I  went  to  the  Prince.  He  is  a  fine  young 
man,  and  received  me  in  a  very  kind  and  sociable  manner ;  he  seems 
to  be  aware  of  my  object  in  travelling.  His  chasseur  recognized  me  as 
having  been  at  Rosenthal,  with  S.  Grellet.  We  conversed  about  the 
Slave  Trade,  Prisons,  and  other  subjects,  and  I  gave  him  Friends'  Ad- 
dress to  the  inhabitants  of  Europe,  Pensees,  &c.  We  had  some  con- 
versation about  colonies  at  home,  particularly  as  applicable  to  Norway, 
and  I  am  to  send  him  my  project  through  the  Swedish  Ambassador,  in 
London,  when  it  is  perfected  ;  he  seems  heartily  with  us  in  good  things. 
This  interview  was  like  opening  the  door  afresh  ;  he  is  the  pupil  of 
Berzelius.  After  this  satisfactory  visit,  the  evening  being  fine,  and 
bright  moonlight,  I  went  over  the  bridge,  and  out  at  the  gate  that  leads 
to  our  favourite  walk.  The  shadows  on  the  ruins  of  the  old  walls, 
and  on  the  round  towers,  were  very  fine. 

Tenth  Month  31s^. — I  went  to  the  police  to  see  after  the  passport, 
and  was  detained  a  good  while  ;  they  had  just  been  remarking  that  it 
was  not  vised  by  our  Minister,  when  the  Duke  of  Wellington  and  Prince 
Metternich  came  in  ;  the  Duke  was  very  friendly  and  kind,  and  signed 
it  himself.  There  was  a  great  bustle  in  Verona  this  afternoon,  by  the 
arrival  of  the  King  of  Sardinia. 

In  the  evening  I  went  to  Sir  James  Wylie's  ;  he  sent  over  to  let  the 
Emperor  know  I  was  come,  and  soon  afterwards  I  was  sent  for.  The 
dear  Emperor  received  me  most  cordially,  and  again  asked  me  to  take 
tea  with  him  ;  his  little  hand  bell  has  a  watch  attached  to  it;  when  tea 
was  brought  in  he  remembered  that  I  did  not  take  sugar.  We  now 
had  some  most  interesting  conversation  in  perfect  confidence.  I  find 
that  on  the  subject  of  the  Slave  Trade,  the  Emperor  of  Austria  and  the 
King  of  Prussia  are  with  us,  but  their  ministers  are  cool,  and,  as  the 
Emperor  remarked,  the  French  ministers  would  not  fail  to  take  advan- 
tage of  that.  He  said  that  he  had  given  his  own  minister  most  positive 
orders  to  urge  the  business,  and  remarked,  that  if  all  stood  firm,  as  they 
ought  to  do,  he  did  not  see  why  they  should  not  carry  it,  intimating 
that  France  must  give  way. 

I  mentioned  the  subject  of  the  persecution  of  the  Waldenses,  the 
Duke  of  Wellington  having  informed  me  that  he  had  received  instruc- 
tions from  Canning,  to  remonstrate  with  the  King  of  Sardinia.  The 
Emperor  said  it  was  quite  new  to  him,  but  assured  me  that  he  would 
attend  to  it.  I  adverted  again  to  the  subject  of  liberty  of  conscience 
in  matters  of  religion,  which  we  had  discoursed  upon  in  our  last  inter- 
view, when  I  mentioned  the  case  of  the  pious  people  at  Munich.  He 
turned  to  a  French  Testament  on  the  table,  and  pointed  to  that  text  in 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


75 


I.  Corinthians,  chap,  xiv,  v.  33,  <  For  God  is  not  the  author  of  confu- 
sion, but  of  peace,'  &c.  He  still  seemed  to  think,  that  if  people  at- 
tacked the  religion  of  a  country,  the  magistrates  would  naturally  take 
the  matter  up.  I  felt  it  was  very  tender  ground,  but  that  it  was  my 
place  to  go  into  it  rather  at  length.  I  remarked  to  the  Emperor,  that 
when  we  opened  the  sacred  volume,  and  saw  what  the  christian  religion 
was,  as  described  there  in  its  primitive  purity,  we  must  be  sensible  how 
much  it  had  become  depraved  and  corrupted  in  subsequent  ages,  and 
if  it  were  to  be  held  unlawful  to  deviate  from  the  religion  of  the  state, 
it  would  be  impossible  for  the  church  to  rise  out  of  its  degraded  situa- 
tion, and  consequently  all  reform  would  be  prevented  ;  but  that  the 
Great  Head  of  his  church  might  raise  up  very  humble  instruments  to 
bear  testimony  to  the  truth,  in  its  primitive  purity,  and  therefore  great 
tenderness  should  always  be  shown  to.vards  those  who  appeared  to  be 
actuated  by  principle  in  dissenting  from  any  religion  established  by  law. 
The  Emperor  then  put  the  query  to  me,  how  we  should  act  in  our  So- 
ciety, if  any  of  our  members  attacked  our  principles,  or  deviated  from 
them?  I  told  him  this  was  coming  to  the  point,  and  that  such  things 
had  occurred  amongst  us ;  that,  in  the  first  place,  we  laboured  in  the 
spirit  of  love,  to  reclaim  such,  and  exercised  much  forbearance,  but 
that  if  they  continued  to  show  that  they  were  really  not  in  principle  with 
us,  we  disowned  them  as  members  of  our  Religious  Society.  We  got 
through  this  point  very  agreeably,  and  the  Emperor  seemed  satisfied. 
I  then  reverted  to  the  subject  upon  which  we  had  previously  been 
speaking,  viz.,  the  intolerant  system  at  present  prevailing  on  the  conti- 
nent— putting  down  schools  in  France — multiplying  restrictions,  &c., 
and  we  partly  went  over  some  of  the  same  ground  again.  I  said,  that 
while  I  abhorred  infidel  principles,  and  deplored  the  spreading  of  them, 
I  could  see  that  designing  men,  whose  object  was  to  keep  mankind  in 
ignorance,  and  try  to  stop  out  light,  were  making  an  excuse  of  these 
things  to  prevent  the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures,  and  the  establishment 
of  schools. 

I  expressed  a  hope,  that  he  would  excuse  me  if  I  endeavoured  to 
relieve  my  mind  of  what  I  had  for  some  time  past  felt  as  a  burden,  and 
that  he  would  permit  me  to  speak  to  him  freely.  He  said,  'Certainly ; 
I  not  only  respect  you,  but  I  love  you  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart.' 
I  then  told  him  how  anxious  I  felt  that  he  might  be  preserved  from 
committing  himself  with  others,  whose  views  and  principles  were  not 
so  pure  as  his  own ;  that  I  wished  him  to  keep  himself  as  independent 
as  possible,  for  that  others  would  be  glad  to  make  use  of  his  name  and 
character,  to  forward  their  views.  He  took  the  hint  exceedingly  well, 
but  said,  that  he  always  weighed  things  in  his  own  mind,  and  acted 
according  to  the  best  of  his  judgment.  I  encouraged  him  to  seek  after, 
and  wait  for  that  which  could  alone  rightly  direct  him,  stating,  that  the 


76 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


Lord  would  never  fail  those  whose  trust  and  dependence  were  wholly 
upon  Him.    The  above  is  only  a  small  part  of  what  passed  between 
us;  a  precious  feeling  accompanied  us  throughout,  and  at  length  con- 
versation ceased  ;  the  Emperor  proposed  our  praying  together  ;  I  said, 
if  he  pleased  we  would  sit  in  silence,  when  he  replied  that  was  what 
he  wished.    We  then  had  a  precious  tender  time  of  silent  waiting  upon 
the  Lord,  and  were  favoured  with  a  sweet  holy  feeling:  at  length,  I 
felt  it  right  to  kneel  down  and  offer  up  thanksgiving,  and  to  supplicate 
for  continued  preservation.    The  Emperor  knelt  by  me.    The  power 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  accompanied  the  \vords.    We  remained  a  minute  or 
two  afterwards  on  our  knees,  and  then  resumed  our  seats.    I  saw 
there  was  something  farther  on  his  mind,  and  after  we  had  been  a  little 
time  silent,  he  said,  <  Now  I  want  you  to  tell  me  a  little  how  you  do  in 
silent  worship,  for  I  find,  that  without  some  words,  or  something  to  fix 
my  mind  upon,  I  am  apt  to  wander ;  I  find  it  difficult  to  fix  my 
thoughts, — how  is  it  with  you  ?'    I  told  him  that  was  the  very  thing 
which  I  often  had  to  struggle  with,  and  that  sometimes,  when  I  have 
been  enabled  to  keep  up  the  watch,  and  endeavoured  to  bring  back  ray 
thoughts,  when  they  had  wandered,  and  that  repeatedly,  for  an  hour 
together,  without  feeling  much,  if  any,  divine  consolation  at  the  time, 
I  have  afterwards  been  comforted,  and  given  to  believe  that  this  effort, 
and  mental  struggle,  has  been  acceptable  in  the  divine  sight.    That  in 
our  silent  approaches,  we  should,  in  great  simplicity,  pour  out  our 
souls  to  our  Father,  Avho  sees  in  secret,  and  patiently  wait  for  what  he 
may  be  pleased  to  administer ;  and  we  should  not  be  discouraged  if 
the  times  of  refreshing  did  not  always  come  when  we  desired  them 
most.    We  had  much  more  conversation  of  this  kind,  with  which  the 
Emperor  expressed  himself  much  gratified,  saying,  <  This  is  just  what 
I  wanted.''    We  spoke  also  of  the  necessity  of  mental  prayer,  and  how 
it  might  be  performed  even  when  we  were  in  the  discharge  of  our  out- 
ward duties.    He  said,  that  it  was  his  constant  practice,  and  he  did 
not  know  what  he  should  do  without  it.    He  pointed  to  a  great  pile  of 
papers,  which,  notwithstanding  the  interruptions  he  has  here,  must  be 
got  through.    He  talked  to  me  about  Daniel  Wheeler,  and  said,  that 
he  was  much  satisfied  with  him  ;  that  he  went  to  see  him  sometimes, 
but  that  his  occupations  would  not  allow  him  to  do  it  so  often  as  he 
wished.    It  was  now  between  nine  and  ten  o'clock,  but  we  seemed 
loth  to  part.    When  I  rose,  he  embraced  and  kissed  me  three  times, 
saying,  '  Remember  me  to  your  family, — I  should  like  to  know  them. 
Ah!'  said  he,  'when  and  where  shall  we  meet  again!' 

Thus  ended  this  remarkable  interview ;  I  believe  we  shall  both,  as 
long  as  we  live,  recur  with  comfort  to  the  feelings  with  which  we  were 
favoured  in  it. 

On  leaving  the  palace,  I  went  over  to  Sir  J.  Wylle's  lodgings ;  he 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


77 


regretted  my  going  very  much,  and  accompanied  me  to  tlie  inn,  where 
he  was  a  good  deal  affected  on  taking  leave. 

My  work  at  Verona  seems  now  done,  except  seeing  General 
Macaiilay  once  more.  I  wrote  a  note  to  him  to  be  shown  to  the  Duke 
of  Wellington,  stating  that  if  there  was  any  coolness  in  Austria  and 
Prussia  on  the  Slave  Trade  question,  it  lay  not  with  the  Emperor  of 
Austria,  or  the  King  of  Prussia,  but  with  their  ministers." 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1822. — Departure  from  Verona — Turin — Visit  to  the  Waldenses — Letter  to  the  Emperor  of 
Russia — Journey  to  Geneva — Sundry  engagements  there  and  at  Lausanne,  Vevay,  Fri- 
bourg,  Berne,  Zurich,  St.  Gallen,  Tubingen,  Stuttgard,  Bergzabern,  and  Strasburg — Visit 
to  Pastor  Oberlin — Journey  to  Paris — Return  Home. 

"  Eleventh  Month  Isf,  1822. — Started  from  Verona,  after  an  early 
interview  with  General  Macaulay;  I  was  glad  to  get  away,  but  if  the 
General  had  not  come  as  he  did,  I  must  have  remained. 

As  we  approach  the  Lago  di  Garda,  the  views  are  very  fine;  the 
water  in  places  is  a  beautiful  sky  blue,  and  the  meadows  as  we  pass 
along  are  luxuriant  in  consequence  of  the  system  of  irrigation.  We 
lodged  at  Brescia,  a  very  large  place,  containing  forty  thousand  inha- 
bitants ;  took  a  walk  in  the  evening  ;  it  really  makes  one's  heart  ache 
to  see  the  state  of  these  countries;  the  people  are  allowed  to  indulge 
in  all  sorts  of  dissipation  ;  there  are  plays,  spectacles,  &c.,  on  the  first 
day  of  the  week,  and  indeed  the  opera  is  better  served  on  that  evening 
than  on  any  other ;  absolution  is  readily  procurable  for  sins,  and 
penance  may  be  compounded  for  by  money.  Thus  the  priests  nurse 
the  people  in  their  sins,  and  at  the  same  time  labour  to  keep  them  in 
ignorance,  and  to  shut  out  all  light  and  knowledge  from  them. 

2nd. — In  order  to  ascertain  our  rate  of  travelling,  I  made  Narolsky 
tie  a  piece  of  paper  on  one  of  the  spokes  of  the  hind  wheel  on  my  side  ; 
I  then  measured  the  circumference  of  the  wheel  with  a  string,  and  on 
calculating  how  many  revolutions  it  makes  in  a  minute,  find  that  the 
average  is  from  six  and  a  half  to  nearly  eight  miles  an  hour. 

3.  d. — My  mind  was  contrited  as  I  rode  along ;  I  read  the  last  chap- 
ter of  Revelations,  <  And  he  showed  me  a  pure  river  of  water  of  life,' 
&c.  The  leaves  of  the  tree  of  life  were  for  the  healing  of  the  nations. 
Alas!  how  much  wanted  in  these  countries;  I  compared  the  tree  of 
life  to  the  christian  dispensation,  and  the  pure  river,  to  the  divine 
influence. 

At  Buffalora,  the  last  post  in  Austrian  Italy,  we  passed  the  Ticino 
over  a  wooden  bridge,  and  entered  the  territories  of  the  King  of  Sar- 
dinia.   We  were  soon  in  a  country  altogether  different  from  that  at  the 


78 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


other  side  of  BufTalora  ;  there  are  no  vines,  but  marshes  and  willows. 
Novara,  the  first  post,  is  a  disagreeable  populous  place  ;  this  is  a  dull, 
rfu// country,  indeed!    Lodged  at  Vercelli.    I  am  heavy-hearted. 

Eleventh  Month  4.th. — There  are  eighteen  thousand  inhabitants  here, 
but  no  schools  for  the  poor;  the  poor  children  cannot  read,  so  they  must 
be  brought  up  in  a  state  of  semi-barbarism.  O,  what  a  dark  country 
this  is  !  I  feel  exceedingly  low  and  poor,  and  discouraged.  We  started 
about  seven. 

My  mind  has  been  deeply  impressed,  with  considerations  on  the 
transitory  nature  of  all  things  here  below,  and  the  approach  of  the  final 
close,  and  earnestly  have  I  desired  to  seek  after  a  still  deeper  interest  in 
the  Saviour.  Lord  Jesus  !  thy  poor  tried  servant  has  none  to  trust  to 
but  thee ! 

To-day  we  have  again  come  to  vineyards,  for  the  first  time  in  Sar- 
dinia. The  country  is  improving  ;  we  reached  Turin  before  three 
o'clock,  and  are  very  comfortably  accommodated  at  the  Hotel  de  Lon- 
dres.  I  called  to  deliver  my  letter  to  the  British  minister,  William  Hill, 
but  he  was  out ;  I  afterwards  saw  his  secretary,  who  said  he  had  much 
company,  and  he  was  not  sure  whether  he  could  be  seen  that  evening, 
and  to-morrow  he  was  going  out  shooting.  I  came  back  to  the  inn, 
wrote  a  note  enclosing  the  Duke  of  Wellington's  letter,  and  begging 
only  five  minutes  this  evening  ;  I  took  it  myself,  but  he  was  not  returned. 
About  six  o'clock,  however,  he  sent  an  answer,  saying  he  had  no  time 
this  evening  till  after  ten  o'clock.  I  then  wrote,  begging  him  to  fix  a 
time  to-morrow,  but  the  answer  was,  that  he  could  see  nobody  till  the 
day  after  to-morrow,  except  I  could  call  after  ten  this  evening,  to  which 
I  assented,  being  unwilling  to  lose  time.  I  spent  the  evening  in  ray 
chamber  alone,  under  no  small  discouragement ;  my  prayers  were  put 
up  for  support  and  assistance  to  the  only  Source  of  saving  help. 

About  ten  o'clock,  I  took  Narolsky  with  me,  and  went  back  to  the 
British  minister's.  He  resides  in  the  house  which  belonged  to  Prince 
Carignan,  and  was  confiscated  last  year,  on  account  of  the  attempt  at 
revolution.  It  appeared,  by  two  or  three  hats,  that  all  the  company 
was  not  gone  ;  I  sent  in  my  card,  and  in  about  five  minutes  the  minister 
came  to  me.  He  is  a  man  of  very  pleasing  manners,  and  I  instantly 
perceived  that  way  was  made  for  me  with  him.  He  said,  that  with 
regard  to  the  Vaudois,  he  had  obtained  much  information,  and  had 
written  his  despatches  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  and  he  wished  that 
I  had  been  then  going  to  Verona,  instead  of  returning  from  it.  He 
informed  me,  that  he  had  received  instructions  from  G.  Canning,  to 
report  to  the  Duke  the  actual  state  of  the  Waldenses  ;  said  he  was  very 
glad  I  was  come,  and  encouraged  me  to  go  to  the  valleys,  observing 
that  he  had  never  had  time  to  visit  them  himself.  He  invited  me  to 
dine  with  him  to-morrow,  but  I  excused  myself.    He  says  he  has  made 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


79 


an  engagement  to  go  out  the  fore  part  of  the  day,  but  on  fourth  day, 
at  twelve  o'clock,  he  wished  to  see  me.  He  said  Lord  Carnarvon  was 
in  the  next  room,  and  wished  to  introduce  rae  to  him,  but  I  begged  to 
be  excused.  It  was  then  agreed  that  his  secretary  should  introduce  me, 
to-morrow,  to  one  of  the  Waldenses.  We  had  much  talk  in  a  few 
minutes,  and  my  mind  was  completely  relieved.  These  poor  people 
have  been  used  very  hardly  by  the  present  king ;  they  were  protected 
under  Bonaparte's  government.  I  returned  to  my  inn,  thankful  that 
way  is  beginning  to  open. 

Eleventh  Month  5th  A  fine  morning.    Went  to  the  post-office,  and 

found  a  letter  from  dear  Robert  Forster,  expressive  of  much  affection 
and  near  sympathy.  I  then  went  to  the  secretary,  and  had  much  con- 
versation with  him  about  the  Vaudois.  I  find  they  amount  to  eighteen 
or  nineteen  thousand  ;  there  are  thirteen  parishes.  The  secretary  is  a 
German  Lutheran,  and  he  speaks  English  very  well.  He  went  with 
me  to  the  bankers,  Freres  Aubert,  Fils  &  Co.,  and  one  of  them  gave 
me  a  letter  of  introduction  to  Paul  Bert,  Pasteur,  La  Tour.  I  quite 
conclude  to  go  to  Pignerol,  to-morrow,  and  get  on  from  thence,  as  well 
as  I  can,  to  La  Tour. 

In  the  evening,  I  felt  low,  and  read  in  the  Bible  in  my  chamber 
alone  ;  I  opened  upon  the  27lh  Psalm,  which  comforted  me. 

Eleventh  Month  6th. — I  lay  awake  a  good  deal  in  the  night,  and  was 
much  engaged  in  prayer.  O,  how  I  long  for  more  of  the  divine 
unction  !    I  feel  that  I  am  nothing  of  myself. 

Daniel  and  I  left  Turin  for  Pignerol,  a  little  before  eight,  and  arrived 
between  eleven  and  twelve.  Scarcely  any  of  the  Waldenses  live  here, 
and  we  then  proceeded  to  La  Torre,  or  La  Tour.  We  had  charming 
prospects, — vineyards,  meadows,  and  the  magnificent  Alps,  reflecting 
the  sunbeams  from  their  snowy  tops,  the  high  conical  point  of  Mount 
Viso  towers  above  all  the  rest.  About  two  o'clock,  we  entered  the 
town  of  La  Tour.  I  went  with  my  letter  to  Paul  Bert,  Pasteur,  and 
had  a  cordial  reception  from  him  and  his  wife  ;  she  seems  a  very  agree- 
able woman. 

Ith — As  I  lay  awake  early  in  the  night,  I  longed  that  way  might 
open  for  some  religious  communication  with  these  poor  people.  The 
Pastor  informed  me  last  evening,  that  he  had  appointed  to  meet  some 
of  the  peasants  this  morning,  and  I  engaged  to  breakfast  with  him,  and 
accompany  him." 

The  desire  thus  expressed,  was  accomplished  to  the  relief  of  William 
Allen's  mind,  and  he  also  visited  several  of  them  in  their  houses.  In 
describing  their  circumstances,  and  mode  of  living,  he  says — 

"  I  called  upon  a  widow,  whose  occupation  was  that  of  weaving 
coarse  linen  cloth  ;  the  loom  occupied  almost  half  of  her  habitation, 
and  in  one  corner  was  something  which  had  the  appearance  of  a  bed ; 


80 


LIFE  AND  CORHESPONDENCE 


1822. 


the  apartment  was  very  gloomy,  the  principal  light  coming  in  at  the 
door,  and  I  found,  that  by  all  her  exertions,  she  could  only  earn  a  sum 
equal  to  about  twopence  or  threepence  per  day.  We  went  up  the  hills, 
to  visit  one  or  two  of  the  elders  of  the  congregation  :  they  live  in  a 
very  homely  style,  and  when  we  entered,  were  at  supper  upon  boiled 
chestnuts  ;  they  received  us  very  hospitably,  and  we  sat  down  with  them, 
and  partook  of  their  humble  fare,  with  which  they  seemed  quite  contented. 
They  burn  an  oil,  which  they  obtain  by  pressing  walnuts,  and  their 
lamps  very  much  resemble,  in  shape,  those  used  by  the  Romans.  Though 
the  Elder  is  one  of  the  principal  men  among  them,  next  to  the  Pastor, 
the  only  access  to  his  upper  rooms  was  by  means  of  a  ladder.  The 
stable,  particularly  in  winter,  is  the  general  rendezvous  of  the  family, 
who  meet  there  in  the  evenings,  together  with  the  domestic  animals.  I 
saw  a  complete  specimen  of  this  :  two  or  three  cows  were  lying  down, 
a  woman  was  spinning,  and  the  rest  of  the  family  sitting  upon  a  litter, 
composed  of  the  leaves  of  trees,  and  of  Indian  corn.  Here,  in  the  long 
winter  evenings,  they  read  the  Scriptures,  and  books  of  piety,  and  also, 
especially  on  first  day,  sing  psalms.  In  this  stable  they  perform  all  the 
work  which  can  be  done  in  such  a  situation,  but  I  think  they  might  be 
taught  a  better  method.  In  the  countenances  of  many  of  these  poor 
people,  there  is  an  expression  of  innocence,  of  simplicity,  and  of  sweet- 
ness, wliich  forms  a  most  striking  contrast  to  that  of  their  Roman  Catho- 
lic neighbours,  in  whom  the  effects  of  ignorance  are  shown  in  the  very 
features." 

The  following  day,  William  Allen  returned  to  Turin,  and  says — ■ 
"  At  St.  Jean,  on  ray  way  here,  two  gentlemen  were  waiting  to  speak 
to  me  :  they  proved  to  be  the  Pastor  of  St.  Jean,  and  the  '  Procureur 
de  I'Eglise.'  I  felt  love  towards  them,  whilst  they  were  conversing 
with  me,  and  on  parting,  said,  as  I  held  the  minister  by  the  hand — 
<J'aime  tous  ceux  qui  aiment  notre  Seigneur  Jesus  Christ.'  He  was 
affected  to  tears,  and  Narolsky  said,  when  we  were  gone,  he  quite  wept. 
Pastor  Bert  left  with  me,  in  writing,  some  statements  relative  to  the 
situation  of  the  Vaudois.  J.  J.  Vertu  has  also  given  me  some  documents, 
and,  this  morning,  I  have  had  much  conversation  with  the  English  min- 
ister, on  subjects  connected  with  these  poor  people;  he  encourages  me 
to  write  to  Verona.  I  afterwards  called  on  the  brother  of  J.  J.  Vertu  ; 
he  has  a  nice  family,  and  his  eldest  son  is  a  tender  spirited,  fine  young 
man.  I  find  that  Dominic  Andre,  of  Paris,  is  known  to  them,  and  that 
they  can  make  a  good  use  of  the  Italian  Scripture  Lessons.  They 
invited  me  to  tea,  and  I  thought  it  best  to  go  ;  the  conversation  was 
turned  on  religious  subjects,  which  seemed  to  be  particularly  acceptable 
to  some  of  the  company.  Vertu's  wife  w■i^^hes  that  some  pious,  well- 
disposed  English  family,  would  go  and  reside  in  the  valleys  for  a  time. 
There  is,  indeed,  a  large  field  for  usefulness  there. 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


81 


It  lies  heavily  upon  my  inintl,  to  write  an  account  of  what  I  have 
seen  in  the  valley  of  La  Tour,  to  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  and  to  have 
the  substance  of  it  also  sent  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  but  time  presses. 

Eleventh  Month  9fh. — Rose  at  six;  as  I  lay  awake  in  the  night  my 
course  appeared  clear,  viz.,  in  the  first  place  to  write  to  the  Emperor  ; 
— in  the  next  place,  to  have  the  substance  of  my  journal  copied  out, 
and,  together  with  the  documents,  given  to  the  Britith  Minister  here, 
and  induce  him  to  write  to  the  Duke  ;  as  the  subject  is  of  so  much 
importance  to  the  poor  Waldenses,  not  an  hour  should  be  lost,  lest  the 
time  be  past  for  the  consideration  of  the  subject  in  Congress,  and  there- 
fore a  special  courier  should  be  sent.  This  being  settled  in  my  mind, 
I  immediately  began  a  letter  to  the  Emperor." 

As  William  Allen  was  permitted  to  be  the  instrument  of  procuring 
very  important  privileges  for  this  oppressed  and  interesting  people,  we 
insert  a  detailed  account  of  their  position  thus  given  in  the  letter  alluded 
to  :— 

"  Turin,  9th  nf  Eleventh  Munth,  {November,)  1822. 

"May  it  please  the  Emperor, 

"  I  now  avail  myself  of  the  privilege  thou  wert  pleased  to  grant  me, 
of  addressing  thee  by  letter,  when  anything  occurred  which  might  appear 
of  sufficient  importance  ;  and  I  beg  leave  to  do  it,  most  earnestly,  on 
behalf  of  eighteen  thousand  poor  Protestants,  called  Vaudois  or  Wal- 
denses, subjects  of  the  King  of  Sardinia,  who,  for  many  centuries  past, 
have  been  established  in  the  valleys  among  the  mountains,  about  thirty 
or  forty  English  miles  south-west  of  Turin,  and  not  far  from  Pignerol. 
The  Emperor  may  remember,  that,  when  I  was  at  Verona,  I  took  the 
liberty  to  solicit  his  attention  to  the  case  of  this  poor  persecuted  com- 
pany of  peasants,  who,  in  former  times,  have  been  massacred  and  pil- 
laged without  mercy,  and  yet  the  Lord  has  hitherto  prevented  their 
enemies  from  utterly  rooting  them  out.  They  have,  in  a  remarkable 
manner,  shown  themselves  good  and  loyal  subjects  of  the  governments 
which  have  been  placed  over  them,  notwithstanding  the  oppression 
which  they  have  suffered,  and  are  now  actually  suffering,  showing  an 
example  of  Christian  meekness  and  submission,  but  rarely  equalled.  So 
long  ago  as  about  the  year  1650,  their  sufferings  excited  the  sympathy 
of  the  English  government,  which  allowed  them  a  small  subsidy,  which 
subsidy  was  paid  up  to  the  time  of  the  French  Revolution,  when,  they 
being  admitted  to  equal  privileges  with  other  subjects,  it  was  no  longer 
needed.  The  Dutch  people  also  manifest  a  feeling  for  them,  by  allowing 
a  sum  of  money  for  the  support  of  a  teacher. 

On  my  arrival  at  Turin,  I  took  the  letter  of  introduction  which  the 
Duke  of  Wellington  was  so  kind  as  to  give  me,  to  the  British  Minister 
here,  the  Hon.  William  Hill,  who,  I  was  glad  to  find  zealously  engaged 
in  the  cause  of  these  poor  people,  and  who,  since  my  arrival,  has  for- 

VoL.  XL  6 


82 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822 


warded  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  the  hnportant  information  which  he 
has  procured  respecting  them. 

It  appeared  to  be  ray  duty  to  pay  a  visit  to  some  of  these  inhabitants 
of  the  valleys,  and  accordingly,  having  procured  a  letter  of  introduction 
to  Paul  Bert,  the  minister  or  pastor  of  the  valley  of  La  Tour,  I  set  off 
on  the  6th  instant,  and  beg  leave  to  lay  before  the  Emperor  a  brief 
sketch  of  the  state  in  which  I  found  them. 

The  great  bulk  of  them  are  very  poor;  many  are  proprietors  of  small 
pieces  of  ground  which  they  cultivate  in  corn  and  potatoes,  upon  which 
latter  many  of  them  almost  wholly  live.  Chestnuts  also  constitute  a 
considerable  article  of  their  food. 

I  visited  their  place  of  worship,  which  is  at  a  considerable  distance 
from  La  Tour,  because  thfe  Roman  Catholics  would  not  suffer  them  to 
have  one  there,  though  three-fourths  of  the  inhabitants  are  Protestants. 

Their  Eglise,  or  Temple,  is  a  plain  building,  capable  of  holding 
several  hundred  persons.  The  men  are  arranged  on  one  side,  and  the 
women  on  the  other.  There  is  a  reading  desk,  with  a  large  folio  Bible 
of  Ostervald,  and  above  this  is  the  pulpit.  They  used  to  hold  meetings 
in  the  town,  for  prayer  and  religious  worship,  in  the  middle  of  the  week, 
but,  for  about  a  year  past,  this  has  been  forbidden. 

While  they  were  under  the  French  government,  they  had  equal  privi- 
leges with  the  Roman  Catholics,  but  as  soon  as  the  present  King  of 
Sardinia  resumed  his  power,  he  began,  with  as  much  expedition  as  the 
nature  of  the  case  would  admit,  to  bring  things  back  to  the  dismal  state 
in  which  they  were  before.  A  few  days  after  his  accession,  he  revived 
the  old  persecuting  edicts,  and  they  now  fear,  doubtless  with  great 
reason,  that  the  property,  which  they  had  been  permitted  to  purchase 
during  the  cessation  of  persecution,  is  in  jeopardy. 

The  next  day,  the  Pastor,  being  about  to  make  his  annual  visitation 
to  a  company  of  the  poor  peasants,  in  the  mountains,  permitted  me  to 
accompany  him.  One  of  the  Waldenses,  who  could  speak  English, 
went  with  us.  We  found  a  plain,  simple-hearted  people  assembled, 
and  I  concluded  to  join  them,  while  they  went  through  their  usual  reli- 
ous  exercises,  and  then,  if  I  felt  it  ray  duty  to  do  so,  to  ask  leave  of  the 
Pastor  to  address  thera.  They  all  understand  French,  (hough  they 
speak  a  sort  of  patois  araong  themselves.  The  countenances  of  several 
of  these  poor  people  indicated  rehgious  sensibility  ;  when  the  meeting 
was  settled,  the  Pastor  desired  a  young  man  to  read  in  the  French 
Testament,  and  he  accordingly  read  three  or  four  chapters ;  the  Pastor 
then  made  a  pretty  long  prayer,  and  afterwards  asked  them  some  ques- 
tions, among  which  was,  whether  they  were  furnished  with  Bibles ;  it 
appeared  that  many  were  not,  though  they  generally  had  Testaments. 
The  Pastor  asked  one  of  the  lads,  what  temptation  was?  He  replied, 
<  The  occasion  or  opportunity  of  sinning.'    The  Pastor  then  pointed 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


83 


out  our  own  weaknesses,  and  where  we  might  apply  for  strength,  not 
our  own,  to  resist  effectually,  stating,  that  considering  what  poor  weak 
creatures  we  are,  we  should  always,  if  possible,  fly  from  temptation 
when  it  presents ;  after  which,  he  was  again  engaged  in  prayer,  and 
recited  the  Lord's  Prayer,  and  the  Creed.  When  this  vvas  done,  they 
sung,  in  chorus,  a  few  verses  of  the  Psalms,  and  then,  after  a  short 
benediction  he  dismissed  them.  At  this  moment,  I  asked  permission 
to  express  what  was  upon  my  mind :  it  was  readily  given,  and,  begin- 
ning to  address  them  in  their  own  language,  I  found,  that  with  a  sense 
of  divine  sweetness  and  love,  the  words  came  in  French,  and  I  went 
on  almost  as  fluently  as  in  English,  to  the  complete  relief  of  my  mind. 
The  people  seemed  affected,  and  the  Pastor  and  his  friend  told  me 
afterwards,  that  every  thing  was  perfectly  understood.  Thus  our  gra- 
cious Lord  helps  his  poor  feeble  servants,  when  they  are  humbly  and 
sincerely  engaged  to  endeavour  to  do  his  will.  After  this,  I  felt  it  right 
to  kneel  down,  and  supplicate  for  them  in  English ;  the  Pastor  knelt 
by  me.  When  the  meeting  was  over,  several  of  the  peasants,  and 
some  of  the  young  men,  cordially  took  me  by  the  hand,  and  the  Pastor 
in  particular  expressed  his  satisfaction.  We  had  then  much  conversa- 
tion respecting  the  persecution,  and  the  want  of  protection  in  which 
they  live.  In  law  proceedings,  I  am  informed  that  it  is  usual  for  the 
judge  to  ask,  whether  the  pleader  or  client  is  a  Protestant  or  Catholic, 
and  the  matter  is  managed  accordingly. 

I  saw  the  school-room,  which  is  capable  of  containing  from  one  hun- 
dred to  two  hundred  children.  The  school  has  existed  for  two  years, 
and  is  maintained  by  a  worthy  Protestant  family  at  Turin,  Fr^res  Aubert, 
Fils  &  Co.,  bankers.  The  master  showed  me  some  very  good  speci- 
mens of  the  children's  writing ;  the  number  in  attendance  varies  from 
sixty  to  one  hundred  and  twenty,  according  to  the  season  of  the  year, 
the  fullest  attendance  being  in  the  winter.  The  school  was  taught 
upon  the  British  system  of  mutual  instruction,  until  last  year,  when 
there  was  a  royal  edict  to  put  down  all  schools  on  this  plan,  and  in 
conformity  thereto,  they  were  obliged  to  return  to  the  common  method. 
The  humble  manner  in  which  they  received  this  order,  may  be  seen  by 
the  document  herewith  inclosed.  All  the  children  of  the  Protestants  in 
this  part,  who  are  of  a  suitable  age,  are  taught  to  read  and  write,  but 
among  their  Catholic  neighbours,  not  more  than  one  in  ten,  on  an 
average,  can  read.  Even  the  Catholic  schoolmaster,  at  La  Tour,  can 
scarcely  read,  and  the  consequence  of  this  disgraceful  state  of  ignorance 
is,  that  they  are  strangers  to  all  kind  and  liberal  feeling,  and  nourish  a 
violent  hatred  of  the  Protestants,  whom  they  are  taught  by  their  priests 
to  consider,  and  to  call,  '  Enfans  du  Liable,^  and  to  regard  as  sure  of 
everlasting  perdition.  A  striking  instance  of  the  consequences  of  this 
superstition  occurred  no  longer  ago  than  last  first-day,  (Sunday).  The 


84 


LIFE  ANU  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


brother  of  James  Vertu,  a  respectable  Protestant  gentleman,  had  pur- 
chased two  estates,  and  was  to  take  possession  of  them  on  the  11th 
instant,  but  because  he  was  a  Protestant  who  had  made  the  purchase, 
the  Roman  Catholics  threatened  and  vowed  vengeance,  and  all  the 
property  belonging  to  them  having  been  previously  removed,  at  four 
o'clock,  on  last  first-day  (Sunday)  afternoon,  fire  was  set  to  one  of  the 
farms,  which  consumed  the  house,  straw  ricks,  &c.,  and  was  burning 
the  morning  before  I  was  at  the  valley.  Remedy,  in  cases  of  great 
oppression,  is  here  almost  hopeless,  because  the  government  will  re- 
ceive nothing  that  does  not  come  through  the  regular  channel,  which 
is  through  the  constable  and  judge  of  the  place,  and  these  are  almost 
always  their  bitter  enemies.  Since  the  year  1815,  they  have  not  been 
efficiently  protected,  but  have  merely  been  suffered  to  exist. 

In  consequence  of  an  old  edict,  forbidding  more  than  six  persons  to 
attend  at  the  funeral  of  a  Protestant,  the  judge,  in  the  year  1815,  when 
persecution  was  revived,  actually  stopped  the  funeral  procession  of  a 
Protestant,  urging  the  old  law ;  the  company,  however,  persisted  in 
paying  this  last  tribute  of  respect  to  their  departed  friend." 

After  some  information  respecting  the  taxes,  William  Allen  con- 
tinues— 

'<  The  principal  tax  is  that  upon  land,  which  amounts  to  one-seventh 
part  of  the  rent  in  these  parts,  but  the  Catholics  in  Piedmont  do  not 
pay  more  than  a  twentieth  part  of  this,  and  with  respect  to  the  valuation, 
the  Protestants  are  entirely  at  the  mercy  of  their  Catholic  assessors,  who 
are  sometimes  most  ignorant  and  illiterate  men.  There  is  what  is  called 
the  <  tiers  de  grace,'  that  is,  a  deduction  of  one  third  of  the  tax  in 
favour  of  Renegadoes  (those  who  have  apostatized  from  Protestantism) 
and  of  Roman  Catholics.  The  Catholic  commune  of  Lucerne,  which 
is  close  by  the  Protestant  commune  of  La  Tour,  pays  only  two-thirds  of 
what  the  Protestants  pay. 

In  the  Protestant  communes  they  are  ruled  by  Catholics,  and  these 
are  sometimes  so  scarce  that  persons  who  could  not  read  or  write  have 
been  put  into  important  offices  for  which  they  are  utterly  inadequate. 
Disqualifications  are  even  carried  to  this  extent,  that  a  person  known 
to  be  a  Protestant,  is  refused  admittance  into  an  hospital  when  sick, 
unless  he  will  consent  to  change  his  religion.  The  Protestants  have 
asked  permission  to  erect  an  hospital,  and  though  it  is  long  since  they 
made  this  request,  and  plans,  &.C.,  have  been  required,  they  are  not  yet 
allowed  to  proceed  in  the  work. 

They  are  governed,  in  ecclesiastical  matters,  by  a  consistory  or  synod, 
consisting  of  the  thirteen  pastors  of  their  thirteen  parishes,  and  a 
deputation  of  laymen ;  but  an  intendant,  a  Catholic  appointed  by  the 
government,  must  always  be  present  at  the  sittings,  though  he  is  to  be 
silent. 


1S22. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


85 


They  are  not  permitted  to  build  any  walls  round  their  burying  grounds, 
in  that  part  of  the  country  which  they  purchased  when  under  the  do- 
minion of  France,  and  having,  during  that  period,  erected  a  place  of 
worship  in  the  parish  of  St.  Jean,  within  sight  of  a  Catholic  chapel,  it 
was,  by  order  of  the  present  government,  shut  up ;  but  strong  appli- 
cations having  been  made,  leave  was  granted  to  open  it  again,  upon 
condition  that  the  Protestants,  at  their  own  expense,  should  build  before 
it  and  keep  in  repair,  a  high  fence  or  screen,  in  order  that  the  Catholics 
might  not  be  disgusted  with  the  sight  of  their  Protestant  brethren  going 
in  and  out  of  their  place  of  worship.  I  saw  this  monument  of  intol- 
erance in  my  way  back  to  this  place. 

At  La  Tour,  is  a  Catholic  hospice,  into  which  children  of  Protestants 
have  been  enticed  and  brought  up  as  Catholics ;  when  once  within 
these  walls  their  parents  cannot  get  at  them.  Protestants  are  bribed 
with  money  to  become  Catholics ;  I  saw  one  myself,  who  had  become 
tax-gatherer  of  the  district. 

In  my  recent  journey  through  Austria,  the  Tyrol,  and  Italy,  all  my 
views  on  the  subject  of  the  education  of  the  poor  have  been  confirmed. 
I  see  plainly  that  superstition  and  intolerance  are  the  offspring  of  igno- 
rance, and  I  grieve  to  see  that  the  enemy  to  the  happiness  of  mankind, 
is  but  too  successful  in  these  countries  in  furnishing  plausible  reasons 
for  perpetuating  that  state  of  darkness  and  ignorance  into  whic'n  +hese 
beautiful  regions  are  plunged. 

An  English  gentleman,  who  travelled  among  the  Waldenses  about 
the  year  1821,  published  the  result  of  his  inquiries,  a  copy  of  which  I 
beg  leave  to  present ;  I  find  that  all  the  main  facts  are  correct. 

I  purpose  to  set  off  this  afternoon  to  Suza,  on  my  way  to  Geneva. 
My  prayers  shall  continue  to  be  put  up  from  time  to  time,  as  I  may  be 
enabled,  for  thee,  my  dear  friend.  That  our  merciful  Saviour  may 
have  thee  under  his  special  notice  and  protection,  is  the  ardent  desire 
of  thy  very  respectful  and  affectionate  friend, 

William  Allen." 
"When  the  letter  was  finished,  I  sent  for  J.  D.  P.  Vertu,  who  offered 
his  eldest  son,  the  nice  young  man  before  mentioned,  to  go  to  Verona. 
I  then  went  to  the  British  minister,  William  Hill,  and  had  a  long  con- 
ference with  him.  I  thought  it  right  to  let  him  read  my  letter  to  the 
Emperor,  which  he  did,  and  said,  'Nothing  could  be  better.'  He 
agreed  with  me  that  it  was  quite  worth  while  to  send  a  special  courier 
to  Verona,  and  I  introduced  young  Vertu  to  him.  I  wrote  to  Sir  J. 
Wylie  and  General  Macaulay,  and  enclosed  in  the  packet  for  the  Em- 
peror, Lowther's  account  of  his  visit  to  the  Waldenses.  All  this  took 
a  good  deal  of  time,  but  I  feel  much  peace  in  having  got  through  the 
work,  and  about  half-past  two,  started  from  Turin  with  a  thankful  heart. 


86 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


A  door  is  now  opened  for  communion  between  Friends  and  the  Wal- 
denses." 

William  Allen  .and  his  nephew  proceeded,  by  the  pass  of  Mount 
Cenis,  to  Geneva.  Before  they  reached  Aiguebelle,  he  mentions  seeing 
a  great  number  of  persons  returning  from  the  fair,  and  says — 

"  The  greater  part  of  the  women  and  girls  whom  we  meet  have 
goitres,  and  many  of  the  men.  My  spirits  have  been  very  low  to-day, 
but  the  Lord  has  been  near  to  help,  and  I  found  some  relief  in  prayer." 

He  often  records  his  grateful  sense  of  the  mercies  of  God,  and  his 
desire  that  faith  and  patience  might  hold  out  to  the  end.  On  approach- 
ing Geneva,  he  writes — 

"  In  riding  along,  recollections  of  my  beloved  Charlotte,  and  of  the 
afflictions  I  endured,  and  still  endure,  in  the  loss  of  her, — my  lonely 
journey  over  the  mountains  of  Jura,  and  the  divine  support  with  which 
dear  Cornelius  and  I  were  favoured, — all  rushed  upon  my  mind,  and  I 
was  greatly  affected. 

We  passed  two  stones,  erected  to  mark  the  boundaries  of  the  Swiss 
Republic  and  the  Kingdom  of  Sardinia,  and  soon  afterwards  drove  to 
Dejean's,  at  Secheron.  In  the  evening  we  called  on  Professor  Pictet, 
and  were  kindly  received.  We  afterwards  went  up  to  his  daughter, 
M.  A.  Vernet,  and  met  with  a  most  cordial  welcome ;  she  is  in  afflic- 
tion on  account  of  the  illness  of  some  of  her  children,  but  we  found 
her  in  the  same  sweet  pious  state  of  mind  as  usual.  I  understand  that 
Thomas  Shillitoe  was  here  about  eight  days  ago,  and  is  gone  to  Con- 
genies. 

Eleventh  Month  \A.th  Engaged  in  remodelling,  and  writing  out  my 

plan  of  colonies  at  home,  for  Professor  Pictet,  who  wishes  for  it.  We 
went  out  to  dinner,  and  were  most  kindly  received,  but  my  mind  was 
under  much  concern,  from  a  fear  that  the  Master  was  not  there.  Though 
there  were  very  worthy  persons  in  the  company,  they  are  not  deep 
enough  in  religion.  In  the  evening,  we  went  to  call  on  Pastor  Moulinie, 
who  seemed  very  glad  to  see  me,  and  we  had  a  nice  time  together,  by 
his  fireside ;  he  was  very  sweet  and  cheerful,  but  he  seems  to  fear  that 
the  little  number  of  pious  persons  does  not  increase.  I  inquired  after 
some  serious  people  whom  Stephen  Grellet  and  I  met  here,  and  he 
immediately  went  to  call  two  of  them,  who  live  in  the  same  house. 
There  was  something  about  them,  which  proved  that  they  had  been 
with  Jesus — a  sweetness,  and  a  degree  of  holy  feeling,  to  which  the 
people  of  the  world  are  utter  strangers.  We  had  some  delightful  con- 
versation on  things  relating  to  the  better  country.  He  recollected  the 
little  meeting  which  Stephen  Grellet  and  I  had  in  that  very  room,  and, 
pointing  to  the  place  where  I  sat,  reminded  me  that  there  I  uttered  these 
words — <  Ne  Grains  point,  petit  troupeau,  car  il  a  plu  a  votre  Pere  de 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


87 


vous  donner  le  royaume.' — Luke  xii.  32.  In  the  course  of  the  con- 
versation, I  told  him  that,  before  my  departure  from  Geneva,  I  wished 
to  have  a  petit  reunion  of  his  pious  friends ;  he  desired  me  to  fix  the 
time,  adding,  '■etje  battrai  le  caisse.^ 

Eleventh  Month  15th. — My  mind  was  turned  to  my  Lord  and  Master, 
in  fervent  prayer  for  direction  and  support.  I  feel  that  I  am  nothing 
when  left  to  myself.  Charles  Vernet  called,  and  I  went  with  him  and 
Pastor  Meunier,  to  visit  the  prison.  Aubanel,  the  pious  gaoler,  is  still 
there. 

I  had  some  further  conversation  with  Professor  Pictet,  about  my  plan 
for  colonies  at  home  ;  he  says  that  both  he  and  his  son  Vernet  like  it 
much ;  we  agree  that  it  shall  be  immediately  translated  into  French, 
and  published  in  the  Bibliotheque  Universelle.  I  went  to  see  the  ob- 
servatory, which  is  under  the  care  of  Gaultier,  Fils,  and  then  called  on 
Gaultier  the  father,  a  pious  old  man,  very  much  confined  to  the  house 
by  indisposition,  but  in  a  sweet  firarae  of  mind.  Here  I  met  the  Baron 
de  Stael,  who  was  very  desirous  that  I  should  dine  with  him  at  Copet, 
which  I  readily  consented  to  do.  The  Duke  and  Duchess  de  Broglie 
are  now  there.  The  Duchess  is  piously  disposed,  and  all  of  them  are 
increasingly  serious.  I  had  some  religious  conversation  with  Gaultier 
and  his  son;  the  old  man  much  wishes  that  an  edition  of  my  tracts 
should  be  printed  here. 

I  took  D.  B.  H.  with  me  to  Copet,  which  is  seven  or  eight  miles 
from  Geneva,  on  the  Lausanne  road.  We  passed  my  late  friend  Dr. 
Marcet's  estate,  where  we  stopped  for  a  few  minutes.  We  were  kindly 
received  by  all  the  party  at  Copet,  and  I  spent  a  very  interesting  even- 
ing. The  conversation  was  almost  entirely  on  religious  subjects. 
The  Duke  seemed  interested,  but  did  not  say  much ;  his  wife,  the 
daughter  of  the  celebrated  Madame  de  Stael,  is  a  sensible  agreeable 
person  ;  she  was  very  desirous  of  information  on  the  subject  of  the 
principles  of  Friends,  and,  I  believe,  was  gratified.  There  was  an 
elderly  lady  present,  called  Madame  Neckar,  who  was  very  deaf;  the 
Duchess  was  anxious  to  make  her  hear,  and  I  was  surprised  at  the  accu- 
racy with  which  she,  from  time  to  time,  repeated  to  her  what  I  had  said  ; 
this  lady  is  a  very  sedate,  serious  person  :  in  conversing  on  the  subject 
of  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit  on  the  mind,  I  said  that,  as  we 
believed  that  all  scripture  was  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  so  we 
believed  that  a  measure  of  the  very  same  Spirit  with  which  the  writers 
of  the  Scriptures  were  favoured,  was  essentially  necessary  for  us,  and 
indeed,  it  was  this  which  prepared  our  minds  to  profit  by  them.  I 
quoted  the  text,  <  If  any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none 
of  his;'  to  this  they  all  assented.  I  said  that,  although  the  doctrine 
laid  down  in  the  Bible  was  exceedingly  clear,  yet  something  further  was 
necessary  to  enable  us  to  apply  it  to  our  particular  state,  and  to  enable 


88 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


us  to  come  up  to  the  pattern  there  given  ;  that  it  was  also  needful  to 
strengthen  us  to  perform  the  divine  will,  and  to  resist  temptation.  I 
remarked,  that  with  respect  to 'ray  own  case,  the  Scriptures  could  not 
inform  me  whether  it  was  my  duty  to  go  to  one  particular  place  or 
another,  but  I  believed  that  if  I  were  humbly  attentive  to  the  teaching 
of  the  Spirit  of  truth,  in  my  own  mind,  this  would  be  made  sufficiently 
clear  to  me.  'Then,'  said  the  Duchess,  'how  are  we  to  distinguish 
between  the  divine  influence,  and  the  working  of  our  own  imaginations  ?' 
I  acknowledged  that  this  was  the  point  of  difficulty,  but,  if  we  were 
sufficiently  resigned  to  do  the  will  of  God,  and  engaged  to  seek  by 
fervent  prayer  to  know  it,  such  an  evidence  would  be  granted,  as  could 
leave  us  no  doubt.  I  further  stated  that  the  rule  laid  down  by  the 
Saviour  himself,  was  sufficient  to  try  the  conduct  of  those  who  pro- 
fessed to  be  guided  by  the  Holy  Spirit — namely,  'their  fruits,'  showing 
what  were  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit ;  and  I  said,  if  any  one  could  prove 
that  our  conduct,  doctrine,  or  principles,  was  contrary  to  Scripture  in 
its  fair  construction,  we  must  acknowledge  ourselves  to  be  under  a 
delusion.  In  all  this  they  fully  united.  Much  more  passed  relative  to 
our  discipline,  &c.,  and,  on  the  whole,  it  was  a  most  satisfactory  even- 
ing. They  said  that  they  were  going  to  Paris  on  second  day,  and  very 
much  wished  that  I  should  visit  them  in  passing  through.  I  left  with 
them,  'Brief  Remarks,'  Benezet's  'Observations,'  and  some  other 
small  works,  and  felt  thankful  that  way  had  opened  for  this  oppor- 
tunity. 

Eleventh  Month  16th. — Called  on  Cffsar  Malan.  He  received  me 
very  kindly,  and  I  gave  him  Barclay's  'Apology,'  and  Penn's  'No  Cross, 
No  Crown,'  both  which  he  gladly  accepted.  He  is  a  strong  Calvinist; 
but,  at  Geneva,  the  upper  ranks  are  generally  built  up  in  a  s'trict  mo- 
rahty,  and  the  pride  of  science  and  talent.  The  ruling  clergy  are,  also, 
strong  advocates  c Treason,  and  have  reasoned  themselves  into  Socinian- 
ism.  He  has  separated  from  them,  and  built  a  neat  plain  chapel, 
capable  of  holding  eight  hundred  persons.  There  is  a  great  movement 
in  all  this  country.  The  Lord  seems  to  have  begun  a  work  in  many 
hearts ;  but  Satan  rages,  and  is  doing  all  he  can  to  prevent  it.  C.  M. 
told  us  of  some  extraordinary  cases  of  conversion. 

Charles  Vernet,  Daniel,  and  I,  went  out  to  dine  at  De  la  Rive's.  We 
called  at  Vernet's  country  house,  at  Carrouge,  to  see  his  school,  upon 
Fellenberg's  plan,  for  training  lads  as  agriculturists.  There  are  nine- 
teen of  them.  The  master,  who  was  brought  up  under  the  good  Verlet, 
showed  a  religious  care  over  the  minds  of  the  children,  and  a  desire 
fcr  their  good  conduct  and  advancement  in  piety,  which  gladdened  my 
heart.  They  are  not  only  taught  to  cultivate  the  land,  but  are  instructed 
in  carpentering,  &c.  We  were  kindly  received  by  De  la  Rive  and  his 
wife,  and  their  two  sons.    Sismondi,  and  Dumont,  were  also  of  the 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


89 


party,  and  we  had  a  very  pleasant  visit.  The  opportunity  was,  I  trust, 
a  useful  one,  though  not  of  so  religious  a  character  as  that  at  Copet. 
Sismondi  engaged  us  to  call  upon  him  on  our  way  to  Geneva,  and  we 
accordingly  stopped  at  Chene,  where  he  resides,  and  were  persuaded 
to  stay  tea.  His  wife  is  an  English  woman  ;  and  she  and  two  other 
ladies  were  very  glad  to  see  us.  Here  I  had  much  useful  conversa- 
tion :  I  gave  Sismondi  and  Dumont  each  a  copy  of  <■  Brief  Remarks,' 
and  they  seemed  much  pleased  and  interested.  The  meeting  at  Mou- 
linie's  is  fixed  for  to-morrow. 

\lth. — I  went  to  dine  with  my  old  friend  Gaultier,  who  received  me 
cordially  ;  he  spoke  of  De  Langaleria,  of  Lausanne,  as  a  devoted  ser- 
vant of  the  Lord,  wishing  me  to  see  him.  He  then  alluded  to  the  pre- 
carious state  of  his  own  health,  and  the  great  probability  of  his  bodily 
frame  being  unable  to  resist  the  winter ;  in  that  case,  he  said  his  son 
would  go  to  England,  and  he  particularly  wished  for  my  counsel  and 
advice  for  the  young  man.  I  desired  that  he  would  come  to  me  im- 
mediately on  his  arrival,  which  seemed  to  relieve  his  father's  mind  ;  he 
wished  us  to  sit  a  little  in  silence  before  dinner,  which  we  did  to  our 
mutual  comfort,  and  I  had  peace  in  expressing  a  few  words.  Pastor 
Moulinie  met  us  at  dinner,  where  Gaultier's  wife  and  son  were  also 
present.  As  we  sat  round  the  fire  afterwards,  Gaultier  introduced  the 
subject  of  printing  an  edition  of  my  'Brief  Remarks,'  and,  after  some 
conversation,  it  was  agreed  it  should  be  done. 

The  dear  old  man  wished  to  have  a  psalm  read,  and  that  we  might 
afterwards  have  a  pause  for  religious  retirement,  and  we  were  again  re- 
freshed together  in  silence. 

T  went  next  door  to  inquire  after  M.  A.  Vernet ;  she  w'as  much  en- 
gaged with  her  sick  child,  but  begged  I  would  sit  a  little  with  her ;  her 
heart  was  full,  but  our  Divine  Master  comforted  us  together  with  a 
feeling  of  his  love,  and  my  mind  was  much  relieved.  I  believe  this 
litde  opportunity  was  very  consolatory  to  her,  and  my  faith  is  that  she 
is  upon  the  everlasting  foundation,  and  will  be  preserved  to  the  end ; 
she  entreated  me  to  call  once  more,  just  to  take  leave  of  them.  I  then 
went  down  to  Professor  Pictet's,  to  take  leave  of  the  Prevot ;  he  gave 
me  back  my  manuscripts  of  colonies  at  home,  which  his  grandchildren 
have  translated  into  French  for  insertion  in  the  Bibliotheque  Universelle. 
It  was  drawing  towards  the  time  for  the  meeting,  and  I  went  to  Mou- 
linie's.  My  mind  was  under  deep  exercise  with  fervent  mental  prayer 
that  the  Lord  would  give  strength  for  the  day  and  bless  his  own  work. 
Moidinic  says,  that  since  Stephen  and  I  were  last  there,  they  have  fre- 
quently had  little  silent  meetings,  and  indeed  the  people  seemed  to  be 
accustomed  to  them  ;  when  the  company  was  assembled,  De  Moulinie 
made  a  short  prayer  standing,  and  then  read  the  last  chapter  of  Daniel, 
and  recommended  our  waiting  upon  the  Lord  in  silence.    I  think  it 


90 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


might  safely  be  said  there  was  a  holy  solemnity,  which  continued  for 
some  time.  At  length  I  rose  and  addressed  them  in  French,  in  which 
I  was  helped  as  I  had  been  at  La  Tour,  and  got  on  remarkably  well ; 
after  I  sat  down,  De  Moulinie  spoke,  and  in  conclusion  prayed,  and 
the  meeting  separated  under  precious  feelings.  Many  of  the  dear  people 
came  round  me  expressing  their  love,  and  the  consolation  they  felt  on 
this  occasion.  My  mind  was  filled  with  thankfulness  that  I  had  been 
thus  far  helped  and  supported.  Gaultier  Fils,  who  walked  a  little  way 
with  me,  said  I  had  been  perfectly  understood,  and  that  he  was  sure  a 
strong  impression  had  been  made." 

The  correctness  of  this  persuasion  was  confirmed  by  subsequent  cir- 
cumstances, and  William  Allen  had  the  comfort  of  receiving  some 
striking  evidence  that  he  had,  indeed,  been  under  his  Master's  guidance 
in  this  engagement.    The  next  morning  he  writes — 

<«  The  retrospect  of  yesterday  was  peaceful. 

Eleventh  Month  18th. — Went  to  Dr.  De  Roche's  to  breakfast,  and 
met  several  persons  interested  in  the  schools  upon  our  plan ;  we  had 
much  useful  conversation,  and  also  saw  the  master.  I  advise  that  the 
pastors  who  are  in  the  habit  of  performing  domiciliary  visits,  should  be 
requested  to  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  education  of  the  poor,  and  en- 
courage the  parents  to  send  their  children  regularly  to  school.  Dr.  De 
Roche's  wife  accompanied  us  to  the  girls'  school,  to  which  several  ladies 
pay  much  attention.  A  young  man  came  to  say  that  Moulinie  and 
several  others  were  waiting  for  me.  The  good  leaven  is  at  work  in 
this  place,  and  I  am  glad  I  yielded  to  the  impression  of  duty  in  coming 
here.  We  went  to  Satigny,  where  Pastor  Gossen,  a  zealous  young 
clergyman,  resides,  and  then  proceeded  to  perform  the  principal  object 
of  my  ride,  which  was  to  visit  Mary  Ann  Greaves,  a  pious  English  lady 
of  some  property;  she  has  resided  seven  years  in  Switzerland,  and  has 
been  a  powerful  instrument  in  the  Lord's  hand  to  awaken  many.  It 
appears  that,  within  the  last  year  or  two,  there  has  been  a  great  awaken- 
ing at  Lausanne ;  that  the  work  of  the  Lord  is  prospering  delightfully, 
and  that  it  is  also  going  on  in  a  wonderful  manner  in  many  other  parts 
of  Switzerland,  as  well  as  in  Russia ;  she  has  been  very  ill  lately,  but 
is  in  a  sweet  state  of  mind.  Although  I  have  never  been  personally  ac- 
quainted with  her,  I  could  not  feel  easy  to  leave  these  parts  without 
calling  upon  her.  I  presented  her  with  some  books,  and  we  had  a  good 
deal  of  interesting  conversation.  She  says,  that  we  have  no  idea  of 
how  much  good  is  done  by  these  visits,  or  how  much  strength  and  com- 
fort is  afforded  by  them. 

Eleventh  Month  I9th  Gaultier  Fils,  and  Charles  Vernet  came  to 

breakfast.  I  read  in  the  Testament  as  usual;  the  chapter  was  the  14th 
of  John — <  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled,'  &c.  My  mind  was  brought 
into  tenderness  with  a  feeling  of  the  Saviour's  love,  and  I  encouraged 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


91 


the  young  men  to  choose  the  Lord  for  their  portion,  and  not  be  ashamed 
to  confess  Him  before  men,  adding  some  further  counsel. 

In  the  afternoon,  we  left  Secheron  to  proceed  towards  Lausanne.  The 
weather  was  fine,  and  the  views  of  the  mountains  were  grand  indeed. 
In  the  retrospect  of  the  day,  however,  I  felt  uncomfortable  in  having 
given  a  scornful  look  to  a  person  who  I  thought  imposed." 

On  arriving  at  Lausanne,  William  Allen  went  to  find  out  the  friend 
of  Gaultier,  Langaleria,  from  whom  he  received  a  kind  and  cordial 
welcome.  They  went  to  call  upon  many  of  his  pious  friends,  and  W. 
A.  says — 

"It  was  exactly  as  if  we  had  been  paying  family  visits  in  our  own 
society.  There  was  a  precious  feeling  accompanying  me  every  where, 
though  more  in  some  places  than  in  others.  We  generally  remained 
some  time  in  silence,  and  I  was  afterwards  wonderfully  helped  to  ex- 
press myself  in  an  intelligible  manner  in  French.  We  met  with  one 
person  who  has  been  very  useful  among  the  female  prisoners,  praying 
with  them  and  exhorting  them ;  she  has  been  favoured  with  much  suc- 
cess, but  is  now  forbidden  by  the  government  and  clergy  to  continue 
her  work  of  love  and  charity.  Some  spiritually-minded  young  minis- 
ters, who  used  to  meet  together  for  religious  exercises,  are  discounte- 
nanced and  despised,  and  the  unruly  school-boys  from  the  Academy, 
are  even  permitted  to  break  the  windows  of  pious  people,  who  are  often 
insulted  in  the  streets. 

We  had  invited  several  persons  to  come  in  the  evening,  and  after 
their  arrival,  Langaleria  proposed  that  we  should  '  sit  in  silence,  after 
the  manner  of  Grellet.^  This  we  did  for  some  time,  and  I  was  then  led 
to  explain  some  of  our  views  and  principles.  I  was  much  comforted 
with  this  day's  work.  My  old  friend  encouraged  me  to  obedience,  and 
to  make  any  sacrifice  that  might  be  required ;  he  expressed  his  unity 
with  all  that  had  been  said,  and  his  conviction,  that  the  Lord  had  be- 
stowed upon  me  a  gift  for  the  edification  of  others. 

Eleventh  Month  2\st. — I  went  to  call  upon  Pastor  Auguste  Roshat, 
an  interesting  man,  and  one  who  has  the  cause  of  vital  religion  much 
at  heart ;  he  says,  that  the  Lord  has  a  great  work  going  forward  in 
Switzerland." 

From  Lausanne,  William  Allen  proceeded  to  Vevay  ;  in  reference  to 
which,  he  says — 

« I  find  there  is  a  little  flock  here  also." 

And  in  describirfg  an  evening,  spent  in  a  circle  of  devoted  christians, 
he  observes — 

"  I  felt  that  the  Lord  was  near ;  and,  I  believe,  the  time  was  profita- 
bly spent." 

He  mentions  leaving  Vevay  with  a  peaceful  mind;  but  adds — 


92 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


The  accuser  of  the  brethren  has  been  very  busy  with  me  during 
the  day  ;  but,  though  he  has  disturbed  my  peace,  he  has  not  prevailed." 
In  a  letter,  written  from  Friburg,  he  says — 

"  My  object  in  coming  here,  was,  to  become  acquainted  with  Pcre 
Gerard,  of  the  order  of  Franciscans,  who  has  an  excellent  school  for 
four  hundred  boys,  partly  upon  our  plan,  and  partly  upon  a  plan  of  his 
own.  I  am  very  glad  to  have  seen  him,  and  have  learned  from  him 
some  things  which  I  think  will  be  useful  in  our  own  schools.  His 
system  of  questioning  is  admirable,  and  I  find  the  Scriptures  are 
taught  in  this  school.  He  gave  me  a  most  cordial  reception,  though 
I  had  no  letter  of  introduction,  and  is  willing  to  become  a  correspon- 
dent. Doors  are  opening  every  where,  and  this  journey,  though  begun 
in  the  faith,  and  under  heavy  discouragement  from  without,  has,  blessed 
be  my  Divine  Master!  so  far,  answered  admirably." 

It  was  William  Allen's  usual  practice,  in  this  journey,  to  devote  a 
portion  of  time,  on  the  first  day  of  the  week,  to  religious  worship  with 
his  nephew  and  servant ;  and  these  seasons  are  often  noticed,  as  proving 
times  of  refreshment,  wherein  he  experienced  a  little  renewal  of  strength. 
Such  was  the  case  on  the  first  day  spent  at  Berne,  whither  they  went 
from  Friburg,  and  he  afterwards  went  to  call  on  some  serious  persons, 
who  received  him  affectionately.  On  the  24th,  mentioning  to  the  aged 
pastor,  Wittenbach,  his  desire  to  meet  some  friends  here  at  a  re-union., 
the  old  man  was  quite  anxious  to  promote  it,  and  as  his  own  room  was 
too  small  for  the  purpose,  he  sent  to  a  lady  in  the  neighbourhood,  the 
wife  of  a  counsellor  of  state,  to  make  inquiry  respecting  her  apartments  ; 
she  most  readily  offered  them  for  the  following  afternoon,  and  William 
Allen  writes — 

"I  felt  rather  alarmed,  but  at  the  same  time  thought  it  would  be 
dangerous  to  refuse.  To  have  a  meeting  with  persons,  all  of  whom 
were  outwardly  strangers  to  me,  and  not  one  of  them  speaking  my 
language,  without  any  friend  to  strengthen  or  encourage  me,  appeared 
very  formidable  ;  I,  however,  dared  not  shrink  from  it. 

Eleventh  Month  25th. — The  Prefect  of  the  Council  called,  and  went 
"with  me  to  the  prison.  I  had  some  communication  with  a  man  confined 
for  murder,  and  likely  to  suffer  death  very  shortly  ;  urging  upon  him 
the  necessity  of  deep  contrition,  and  entreating  him  to  apply  to  the 
Saviour.  The  poor  creature  seemed  affected,  and  I  am  not  without 
hopes  of  him.  There  is  a  Bible  or  Testament  in  each  of  the  rooms,  and 
we  found  him  reading  in  one  of  them. 

<'  I  felt  much  the  weight  of  the  prospect  before  me  in  the  evening, 
but  faith  seemed  given  proportioned  to  the  day.  In  the  afternoon,  in 
company  with  Pastor  Lorza,  I  paid  several  interesting  visits,  and  among 
the  rest,  to  the  daughter  of  the  celebrated  Baron  Haller,  a  nice  old  lady, 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


93 


in  the  full  possession  of  all  iier  faculties  at  the  age  of  eighty-two.  She 
gave  me  some  of  her  father's  handwriting;  her  daughter  lives  with  her. 
We  went  to  M.  Dicsbach's  rather  before  the  time  appointed  for  the 
meeting,  and  had  a  very  kind  reception  from  her,  but  her  husband  could 
not  be  present,  having  to  attend  a  meeting  of  the  secret  council,  of 
which  he  is  a  member.  A  large  company  assembled,  in  which  were 
the  members  of  the  Bible  committee,  and  also  those  of  the  missionary 
and  prison  committees,  the  prefect,  and  several  pastors,  &c.,  &c.  ;  dear 
old  Wittenbach  seems  to  be  the  patriarch  among  them.  He  spoke  to 
me  about  the  arrangements  for  the  soiree,  and  thought  I  had  better,  in 
the  first  place,  state  in  conversation,  some  particulars  of  what  had  occurred 
in  the  journey  with  Stephen  Grellet,  and  then,  as  way  opened,  relieve  my 
mind.  I  felt  quite  satisfied  with  this  proposition,  and  when  the  com- 
pany was  seated,  he  opened  the  way  for  me  in  a  little  address  explana- 
tory of  the  business.  Pastor  Gallard  then  made  a  short  prayer  standing, 
after  which  Pastor  Wittenbach,  by  asking  me  a  few  questions,  engaged 
me  to  speak  of  the  origin  of  the  Scripture  Lessons,  of  the  state  of 
prisons  in  various  parts,  &c.,  &c.  All  this  I  was  obliged  to  do  in  French, 
but  I  got  on  very  satisfactorily,  and  several  said  I  was  well  understood. 
I  had  to  answer  a  number  of  questions,  particularly  about  Greece. 
M.  Diesbach  came  to  ask  my  advice  respecting  the  management  of 
female  prisoners,  and  I  promised  to  procure  her  information  from 
E.  J.  Fry. 

During  all  this  time  my  mind  was  under  deep  exercise,  but  I  felt  that 
the  Master  was  near,  and  in  the  pauses  allowed  me  while  the  company 
were  talking  together,  I  was  sensible  of  a  sweet  solemnity.  At  length 
I  whispered  to  Pastor  Wittenbach,  that  I  wished  they  would  indulge 
me  with  sitting  a  little  time  in  silence.  He  kindly  mentioned  it  to 
them,  and  we  were  immediately  as  still  as  in  a  meeting  for  worship. 
After  sitting  thus  for  some  time,  I  found  it  my  place  to  stand  up  and 
address  them,  which  I  did  in  French  ;  my  great  master  favoured  me  in 
the  needful  time,  and  I  was  led  on  without  stop  or  hesitation,  to  my 
own  humbling  admiration.  They  appeared  to  feel  the  force  of  what 
was  said,  and  when  my  mind  was  fully  relieved,  I  sat  down  in  sweet 
peace.  The  dear  old  man  took  me  by  the  hand,  and,  in  their  way,  re- 
turned thanks  in  the  name  of  the  company,  stating  how  much  he  had 
been  gratified  with  what  had  taken  place  that  evening.  He  took  leave 
of  me  affectionately,  saying  that  if  we  never  again  met  in  this  world,  he 
trusted  it  would  be  in  a  better  country.  I  parted  from  others  also  in 
much  affection.  Lorza  accompanied  me  to  the  inn,  and  when  he  was 
gone  I  made  up  several  packets  of  tracts  for  different  persons.  My  mind 
was  humbled  in  reverent  thankfulness." 

A  letter  from  Geneva,  written  about  this  time,  mentioned  that  a  great 
impression  had  been  made  by  what  passed  in  the  meeting  there. 


94 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


('Eleventh  Month,  26th — Started  about  seven  on  our  way  to  Zurich. 
We  passed  many  substantial  farm-houses,  indicating  that  the  possessors 
were  in  easy,  if  not  affluent,  circumstances." 

On  arriving  at  Zurich  he  writes — 

"I  visited  '  Pasteur  et  Professeur  Gessner  Lavater,'  and  was  cordially 
received  both  by  him  and  his  wife.  I  fixed  to  take  coffee  with  them  to- 
morrow evening,  when  all  the  family  will  be  assembled.  I  saw  the 
house  of  the  celebrated  Lavater ;  he  lived  about  seventeen  months  after 
the  wound  which  caused  his  death.  I  called  on  Professor  Horner,  who 
has  been  a  voyage  round  the  world  ;  and  thence  went  to  Escher,  Pro- 
fessor Pictet's  friend,  who  planned  and  carried  into  execution  the  famous 
canal  in  the  valley  of  Lintz,  which  has  drained  a  great  quantity  of  land, 
and  stopped  the  ravages  of  a  river. 

Pastor  Gessner  went  with  me  to  call  on  the  aged  Antistes  Hess,  who 
received  me  very  cordially,  and  we  had  some  very  interesting  religious 
conversation,  with  which  Gessner  seemed  particularly  struck  and 
pleased.  The  old  man,  now  upwards  of  eighty  years  of  age,  seems  to 
be  in  a  sweet  frame  of  mind,  with  his  loins  girded  and  his  light  burning, 
waiting  for  the  proclamation,  <  Behold  the  bridegroom  cometh.'  There 
was  something  precious  to  be  felt  during  this  visit;  we  parted  in  much 
affection,  never  to  meet  again  in  this  world. 

Gessner  then  took  me  to  see  the  brother  of  the  late  learned  author 
Lavater,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  gave  me  a  most  kind  reception. 

They  showed  me  a  beautiful  little  bust  of  J.  C.  Lavater,  and  we 
afterwards  took  a  walk  to  the  place  were  the  bust  of  the  poet  Gessner  is 
placed.  I  went  to  Escher's  in  the  evening,  met  some  interesting  charac- 
ters, and  had  much  useful  conversation  about  objects  relating  to 
humanity.  I  am  to  send  some  works  for  their  library.  Escher  says, 
that  in  Switzerland  there  are  no  persons  miserably  poor,  and  none  very 
rich. 

Eleventh  Month,  29th  Professor  Horner  kindly  devoted  most  of 

the  morning  to  visiting  public  institutions  with  me.  Pastor  Gessner 
took  me  to  see  Pestalozzi,  a  very  respectable  old  man  who  devotes 
much  of  his  time  to  the  care  of  the  hospital  here.  Gessner  told  me 
that  his  wife  wished  to  see  me  if  it  were  only  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour  ;  I 
found  it  was  to  have  some  religious  conversation  more  select  than  in  the 
family,  and  we  had  a  time  of  refreshment  together.  They  are,  I  be- 
lieve, a  sincerely  religious  couple  ;  she  is  daughter  to  the  celebrated 
Lavater,  and  he  the  son  of  the  poet  Gessner ;  they  have  five  daughters, 
three  of  whom  are  married,  and  one  son,  a  very  fine  young  man,  and 
of  a  sweet  disposition  ;  I  went  to  their  house  to  tea,  and  met  the  dif. 
ferent  branches  of  the  family.  After  an  hour  or  two  spent  in  useful  con- 
versation, I  requested  that  we  might  sit  together  in  silence,  waiting  upon 
the  Lord,  and  seeking  after  his  good  presence,  in  the  secret  of  the  soul. 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


95 


We  then  had  a  solemn  time  indeed  ;  the  states  of  some  present  seemed 
open  to  me,  and  I  had  to  address  them,  speaking  in  French.  The  dear 
parents  and  some  of  their  children  seemed  brought  into  tenderness  of 
spirit,  and  were  much  affected.  I  thought  that  the  Lord's  love  and 
power  were  eminently  present,  and,  after  a  solemn  pause,  I  told  them 
that  it  was  in  my  heart  to  pray  in  my  own  language.  I  then  knelt 
down  and  supplicated  in  English ;  Gessner  knelt  by  me ;  it  was  a 
melting  time,  which  I  believe  will  never  be  forgotten  by  some  of  them. 
The  father  embraced  me  affectionately,  and  would  go  with  me  to  the 
inn,  also  that  fine  youth  his  son;  the  dear  young  man,  with  tears  in  his 
eyes,  begged  that  I  would  pray  for  him. 

30th — Wrote  pretty  closely  to  Professor  Pictet  about  the  proceedings 
at  Lausanne.  An  interesting  young  man  from  Geneva  breakfasted  with 
us;  he  received,  most  feelingly,  a  little  religious  advice,  which  I  thought 
it  right  to  give  him ;  the  tears  stood  in  his  eyes ;  he  begged  me  to 
write  my  name  in  a  book  which  I  had  presented  to  him,  and  we  parted 
in  much  love.  We  came  to  Winterthur,  and  called  upon  some  pious 
persons  whose  names  were  on  my  list. 

Twelfth  Month,  1st — Pastor  Hanhart  called,  and  we  had  much  reli- 
gious conversation.  I  laid  it  upon  him  to  encourage  that  which  is  good 
in  the  young  people,  and  to  watch  for  the  buddings  of  it. 

We  set  off  in  the  afternoon  for  St.  Gallen.  Musing,  as  I  went  along, 
it  appeared  to  me  that,  as,  in  an  outward  journey  we  must  pass  overall 
parts  of  the  road,  the  rough  as  well  as  the  smooth,  before  we  reach  our 
destination,  so  is  it  in  the  journey  of  life  ;  when,  therefore,  we  are  cast 
down  and  distressed  with  difficulties  and  discouragements,  let  us  en- 
deavour patiently  to  press  forward,  and  cheerfully  look  towards  the 
end,  and  we  shall,  in  time,  pass  over  every  bad  piece  of  road.  I  had 
heavenly  feelings  as  I  rode  along,  and  was  brought  into  much  tender- 
ness of  spirit.    The  views  of  snow-topped  mountains  were  superb." 

At  St.  Gallen,  Wm.  Allen  was  much  interested  in  the  two  families  of 
Schlatter.  He  mentions  that  Daniel  Schlatter,  an  excellent  young  man, 
is  so  zealous  for  the  conversion  of  the  heathen  to  Christianity,  that  he 
is  gone  to  live  among  the  Nogaye  Tartars,  near  Orloff,  in  the  south  of 
Russia.  He  is  suffering  many  privations,  and  submits  to  live  in  a 
Tartar  family  as  a  servant,  in  order  to  learn  their  language,  and  be  useful 
to  them. 

W.  A.  was,  as  usual,  diligently  engaged  in  religious  labours,  and  in 
reference  to  an  evening  spent  with  some  serious  persons,  he  says — 

"  I  was  remarkably  favoured  to  answer  several  questions  which  were 
asked,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  give  satisfaction  to  the  company  ;  appro- 
priate texts  of  Scripture  being  brought  to  my  mind  to  support  what  I 
advanced.    Anne  Schlatter  gave  me  a  letter  of  introduction  to  a  friend 


96 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


of  hers,  at*  Stuttgard.  They  have  a  son  in  the  missionary  estabhsh- 
raent  at  Basle :  this  institution  is  renowned  throughout  Switzerland." 

On  his  way  to  Stuttgard,  he  mentions  his  petitions  being  put  up  for 
those  dear  to  him,  and  adds — 

"  I  prayed  also,  that  the  Lord  would  be  pleased  to  break  down,  and 
overthrow  all  that  stood  in  the  way  of  the  progress  of  the  gospel  among 
the  nations,  and  that  he  would  sweep  away  the  refuge  of  lies. 

We  passed  theBarriere,  at  the  entrance  of  the  kingdom  of  Wurtem- 
berg,  and  reached  Tubingen.  I  find  that  there  are  eight  hundred 
students  here,  and  Professor  Steudel,  to  whom  I  had  a  letter  of  intro- 
duction, informs  me,  that  several  of  those  studying  theology,  are  very 
pious,  and  meet  together  for  religious  exercises.  Like  all  the  rest,  he 
spoke  very  affectionately  of  dear  S.  Grellet.  J.  P.  Greaves,  the  brother 
of  M.  A.  Greaves,  is  here,  and  I  was  introduced  to  him;  both  he  and 
Steudel  spoke  highly  of  Adelbert,  Count  Von  der  Recke,  of  Dussellhal, 
near  Dusseldorf,  who  has  an  establishment  for  vagabond  children,  and 
those  who  are  deserted,  or  have  lost  their  parents.  It  began  in  conse- 
quence of  the  distress  in  some  parts  of  Germany,  occasioned  by  the  last 
war." 

On  arriving  at  Stuttgard,  William  Allen  found  much  to  engage  his 
attention,  both  in  visiting  public  institutions,  and  in  a  circle  of  religious 
friends,  some  of  whom  remarked,  that  he  had  been  sent  just  at  the  right 
time.  He  learned  that  the  mother  of  the  Queen  wished  to  see  him,  but 
she  was  not  then  at  Stuttgard.  He  readily  obtained  an  interview  with 
the  King  of  Wurtemberg,  having  been  previously  recommended  to  the 
King,  by  the  Emperor  of  Russia.  On  the  day  appointed  for  his  visit 
to  the  palace,  he  writes — 

"  After  dinner,  I  went  into  ray  own  room,  where  I  was  engaged  in 
prayer,  and  a  comforting  evidence  was  granted,  that  I  should  be  helped 
through.  I  went  to  my  friend  Haering's,  where  a  messenger  came  to 
conduct  me  to  the  palace.  The  King  received  me  very  kindly,  and  his 
manners  are  affable.  Just  as  we  were  beginning  to  converse,  he  stopped 
short,  and  said  he  must  go  for  the  Queen,  as  she  also  wished  to  see  me  ; 
she  accordingly  came,  and  they  entered  with  interest  into  the  subjects 
brought  forward.  In  speaking  of  prisons,  I  stated  what  I  considered 
the  evils  of  employing  Galerians  to  work  in  the  public  streets,  &c.  The 
King  much  wishes  to  make  an  alteration  with  respect  to  them,  and  I 
suggested,  that  as  the  plan  now  pursued  was  acknowledged  to  be  inju- 
rious, the  first  step  might  be,  to  let  none  be  added  to  those  managed 
on  the  present  system,  and  then  it  would  gradually  come  to  an  end. 
We  had  some  further  conversation  about  a  society  being  formed,  &c., 
and  I  am  quite  sure  that  the  way  is  open  for  a  good  prison  committee. 

We  talked  of  the  occurrences  of  my  former  journey,  and  my  visit  to 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


97 


the  Waldenses,  &c.  ;  this  naturally  opened  the  way  for  conversation 
upon  toleration  in  matters  of  religion.  I  remarked  in  substance,  that 
the  business  of  civil  governors  was  the  protection  of  the  people  in  their 
rights  and  privileges,  and  to  see  that  no  one  trespassed  upon  another, 
but  that  they  had  nothing  to  do  in  matters  of  religion,  provided  that 
the  good  order  of  the  community  was  not  disturbed.  Both  the  King 
and  the  Queen  most  fully  assented  to  this  doctrine,  and  approved  of 
toleration  in  its  fullest  extent.  They  also  agreed  with  me  that,  unless 
any  thing  appeared  injurious  to  morals  and  the  good  order  of  society, 
it  was  better  to  leave  people  alone,  for  if  they  had  an  idea  of  being 
persecuted  it  would  only  strengthen  them  in  any  false  notions.  We 
spoke  of  the  persecution  at  Lausanne,  of  which  they  both  highly  dis- 
approved. We  conversed  also  about  schools,  but  so  great  is  the  care 
taken  in  this  kingdom  of  the  education  of  the  poor,  that  they  are  gene- 
rally taught  to  read  ;  however,  the  king  likes  the  plan  of  the  British  sys- 
tem. I  showed  them  the  English  Scripture  Lessons,  and  explained 
what  had  been  doing  in  this  way  in  the  ditferent  languages  of  Europe, 
with  which  they  seemed  much  pleased.  I  was  careful  not  to  make 
things  tedious,  and  offered  several  times  to  rise,  but  the  King  would 
not  let  me  go  ;  he  spoke  of  Stephen's  visit  with  pleasure,  and  desired 
to  be  remembered  to  him  when  I  wrote.  During  the  conversation  I 
felt  something  very  precious  covering  our  minds,  and  this  feeling  in- 
creasing towards  the  close,  I  had,  under  the  influence  of  it,  to  make 
some  remarks  on  the  subject  of  rehgion,  which  appeared  to  be  felt  by 
both  the  King  and  Queen,  and  we  parted,  I  believe,  under  mutual  feel- 
ings of  christian  regard  and  affection.  They  cordially  took  me  by  the 
hand,  and  the  King  said  that  if  there  was  anything  in  which  he  could 
gratify  me  at  Stuttgard,  he  should  be  glad  to  do  it.  This  audience 
occupied  from  an  hour  and  a  half  to  two  hours.  I  then  returned  to  my 
friend  Haering,  who  accompanied  me  to  make  several  calls,  and, 
amongst  the  rest,  upon  the  father  of  Steinkoff,  who  is  eighty-six  years 
of  age,  and  can  yet  see  to  paint  without  spectacles.  My  mind  was 
under  a  weight  of  exercise  in  the  prospect  of  a  meeting,  appointed  this 
evening,  but  I  was  mercifully  supported.  On  going  into  the  apart 
ments  prepared  for  the  occasion,  we  found  a  number  of  persons  assem- 
bled. Haering  introduced  me  to  W.  G.  Baumann,  who  spoke  English, 
and  was  quite  willing  to  interpret  for  me.  I  acknowledged  his  kind- 
ness, at  the  same  time  remarking  that  we  had  never  anything  premedi- 
tated, but  that,  should  I  feel  it  my  duty  to  say  any  thing,  I  should  be 
glad  of  his  assistance  as  interpreter.  The  rooms  were  soon  crowded, 
and,  after  a  little  pause,  Baumann  gave  out  a  psalm.  We  then  re- 
mained some  time  in  silence  ;  great  solemnity  prevailed  ;  at  length  I 
rose,  and  had  to  explain  the  nature  of  vital  Christianity,  the  state  of  man 
in  the  fall,  his  recovery  from  that  state  by  belief  in  the  Saviour,  and  at- 

VoL.  n.  7 


98 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


tention  to  the  influence  of  the  Divine  Spirit,  the  insufficiency  of  man  as 
man  to  help  himself,  the  great  object  of  our  existence,  which  was  to  ex- 
perience a  being  made  acceptable  to  the  Father,  through  his  son  Jesus 
Christ.  Baumann  interpreted  sentence  by  sentence,  exceedingly  well, 
and  we  were  favoured  with  a  degree  of  the  power  and  presence  of  the 
Lord ;  a  precious  solemnity  covered  us,  which,  I  believe,  was  felt  to 
be  such  by  many.  I  endeavoured  to  be  careful  to  stop  at  the  right  time. 
A  pause  ensued,  and  I  requested  Baumann  to  inform  the  company  that 
I  felt  it  upon  my  mind  to  pray,  in  English,  but  did  not  desire  to  have 
the  prayer  interpreted ;  some  who  were  present  understood  English, 
though  but  few  could  speak  it.  Here  also  I  was  supported  with  a  feeling 
of  the  Lord's  power,  and  several  were  much  affected.  On  rising  from 
my  knees  my  mind  felt  relieved  and  peaceful.  Many  took  leave  with 
much  affection,  and  I  was  made  humbly  thankful  in  having  been  thus 
remarkably  helped  through  this  important  day.  I  am  glad  that  I  have 
been  led  to  visit  this  interesting  place." 

The  next  day  William  Allen  left  Stuttgard.  In  describing  Calsruhe, 
which  they  passed  through,  he  says — 

"I  think  this  one  of  the  prettiest  towns  I  have  ever  seen." 

On  arriving  at  Bergzabern,  he  called  upon  the  person  to  whom  Wiltz 
of  Neuwied  had  given  him  a  letter,  and  who  was  considered  the  princi- 
pal person  among  the  '<  Inspirees ;"  but  he  did  not  feel  that  satisfaction 
in  his  intercourse  with  these  people,  which  he  had  experienced  among 
other  pious  christians ;  he  believed  them  to  be  under  a  delusion,  and 
though  he  tenderly  cautioned  them  respecting  what  he  considered  their 
errors,  he  did  not  feel  any  opening  for  religious  communication  in  the 
meeting  which  he  attended  ;  he  left  them  with  much  concern  on  their 
account. 

On  the  frontier  of  the  French  territory  they  underwent  a  strict  search, 
and  were  asked  if  they  had  any  of  O'Meara's  books,  but  "William 
Allen  told  them  no  ;  that  he  was  not  a  political  character,  but  anxious 
to  promote  the  good  of  all  parties,  and  the  officers  treated  them  with 
great  civility. 

At  Strasburg,  he  met  with  some  interesting  and  pious  persons,  and 
found  much  to  engage  his  attention.  In  a  visit  to  Professor  Krafft,  at 
the  Protestant  Seminary,  he  had  an  opportunity  of  addressing  a  class 
of  the  students,  and  says — 

"  I  reminded  them,  among  other  things,  that  although  the  Holy 
Scriptures  themselves,  the  best  of  books,  were  given  by  inspiration  of 
God,  yet  in  order  to  profit  by  them,  and  understand  them  aright,  we 
must  seek  after  a  measure  of  the  divine  influence  ;  that  though  it  was 
proper  for  us  to  cultivate  our  intellectual  faculties,  yet  religion  consisted 
in  entire  devotion  of  the  heart  to  God.  The  great  duty  of  prayer  was 
also  enforced,  and  I  took  my  leave  in  a  feeling  of  love,  shaking  hands 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


99 


with  each  of  them.  They  behaved  very  respectfully,  and  the  Professor 
was  aflectionate,  and  seemed  much  gratified. 

Twelfth  Month  lUh. — I  received  a  letter  from  dear  Josiah  Forster, 
which  was  very  comforting  and  encouraging.  Visited  the  prison,  and 
had  something  to  say  to  one  of  the  prisoners,  who  seemed  affected. 
Pastor  Hessel  has  established  schools  amongst  them,  and  I  hear  they 
make  great  progress.  Various  works  of  industry  are  carried  on  in  the 
prison. 

I  find  that  the  high  party  here  are  but  too  successful  in  putting  down 
schools  of  mutual  instruction,  and  establishing,  in  their  stead,  those  of 
the  Freres  Ignorantins ;  thus  susperstition  and  bigotry  are  making  a  great 
struggle  to  counteract  the  progress  of  light  and  knowledge.  Gaspard 
Wiggelin  says  that  the  cause  of  vital  religion  is  reviving,  and  that  about 
forty  young  persons,  who  are  very  hppeful,  attend  the  meetings  held  at 
his  house  on  first-day  evenings. 

\bth. — After  breakfast,  I  read  the  First  Epistle  of  John,  and  we  had 
a  solemn  time  of  silence  ;  at  the  conclusion,  I  knelt  down  in  supplication 
and  thanksgiving.  Wiggelin  came  in  and  informed  me  that  he  had  read 
the  'Brief  Remarks,'  in  German,  and  was  quite  delighted  with  them. 
He  will  gladly  superintend  the  printing  of  this  tract,  and  see  to  the  dis- 
tribution of  it.  Krafft  left  his  album  for  me  to  write  in,  which  I  did  in 
the  following  words : — 

"In  passing  through  the  wilderness  of  this  world,  it  is  cheering  to 
meet  with  fellow-travellers  towards  a  better  country :  as  one  of  these  I 
salute  thee,  my  dear  Krafft,  in  the  love  of  the  everlasting  gospel,  and  I 
pray  that  thou  mayest  be  strengthened  by  our  blessed  Lord  and  Master, 
to  hold  on  thy  way  without  turning  to  the  right  hand,  or  to  the  left. 
When  the  Saviour  was  about  to  be  taken  from  his  poor  disciples,  as  to 
his  bodily  presence,  he  comforted  them  wit^  this  assurance — '  Lo  I  am 
with  you  ahvay,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.'  Faithful  is  He  who 
hath  promised,  and  his  promises  are  yea  and  amen  for  ever ;  if  we  con- 
tinue faithful  to  Him,  we  shall,  at  the  end  of  our  pilgrimage,  be  with 
him  where  He  is,  to  behold  his  glory  for  ever." 

Krafft  also  left  with  me  a  book  belonging  to  the  university,  request- 
ing to  have  something  under  my  hand,  and  I  wrote  as  follows  : — 

May  the  students  in  this  seminary,  while  they  are  endeavouring  to 
acquire  outward  knowledge,  be  above  all  engaged  to  attend  to  the  grace 
of  God  that  bringeth  salvation,  and  which  hath  appeared  to  all  men. 
May  they,  in  humility  of  mind,  seek  after  it  with  increasing  earnestness, 
and  through  its  influence  possess  that  faith  which  worketh  by  love,  and 
witness  an  establishment  on  the  only  sure  foundation,  Jesus  Christ. 
•  "That  they  may  thus  experimentally  know  the  love  of  Christ  which 
passeth  knowledge,  and  become  a  blessing  to  their  country,  is  the 
ardent  desire  of  their  sincere  friend." 


100 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


In  the  afternoon,  Professor  KraflTt,  and  a  Catholic  priest,  who  has 
been  persecuted  for  his  enlightened  views,  together  with  some  of  the 
young  students  from  the  university,  paid  me  a  visit,  and  we  had  some 
interesting  conversation  together.  Gaspard  Wiggelin  called  to  conduct 
me  to  his  house,  where  the  evening  meeting  was  to  be  held.  I  sat 
quietly,  whilst  they  went  through  their  usual  exercises,  and  then  was 
engaged  to  address  them  in  French.  I  felt  the  current  of  divine  love 
flow  towards  them  freely,  and  this  occasion  proved  comforting.  When 
we  broke  up,  every  one  present,  both  men  and  women,  shook  hands 
with  me.  Wiggelin  then  accompanied  me  to  a  professor  in  theology, 
who  had  invited  the  professors  of  their  seminary  to  meet  me.  I  was 
glad  to  see  Krafft  come  in,  and  there  were  some  ladies  also,  but  we 
were  in  a  different  element  here,  from  that  which  we  had  left.  I  felt 
and  saw  the  states  of  many  clearly, — their  minds  were  dark  and  cold, 
though  they  were  very  respectful  towards  me.  I  was  glad  I  was  there. 
Wiggelin  and  others  accompanied  me  to  the  inn. 

Twelfth  Month  16th  I  parted  with  Narolsky  to-day ;  he  was  affected 

on  taking  leave.  Daniel  and  I  left  Strasburg  at  seven  o'clock,  to  pro- 
ceed to  the  Ban  de  la  Roche. 

11th. — We  reached  Foudai  about  eleven.  I  had  a  letter  of  intro- 
duction to  Le  Grande,  who  has  a  large  manufactory  here  ;  he  has  an 
interesting  family,  but  I  soon  proceeded  about  a  mile  and  a  half  further 
to  Waldbach,  where  Pastor  Oberlin  resides.  We  see  the  little  spire  of 
the  village  embosomed  in  hills  covered  with  pines,  for  some  time  before 
we  arrive  at  it.  Oberlin  lives  in  a  large  house  near  the  place  of  wor- 
ship. He  was  at  home  and  received  us  very  kindly.  His  study  is  a 
curious  place,  containing  a  great  medley,  which  it  would  be  difficult  to 
describe.  He  is  now  eighty-two  years  of  age,  is  very  mild  and  loving 
in  his  manners,  with  the  simplicity  of  a  child ;  he  is  regarded  as  the 
father  of  the  place,  his  active  mind  having  constantly  been  engaged  in 
planning  and  executing  works  of  public  utility,  as  roads,  bridges,  &c., 
the  money  for  which  he  raised  by  subscription  ;  he  has  lived  in  this 
place  for  fifty-two  years.  The  old  man  would  have  us  dine  with  him, 
and  related  to  us  the  circumstances  of  a  remarkable  illness  which  he 
had  during  the  time  of  the  French  Revolution,  and  how  he  was  raised 
up  out  of  it,  with  the  extraordinary  feelings  he  experienced  at  the  time, 
wherein  he  distinctly  saw  the  difference  between  the  natural  and  spiritual 
man.  He  lost  his  wife  many  years  ago,  but  he  has  a  faithful  servant 
who  has  lived  with  him  ever  since  she  was  fifteen.  Oberlin  spoke  with 
much  tenderness  of  his  son-in-law  Graff",  who,  with  his  wife  and  chil- 
dren, live  with  him.  GrafT  was  formerly  a  missionary  in  Russia,  but 
has  now  resided  several  years  with  Oberlin,  and  is  his  right  hand  in 
ecclesiastical  matters.  After  dinner  I  was  sensible  of  a  precious  feeling 
being  over  us,  and  had  to  address  the  company  in  French  ;  this  was 


1822. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


101 


(he  means  of  uniting  us  still  more  closely  ;  we  parted  afTcctionately, 
and  I  have  reason  to  be  glad  that  I  came.  I  was  thankful  that  my 
Divine  Master  was  pleased  to  own  his  poor  servant  in  a  manner  which 
they  must  have  felt,  and,  I  believe,  will  long  remember.  The  dear 
old  man  followed  us  to  the  gate.  I  am  persuaded  that  this  visit,  short 
as  it  is,  has  not  been  in  vain." 

Several  of  the  following  days  were  occupied  in  going  to  Paris,  during 
which  time  he  frequently  commemorates  the  goodness  of  the  Lord  with 
humble  gratitude.    On  one  occasion  he  writes — 

'<  My  mind  was  sweetly  comforted  in  a  review  of  the  present  jour- 
ney ;  my  dear  Master's  peace  flowed  in  like  a  gentle  stream,  and  almost 
the  only  regret  I  felt  in  looking  back,  was  the  times  when  I  have  too 
much  longed  after  home." 

On  arriving  at  Paris,  he  and  his  nephew  put  up  at  Meurice's  Hotel, 
and,  after  delivering  his  letters  of  introduction,  he  expresses  satisfaction 
in  having  met  with  Wilder,  an  Englishman  extensively  engaged  in 
manufactories.  He  had  the  pleasure  of  renewing  his  intercourse  with 
the  Baron  de  Stael,  who,  he  says — 

<'  Gave  me  a  warm  reception,  and  we  had  much  conversation  on  the 
state  of  the  Slave  Trade,  &c.  I  find  that  the  Count,  now  Duke  de 
Montmorenci,  went  to  Congress  to  urge  a  war  against  Spain,  but  failed 
in  inducing  the  other  Powers  to  co-operate  ;  things  appear  to  me  to  be 
in  an  awful  state.  After  spending  some  time  with  the  Baron,  we  went 
to  visit  Count  Lasteyrie.  It  appears  that  the  schools  are  put  under  the 
care  of  a  priest,  and  that  it  has  even  been  a  difficulty  to  obtain  leave  to 
establish  a  protestant  school  in  a  place  which  happened  to  have  no 
catholic  school.  The  ruling  party,  at  present,  seem  endeavouring  to 
bring  things  back  to  the  state  they  were  in  at  the  massacre  of  St.  Bar- 
tholomew. 

I  went  to  call  upon  the  famous  Greek  scholar.  Dr.  Coray  ;  he  had 
with  him  a  Greek  merchant,  of  Marseilles,  who  was  born  at  Scio,  who 
seemed  overwhelmed  with  the  troubles  of  his  country.  I  inquired  after 
the  two  young  men,  who  were  studying  under  Coray,  and  for  whose 
support,  for  a  year  or  two,  I  had  engaged  to  raise  a  subscription  in 
England,  but  find  that  they  left  Paris  about  two  days  before  the  news 
of  what  had  been  done  for  them  had  arrived.  They  are  now  supporting 
themselves  by  teaching  the  language  ;  one  of  them  is  at  Marseilles.  I 
told  Coray  to  retain  the  money,  till  he  heard  farther  from  me  respecting 
the  appropriation  of  it.  I  want  to  open  a  door  into  Greece,  for  the 
spread  of  tracts  on  Christian  principles.  After  this  interview,  we  called 
upon  the  Abbe  Gregoire,  and  at  some  other  places,  and  in  the  evening, 
went  to  H.  Mann's,  where  we  met  with  W.  T.  Money,  and  his  family, 
and  an  agreeable  company,  but  we  could  not  stay  long,  as  I  had 


102 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1822. 


engaged  to  attend  a  committee  of  (he  '  Society  for  Christian  Morals' 
on  the  subject  of  the  Slave  Trade.  We  found  the  Baron  de  Stael,  the 
Duke  de  Broglie,  and  several  others.  After  the  committee  was  over, 
Wilder  and  I  rejoined  our  friends,  where  a  portion  of  Scripture  was 
read  and  expounded,  and  they  then  knelt  down  in  prayer.  Though 
these  exercises  are  not  in  our  own  manner,  yet  I  like  to  see  the  dispo- 
sition to  religious  re-unions.  After  this  was  over,  W.  T.  M,  read  some 
letters  from  his  sons  at  Calais,  full  of  piety. 

Twelfth  Month  24//;.— Breakfasted  with  W.  T.  Money  and  his  wife 
and  three  sons:  this  is  indeed  a  sweet  family.  At  the  close  of  their 
religious  exercises  I  addressed  the  dear  young  men ;  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  seemed  to  accompany  the  words,  and,  I  believe,  was  felt 
by  all.  I  called  upon  our  Minister,  Sir  Charles  Stewart ;  he  received 
me  very  respectfully,  and  we  had  a  good  deal  of  conversation  about 
the  Slave  Trade.  I  then  went  with  Count  Lasteyrie  to  visit  the 
schools,  and  afterwards  dined  at  Wilder's.  I  have  been  very  low  in 
riding  through  the  streets  of  this  city,  under  a  sense  of  the  awful  situa- 
tion of  the  people,  and  yet,  on  the  other  hand,  good  seems  springing 
up  among  a  few ;  six  years  ago  there  were  no  societies  for  religious 
and  benevolent  objects  in  Paris,  but  now  there  is  a  Bible  Society,  a 
Tract  Society,  a  Prison  Discipline  Society,  a  Missionary  Society,  &c., 
but  the  present  ministry  are  doing  all  that  they  dare  to  discountenance 
these  things,  and  especially  the  schools  on  the  system  of  mutual  in- 
struction ;  the  names  of  their  firm  supporters  are  noted  by  the  police. 

We  spent  an  agreeable,  and,  I  trust,  not  an  unprofitable  evening,  as 
it  tended  to  strengthen  the  bonds  of  friendship  among  those  who  are 
labouring  to  promote  religion  and  virtue. 

25i/i. — I  find  that  the  prisons  are  in  a  deplorable  state,  and  that 
though  there  is  a  prison  discipline  committee,  it  never  meets.  The 
Duke  d'  Angouleme  is  president,  but  nothing  is  done.  I  called  on 
Dominic  Andre,  and  had  a  warm  reception  from  him  and  his  wife. 
He  is  active  in  savings'  banks  for  the  poor.  I  afterwards  went  to  the 
Baron  de  Stael,  who  was  to  have  gone  with  me  to  Gallatin,  the  Ame- 
rican Minister,  respecting  the  Slave  Trade,  but  the  Duke  de  Broglie 
took  his  place.  I  found  Gallatin  a  shrewd,  clear-headed  man  ;  he  seems 
very  bitter  on  the  subject  of  the  maritime  rights  assumed  by  Great 
Britain,  and  said  a  good  deal  on  the  subject  of  the  Slave  Trade.  With 
regard  to  the  Greeks,  he  thinks  it  is  manifestly  to  the  interest  of  the 
British  to  interfere  between  them  and  the  Turks,  and  to  erect  them 
into  a  separate  state,  as  a  barrier  against  Russia,  which  he  says  will 
most  certainly  otherwise,  sooner  or  later,  possess  herself  of  those  coun- 
tries. As  I  saw  that  there  was  nothing  more  to  be  done  with  regard 
to  my  object,  I  took  leave.", 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


103 


William  Allen  left  Paris  in  the  afternoon,  and  reached  home,  by  way 
of  Boulogne,  on  the  29lh.  On  finding  his  family  in  usual  health,  he 
writes — 

«My  mind  was  deeply  humbled  in  thankfulness,  that  my  Divine 
Master  had  so  preserved  those  who  are  dearest  to  me,  and  brought  me 
back  to  them  in  the  possession  of  his  sweet  peace." 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

1823. — Distressed  Greeks — Society  for  the  Abolition  of  Slavery — Letter  to  the  Emperor  of 
Russia — Birth  of  his  Grandson — Death  of  his  Daughter — Correspondence,  &c. 

"  First  Month  1st,  1823  To  town,  and  then  to  meeting,  (held  at 

Devonshire  House).  We  seemed  to  be  ow^ned  and  comforted  together. 
My  mind  was  clothed  with  a  precious  degree  of  divine  love,  and, 
under  this  feeling,  I  rose  and  spoke  of  the  love  of  Christ,  which  passeth 
knowledge.  Soon  after  I  sat  down,  Rebecca  Christy  spoke  in  ministry, 
and  afterwards  very  sweetly  in  prayer. 

I  called  at  Steward-street,  to  see  Peter  Bedford ;  I  find  that  he  and 
John  Eliot  are  quite  warm  in  the  cause  of  the  Greeks. 

3rd. — Meeting  for  SuflTerings.  The  first  business  entered  upon,  was 
the  consideration  of  the  subject  of  Slavery,  referred  to  this  meeting  by 
the  Yearly  Meeting,  after  which  I  gave  an  account  of  my  late  journey. 
At  the  close  of  the  meeting,  a  committee  met  on  the  case  of  the  distressed 
Greeks.  A  subscription  was  entered  into.  I  was  appointed  treasurer, 
and  directed  to  write  and  empower  persons  at  Corfu,  and  in  the  Ionian 
Islands,  to  draw  for  one  hundred  pounds,  and  to  state,  that  further 
assistance  should  be  sent  to  Trieste  and  Ancona,  two  hundred  pounds 
having  already  been  forwarded  to  these  places. 

In  the  afternoon,  John  Mavrocordato  and  his  son  called,  and  met 
Peter  Bedford,  and  we  had  more  conversation  about  the  Greeks.  I 
think  we  ought  to  publish  our  address  in  the  papers." 

As  the  subject  of  the  distress  of  the  Greeks  was  one  of  deep  interest 
to  William  Allen,  we  extract  a  few  particulars,  respecting  the  formation 
of  the  Committee,  &c.,  from  the  address  alluded  to,  as  follows  : — 

"  An  application  for  relief  of  a  pecuniary  nature,  having  been  ad- 
dressed to  the  Society  of  Friends,  in  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  on 
behalf  of  the  distressed  refugees  from  the  Isle  of  Scio,  now  at  Trieste 
and  Ancona,  their  case,  and  that  of  others  of  the  Greek  nation,  who, 
in  the  course  of  the  late  dreadful  events,  have  been  forced  from  their 
native  country,  excited  a  strong  feeling  of  sympathy  and  commiseration 
in  the  minds  of  those  friends  in  the  metropolis,  to  whom  the  represen- 
tation was  first  communicated ;  and  a  committee  was  immediately 


104 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


formed  for  the  purpose  of  giving  prompt  attention  to  the  subject.  The 
propriety  of  aflbrding  temporary  aid,  has  been  confirmed  by  the  inquiries 
that  have  since  been  made,  and  abundant  proof  has  arisen,  that  the 
case  is  truly  one  which  claims  the  compassionate  attention  of  those 
who,  exempt  from  the  horrors  and  sufferings  to  which  these,  our  fellow 
Christians,  have  been  exposed,  are,  by  the  favour  of  Providence,  in  a 
state  of  ability  to  hold  out  to  them,  in  this  day  of  their  calamity,  the 
brotherly  hand  of  kindness,  and  pour  some  balm  into  their  wounds. 
Under  these  impressions,  the  Committee  rely  with  confidence  on  the 
early  and  liberal  attention  of  Friends  to  the  proposed  subscription  ;  the 
purpose  of  which  may  be  explicitly  slated,  as  entirely  distinct  from  the 
promotion  of  any  measures  by  which  the  principle  of  our  Society 
against  all  war,  might  be  in  any  degree  violated,  or  compromised.  The 
purpose  is,  The  Relief  of  the  Distressed  Greeks.  The  Committee  dis- 
claim any  consideration  whatever  of  a  political  nature :  they  come  for- 
ward solely  on  the  plea  of  humanity  and  Christian  benevolence.  It  is 
obvious  that  the  aid  in  contemplation  is  not  meant  to  be  confined  to 
the  sufferers  of  Scio,  but  to  extend,  so  far  as  circumstances  may  admit, 
to  those  in  other  parts,  whom  similar  distress  has  befallen :  yet,  still, 
in  the  narrative  of  misery,  the  Isle  of  Scio  must  be  considered  as  stand- 
ing peculiarly  prominent.  This  island,  the  central  point,  in  modern 
Greece,  of  civilization  and  refinement,  the  seat  of  reviving  hterature, 
the  favourite  abode  of  the  most  opulent  families,  is  become  a  waste 
and  nearly  desolate  spot ;  its  comparatively  extensive  city,  a  heap  of 
ruins.  Of  one  hundred  and  ten  thousand  inhabitants,  the  estimated 
population  of  the  island,  not  more  appear  to  have  been  left  upon  it  than 
from  eight  to  twelve  hundred.  Above  forty  thousand  are  computed 
to  have  been  massacred,  and  forty-eight  thousand  doomed  to  slavery, 
among  whom  are  the  wives  and  daughters  of  persons  who  had  lived  in 
comfort  and  affluence:  these  unhappy  females  are  now  groaning  under 
complicated  and  indescribable  miseries." 

After  giving  some  affecting  details  of  suffering,  conveyed  in  really 
heart-rending  letters,  the  Committee  observe  in  their  Report — 

"Such  is  the  case,  towards  which  the  compassion  and  liberality  of 
members  of  our  Society,  and  others,  their  fellow  Christians,  in  Great 
Britain  and  Ireland,  have  been  solicited,  and  which  was  promptly  met 
by  an  extensive  subscription. 

Committees  were  speedily  formed  of  the  most  respectable  Greeks  at 
Trieste,  Ancona,  Leghorn,  Odessa,  Marseilles,  Malta,  Amsterdam,  and 
Vienna.  Correspondents  were  also  appointed  at  Constantinople, 
Smyrna,  the  Ionian  Islands,  Stuttgard,  and  Paris;  and  the  intercourse 
which  the  distribution  of  the  funds  opened  between  the  London  Com- 
mittee and  many  of  the  Greek  nation,  tended  to  raise  a  deep  interest  on 
their  behalf.    Upwards  of  eight  thousand  pounds  were  collected  for 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


105 


the  relief  of  the  sufferers,  and  the  Committee  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  several  sums  of  money,  from  persons  not  members  of  the  Society  of 
Friends." 

Soon  after  his  return  from  the  Continent,  William  Allen  mentions 
being  much  interested  in  reading  a  number  of  letters  from  General 
Macaulay,  to  his  brother  Zachary,  dated  from  Rome  and  Verona, 
stating  the  proceedings  at  Congress,  relative  to  the  Slave  Trade  ;  and 
after  alluding  to  some  of  the  particulars  contained  in  them,  W.  A. 
says — 

'<  The  Duke  of  Wellington  and  the  Emperor  of  Russia  have  behaved 
nobly  in  this  business.  I  am  thankful  that  I  gave  up  to  the  intimation 
of  duty,  and  went  to  Verona. 

First  Month  6th. — Writing  a  long  letter  to  Thomas  Clarkson,  on  the 
subject  of  the  Slave  Trade.  I  thought  it  was  due  to  him,  to  know 
some  of  the  particulars  relative  to  the  Congress,  as  he  has  laboured  in 
this  righteous  cause  more  abundantly  than  us  all. 

First  Month  lOth.^ — Attended  the  Committee  of  the  British  and 
Foreign  School  Society — a  very  interesting  one  :  the  cause  prospers. 

13th. — Dined  with  Z.  Macaulay,  at  Cadogan  Place.  Called  for  W. 
Smith,  and  T.  F.  Buxton,  who  went  with  me.  We  had  an  agreeable 
meeting,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  the  London  Society  for  the  Aboli- 
tion of  Slavery  in  our  Colonies.  Agreed  upon  the  persons  who  are  to 
form  the  committee,  and  fixed  for  the  first  meeting  to  be  at  the  King's 
Head,  in  the  Poultry,  on  second-day.  John  and  Francis  Cunningham 
were  both  there. 

14th. — Lecture  at  the  hospital;  began  my  part  of  experimental  phi- 
losophy. There  was  a  good  company,  who  received  me  with  marks 
of  kind  feeling. 

Ibth. — Meeting:  some  of  us  were  comforted  in  our  great  Master's 
love.  I  felt  deeply  sensible  of  my  unworthiness,  but  towards  the  close 
the  spirit  of  supplication  seemed  to  be  given  me,  and  I  knelt  down  and 
prayed  for  the  dear  young  people,  for  those  under  conflict,  and  for  every 
one  present. 

I  wrote  notes  to  Earl  Bathurst,  and  N.  Vansittart,  enclosing  to  each 
a  printed  paper  of  the  case  of  the  Greeks,  for  the  information  of  govern- 
ment. I  also  took  one  to  Alsager,  the  city  agent  for  the  Times  news- 
paper, for  insertion,  and  went  to  the  JYew  Times  office,  with  a  copy  for 
insertion  in  that  paper. 

Read  a  manuscript  on  Slavery,  furnished  by  Macaulay,  which  is  to 
be  copied  and  sent  to  Buxton,  at  Cromer.  It  gives  a  dreadful  picture 
of  the  state  of  Slavery  in  the  West  Lidies. 

28[h. — Rose  at  six.  My  mind  sweetly  comforted  in  the  Lord,  and 
stayed  upon  him — deeply  humbled.  What  am  I  that  He  should  look 
down  upon  me ! 


106 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


One  o'clock  to  King's  Head,  Poultry,  to  attend  a  private  meeting 
for  the  formation  of  the  Society  for  the  Gradual  Abolition  of  Slavery  in 
the  Colonies  of  Great  Britain.  The  resolutions  were  carried  nem.  con. 
Samuel  Hoare  was  appointed  treasurer,  and  a  large  committee  was 
also  appointed,  the  majority  of  whom  are  Friends.  William  Smith, 
M.P.  was  in  the  chair, 

<<  First  Month  2lst. — W.  F.  Reynolds  and  R.  Slade  called,  and  we 
spent  the  morning  in  canvassing  for  the  invested  subscription  of  the 
British  and  Foreign  School  Society. — A  successful  cruise. 

23;-d. — I  went  over  to  dine  at  Plashet,and  had  a  satisfactory  con- 
ference with  E.  J.  Fry.  She  has  a  concern  to  visit  the  meetings  for 
worship  in  our  Quarterly  Meeting,  on  first-day  mornings.  This  very 
day,  before  I  knew  of  her  prospect,  I  told  my  mother  that  I  had  thought 
of  doing  the  same  thing.  We  accordingly  agreed  to  attend  some  of 
them  together.  Met  Samuel  Gurney  and  his  wife,  and  several  more  at 
dinner.  Major  Colebrooke,  who  is  going  out  to  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  Ceylon,  and  the  Mauritius,  was  there,  with  his  wife.  He  seems 
quite  a  valuable  character,  and,  I  think,  is  likely  to  be  very  useful. 

25//;. — Wrote  the  following  note  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  in  reply 
to  one  from  him,  received  some  days  since  : — 

'W.  Allen  presents  his  respects  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  and  begs 
to  return  his  sincere  thanks  for  the  kind  permission  given  him  to  wait 
upon  the  Duke  on  his  return  to  town,  and  in  the  mean  time  to  write. 
In  consequence  of  the  noble  manner  in  which  the  Duke  advocated  the 
cause  of  the  oppressed  Africans,  at  Verona,  W.  A.  feels  a  strong  senti- 
ment of  love  and  gratitude  towards  him,  and  is  desirous  to  be  favoured 
with  a  short  interview,  at  the  Duke's  convenience.  W.  A.  would  have 
availed  himself  of  the  liberty  given  to  write,  if  the  subject  had  been 
urgent,  but  he  thinks  that  he  can  more  satisfactorily  express  what  he 
has  to  say  in  a  private  conversation  than  by  writing.' 

J.  Butterworth,  James  Miller,  and  I,  as  a  deputation  from  the  British 
and  Foreign  School  Society,  waited  upon  Lord  Amherst,  who  is  going 
out  to  India  as  Governor  General,  in  the  room  of  Lord  Moira,  to  solicit 
his  patronage  of  the  plan  in  India.  We  were  kindly  and  respectfully 
received,  and  we  presented  him  with  a  Manual  and  the  last  Report.  I 
also  showed  him  a  copy  of  the  Scripture  Lessons,  and  described  what 
was  doing  in  that  way.  Called  on  Major  Colebrooke  ;  I  find  that 
government  has  a  plan  for  encouraging  emigration  to  Canada.  The 
scheme  is  Wilmot's  in  Lord  Bathurst's  office,  but  it  is  not  yet  publicly 
avowed.  I  think  my  scheme  for  colonies  at  home  is  better.  Major 
Colebrooke  says,  Sir  Edward  Barnes,  of  Ceylon,  is  coming  to  town,  and 
that  I  ought  to  see  him. 

First  Month  28th. — I  accompanied  Zachary  Macaulay  to  wait  upon 
Ravenza,  the  deputy  from  Columbia.    He  is  a  very  interesting,  clear- 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


107 


headed  man,  speaks  English  well,  and  is  enthusiastic  in  the  cause  of 
schools  for  mutual  instruction.  He  established  them  himself  at  Bogota, 
the  capital  of  Columbia,  and  when  he  left  that  place  there  was  one 
already  in  operation  for  six  hundred  boys,  and  two  more  were  commenc- 
ing. They  were  also  spreading  in  the  interior.  After  the  Jamaica 
packet  sails  he  is  to  go  with  me  to  see  the  schools  at  the  Borough  Road. 
I  rejoice  exceedingly  that  a  door  is  opened  here.  We  had  some  con- 
versation on  the  Slavery  question. 

First  Month  29th. — J.  M.  Brackenbury,  of  Wandsworth,  called. 
He  is  a  promoter  of  Bible  societies  and  schools  on  the  British  system, 
and  is  appointed,  by  our  government,  consul  for  the  province  of  Anda- 
lusia, in  Spain.  He  is  going  to  reside  at  Cadiz,  or  Seville  ;  and  is  to 
have  a  Manual,  Spanish  Lessons,  &c.  He  intends  to  correspond  with 
me.  Went  to  call  at  Earl  Bathurst's,  and  was  received  cprdially.  I 
gave  him  the  report  of  our  schools  at  Malta,  and  impressed  him  with 
the  importance  of  continuing  to  patronize  every  attempt  to  educate  the 
Greeks.  I  stated  to  him  what  I  saw  at  Vienna,  and  what  had  been 
done  in  consequence  of  the  representation  made  to  that  government. 
I  hinted,  that  it  would  be  well  for  members  of  government  here  to  join 
in  the  subscription,  now  raising  by  Friends,  as  it  is  clear  from  all  party 
connexion,  and  requested  him  to  MTite  to  Sir  Frederick  Adam,  to  look 
out  for  cases  of  distress,  and  draw  upon  me,  as  treasurer,  for  one  hun- 
dred pounds.  This  he  promised  to  do,  and  make  a  memorandum  of 
it ;  but  he  was  very  strong  upon  the  point  of  keeping  to  the  Sciotes,  as 
long  as  there  were  any  to  be  relieved.  He  said,  that  government,  for 
fear  of  the  plague,  had  prevented  the  Greeks  from  being  received  pro- 
miscuously ;  but  had  granted  them  a  rendezvous  on  one  of  the  Islands  ; 
where  they  were  supported  until  means  offered  for  disposing  of  them. 
I  told  him  of  the  society  formed  for  the  mitigation  and  gradual  Abolition 
of  Slavery,  in  the  West  India  Islands,  stating  my  firm  conviction,  that 
measures  might  be  taken,  to  proceed  with  Abolition,  and,  at  the  same 
time,  improve  the  circumstances  of  the  Islands,  by  adopting  the  Spanish 
plan,  and  giving  the  slave  an  interest  in  the  soil.  He  says,  that  some  of 
the  blacks,  who  had  joined  the  British,  in  the  last  war  with  America, 
are  now  settled  at  Trinidad,  where  they  are  cultivating  the  ground  and 
making  great  progress  :  he  promises  to  send  me  an  account  of  it.  This 
interview,  altogether,  was  gratifying.  The  Earl  gives  me  full  liberty  to 
forward  letters  to  foreign  parts,  through  his  office. 

Second  Month  3rd. — I  had  a  very  satisfactory  interview  with  the 
Duke  of  Wellington.  He  frankly  told  me  the  heads  of  what  passed  on 
the  subject  of  the  Slave  Trade,  after  I  had  left  Verona;  and  not  only 
read  to  me  the  copy  of  his  paper,  containing  the  propositions  which  he 
made  to  Congress,  but  gave  it  to  me,  with  leave  to  show  it  to  Wilber- 


\ 


108 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823, 


force  and  Macaulay,  but  not  to  have  it  printed.  The  information 
agreed  with  what  I  had  heard  before.  All  the  Powers,  but  France, 
have  pledged  themselves  to  support  the  propositions,  at  a  meeting  of 
the  plenipotentiaries,  to  be  held  in  London  in  a  few  weeks.  He  was 
so  open  and  kind,  that  I  took  the  opportunity  of  explaining  to  him  our 
school  concern,  and  the  Scripture  Lessons,  &c.  I  also  just  hinted 
about  the  Greeks, — told  him,  my  opinion  was,  that  it  would  be  good 
policy  to  countenance  a  Greek  empire,  if  England  did  not  wish  to  see 
all  that  country  joined  to  Russia,  which,  otherwise,  in  time,  it  assuredly 
would  be.  He  smiled,  and  on  my  taking  leave,  wished  me  to  come 
to  him  any  second-day  I  felt  inchned. 

Ath. — Lecture  at  the  hospital.  No.  1,  Introductory.  Went  up  to 
Earl  Bathurst's  office,  and  showed  him  a  letter  I  had  written  to  Sir 
Frederick  Adam,  about  the  Greeks.  He  was  very  kind  and  cordial, 
and  gave  me  a  letter  to  read,  from  Robert  Mitchell,  of  Trinidad,  stating, 
that  the  Africans,  American  refugees,  who  were  settled  there,  were 
doing  well.  After  dinner,  attended  a  committee  on  the  Greeks.  Several 
letters  were  read,  and  I  was  ordered  to  write  to  Odessa." 

The  correspondence  connected  with  the  business  of  this  committee 
was  very  extensive,  and  many  notices  occur  of  both  writing  and  receiv- 
ing letters ;  but  these  claims  upon  William  Allen's  time  were  readily 
responded  to.  He  felt  that  the  object  was  of  great  importance  to  the 
cause  of  humanity  ;  and,  therefore,  he  heartily  engaged  in  it.  He  says — 

"Nils  Mordenshield,  from  Abo,  called.  He  has  been  four  years 
travelling  on  the  continent,  and  wishes  to  see  our  public  establishments, 
schools,  &c.  He  says  he  is  a  friend  of  Julien's,  and  saw  Stephen  and 
me  at  Abo.    I  must  appoint  a  day  to  take  him  to  some  of  them. 

Parliament  met  for  dispatch  of  business  to-day.  Good  speech  from 
Lord  Liverpool ;  thundering  one  from  Brougham,  against  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  Holy  Alliance  ;  very  severe  on  the  Emperor  of  Russia. 

Second  Month  1th. — ^Meeting  for  SufTerings  at  ten  ;  we  were  favoured 
with  a  precious  evidence  of  divine  regard,  which  I  believe  was  gene- 
rally felt.  The  petition  prepared  against  Colonial  Slavery  was  read, 
and,  after  much  discussion,  which  was  conducted  in  a  very  agreeable 
manner,  it  was  copied  on  parchment  and  signed.  A  parliamentary 
committee  was  appointed,  and  met  at  the  close  of  the  meeting.  The 
petition  was  committed  to  my  care  to  be  forwarded." 

W.  Wilberforce,  in  replying  to  a  request  from  William  Allen,  that 
he  would  take  charge  of  this  petition,  writes — 

«<  I  can  truly  say  that  I  shall  account  it  an  honour  to  be  the  bearer 
of  such  sentiments  to  the  table  of  the  House  of  Commons ;  it  is  all 
excellent,  more  especially  that  part  of  it  which  states  your  unshaken 
belief  that  Christianity,  if  embraced  and  acted  upon,  would  insure  the 
present  and  eternal  happiness  of  the  human  race." 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


109 


(( 9//i. — To  Devonshire  House  meeting;  E.  J.  Fry  there,  and  her  sister 
EHzabeth.    We  had  a  good  meeting. 

lOih  A  visit  to  my  beloved  mother  as  usual ;  I  read  to  her  in  my 

foreign  journal,  which  she  greatly  enjoys. 

11th. — Rather  anxious  ;  fearful  how  I  shall  get  through  the  lectures 
at  the  hospital ;  the  state  of  public  affairs  presses,  also  Lanark,  but  I 
must  endeavour  to  ca§t  my  care  upon  the  Lord. 

Attended  the  committee  of  the  African  Institution,  where  I  was 
called  upon  for  some  account  of  my  journey,  and  gave  it  in  brief.  I 
also  mentioned  General  Macaulay's  exertions,  and  how  nobly  the  Duke 
of  Wellington  and  the  Emperor  of  Russia  had  behaved ;  I  moved  a 
vote  of  thanks  to  the  Duke,  which  was  carried ;  thanks  were  also 
voted  to  General  Macaulay  and  me. 

Second  Month  12th. — I  had  a  tender  and  open  time  in  prayer  for  my 
dear  mother  and  ray  precious  children,  and  also  that  in  our  meeting  for 
worship  this  morning,  those  who  loved  the  Lord  might  be  comforted. 
Towards  the  latter  part  of  the  meeting,  I  rose  and  repeated  this  passage, 
in  the  first  chapter  of  Job,  '  When  the  sons  of  God  came  to  present 
themselves  before  the  Lord,  Satan  came  also  among  them,'  encouraging 
those  under  trial  and  temptation  to  resist,  showing  where  their  help  lay. 
Rebecca  Christy  afterwards  spoke  sweetly  and  encouragingly  to  mothers, 
and  the  meeting  ended  well. 

I  attended  the  committee  on  Slavery,  at  the  King's  Head,  Poultry. 
The  prospectus  was  read,  and  sub-committees  were  appointed.  En- 
gaged in  the  afternoon  with  Greek  subscription,  and  various  business. 
Wrote  a  note  to  Ravenza,  the  Columbian  Deputy,  and  sent  him  our 
Manual,  School  Lessons,  &c.  Received  a  note  from  John  Thornton, 
to  say  that  Lord  Amherst,  to  whom  I  had  spoken  the  other  day  on  the 
subject  of  our  Scripture  Lessons,  wished  to  have  a  copy.  I  accordingly 
sent  him  one  in  English  and  one  in  Italian,  and  a  set  of  sheets  in  Eng- 
lish. Sent  the  same  also  to  John  Thornton,  with  the  exception  of  the 
sheets. 

iWi. — Aspirations  raised  for  preservation,  and  for  a  blessing  upon 
all  this  family.  E.  J.  Fry  and  Rebecca  Christy  also  came  before  my 
mind,  and  my  prayers  were  put  up  for  their  preservation  to  the  end. 

Ibth. — My  mind  has  been  a  little  exercised  this  day  or  two  past,  to 
know  if  it  really  were  my  duty  to  break  away  from  all  my  engagements, 
to  attend  the  burial  of  Stephen  Hack's  remains  at  Chichester ;  though 
it  would  occasion  my  postponing  two  lectures,  and  prevent  me  from 
attending  an  important  meeting  of  the  African  Institution,  yet  I  desire 
to  abandon  every  thing  else,  when  duty  calls  me  to  the  Lord's  work." 

Two  days  afterwards,  W.  A.  went  to  Chichester,  and  the  result  ap- 
peared to  warrant  the  belief  that  he  had  been  rightly  led.    It  was  evi- 


110 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


dent,  from  letters  which  he  afterwards  received,  that  his  gospel  labours  in 
the  meeting  for  worship,  held  after  the  interment,  made  a  deep  impres- 
sion upon  some  present.  In  continuing  the  notice  of  his  engagements, 
he  says — 

"  Received  a  letter  from  Thomas  Allan,  of  Edinburgh,  to  inform  me 
that  they  are  raising  a  subscription  for  the  Greeks,  and  wishing  to  co- 
operate with  us,  as  their  views  are  the  same  as  ours. 

Received  also  a  kind  farewell  note  from  Major  Colebrooke,  who  is 
just  setting  off  for  the  Mauritius;  he  says  that  Sir  Lowry  Cole,  who  is 
going  out  as  governor  to  the  Mauritius,  will  be  glad  to  have  an  oppor- 
tunity of  talking  to  me  on  the  subject  of  schools;  I  must  take  the  hint, 
as  he  may  be  eminently  useful  to  us  in  the  Slavery  cause. 

Second  Month  22nd. — I  had  a  most  satisfactory  interview  with  Sir 
Lowry  Cole  on  the  school  plan ;  gave  him  a  Manual,  Reports,  and 
Scripture  Lessons  ;  he  seemed  very  much  pleased,  and  is  to  correspond 
with  me.  Thence,  I  went  to  R.  Wilmot's  at  Earl  Bathurst's  office, 
and  left  for  him  a  lithographic  copy  of  my  sketch  for  colonies  at  home. 
I  have  had  fifty  copies  struck  off  on  foolscap  paper,  with  a  blank  side 
for  remarks. 

Third  Month  1st. — On  waking  in  the  night,  my  mind  was  sweetly 
contrited  and  comforted  in  the  feeling  of  divine  goodness,  and  my  own 
nothingness.  Dedicated  myself  afresh  to  the  service  of  my  dear  Lord 
and  Master. 

3rd. — Called  on  Ravenza,  the  Columbian  Deputy,  where  I  found  J. 
Garcia  del  Rio,  Envoy  Extraordinary,  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary 
from  Peru.  I  took  them  both  to  the  Borough  Road,  to  see  the  schools. 
Endeavoured  to  interest  them  in  the  Scripture  Lessons ;  they  seemed 
much  gratified.  I  then  went  to  Plough  Court ;  busy  about  Greek  sub- 
scription, &c.  Called  on  Bowring,  where  I  was  glad  to  meet  Captain 
Blaquiere,  who  is  going  out  to  the  heads  of  the  Greek  government,  at 
Corinth;  he  promises  to  put  me  in  communication  with  them,  and  to 
find  out  distressed  cases.  Here  I  also  met  And.  Luriottes,  the  deputy 
from  the  government  of  Corinth,  who  is  going  back  with  Blaquiere.  I 
impressed  upon  them  the  importance  of  the  subject  of  education,  and 
engaged  on  the  part  of  our  committee,  that  if  they  would  send  over  two 
lads,  of  good  talents,  to  learn  the  plan  at  the  Borough  Road,  it  should 
cost  them  nothing  either  for  board  or  clothing.  Luriottes  was  quite 
delighted. 

On  my  return  to  Plough  Court,  I  found  the  accounts  from  Lanark  ; 
the  last  year  was  a  very  good  one,  which  I  felt  was  cause  for  humble 
gratitude.  I  engaged  in  this  great  concern,  solely  for  the  sake  of  doing 
good,  and  preventing  mischief,  but  my  faith  has,  at  times,  been  closely 
tried. 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN, 


111 


I  thought  it  was  only  a  proper  respect  to  government,  to  forward 
Earl  Bathiirst,  who  is  at  the  head  of  the  colonial  department,  a  copy  of 
the  Friends'  Petition  against  Slavery,  and  sent  it  accordingly. 

Third  Month  4th. — With  all  ray  humiliating  feelings,  I  have  a  de- 
gree of  trust,  that  the  everlasting  arms  are  underneath  for  my  support, 
and  I  feel  sweetly  sustained. 

5th. — Went  up  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  where  I  had  appointed 
J.  Hooke,  an  African  merchant,  to  meet  me,  with  a  specimen  of  ma- 
hogany from  the  Gambia.  We  endeavoured  to  interest  the  Duke  in 
the  disposal  of  this  wood,  and  he  promised  to  speak  to  other  members 
of  the  government.  I  pointed  out  Albreda  to  him  on  the  map,  and 
dwelt  upon  the  importance  of  rooting  the  French  out  of  it,  as  it  is  a 
nidus  for  the  Slave  Trade,  in  the  middle  of  our  own  river,  the  Gambia. 
He  thinks  there  will  be  difficulty  in  the  case,  if  they  have  occupied  it 
since  1783.  He  recommends  our  working  with  Earl  Bathurst  and 
Huskisson,  and  seems  quite  disposed  to  second  our  objects.  We 
accordingly  called  on  Huskisson,  who  seems  to  be  a  shrewd,  clever 
man.    I  was  glad  to  become  acquainted  with  him. 

6th. — Received  a  letter  from  Pantaleon  Vlasto,  from  Vienna ;  it  con- 
tained important  information  on  the  subject  of  the  Greeks,  with  an 
account  of  the  appropriation  of  the  first  two  hundred  pounds;  the  de- 
tails were  very  satisfactory.  Went  to  the  City  of  London  Tavern,  to 
attend  a  meeting  of  the  New  England  Corporation  for  the  Civilization 
of  the  Indians.  Peter  Bedford  and  Robert  Forster  came  to  tea,  and  we 
spent  the  evening  over  the  Greek  affairs.  Drew  up  a  sketch  of  an  ad- 
vertisement for  the  papers. 

Third  Month  1th. — Meeting  for  Suflferings ;  after  which  the  Greek 
committee  met,  and  we  agreed  to  send  three  hundred  pounds  more  to 
Vlasto. 

%th. — Hospital  lecture.  No.  14.  Called  on  Wilmot,  at  Earl 
Bathurst's  office,  and  had  much  interesting  conversation  with  him,  on 
the  subject  of  Slavery.  He  is  to  prepare  the  way  for  me  to  see  Earl 
B.,  on  the  mahogany  and  Albreda  questions.  He  says,  he  will  have  a 
long  conference  with  me  on  the  subject  of  colonies  at  home,  at  the 
Easter  recess, 

Wth  A  little  feeling  of  divine  support  attended  with  earnest  desires 

for  preservation,  and  that  the  Lord  would  make  me  an  instrument  in 
his  hand  to  promote  his  cause, 

\2th. — Spent  between  two  and  three  hours  with  Peter  Bedford  and 
Robert  Forster,  looking  over  my  foreign  journal,  and  making  notes  of 
what  was  to  be  sent  to  the  continent. 

14</?. — Went  to  attend  an  experiment  at  the  London  Institution,  on 
the  calorimeter;  it  acted  powerfully  in  making  magnets.  Pepys,  Davy, 
Wollaston,  Brande,  &c.,  &c.,  were  present. 


112 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


I8th. — Called  on  James  Cropper,  in  Palace  Yard ;  conversed  on  the 
Slavery  subject,  and  then  went  to  the  Thatched  House  Tavern,  to 
attend  the  board  of  the  African  Institution.  Dr.  Lushin^ton  brought 
forward  the  subjects  of  his  consolidated  bill,  and  made  some  excellent 
remarks ;  we  had  a  satisfactory  meeting.  I  returned  to  Plough  Court 
to  dinner,  and  afterwards  staid  about  an  hour  with  my  dear  child  ;  we 
had  some  comfortable  conversation  on  things  relating  to  the  better 
country. 

22nd. — Went  to  Harley  Street,  to  Count  Lieven,  who  had  desired 
to  have  an  interview  with  me.  I  found  that  he  had  received  instruc- 
tions to  endeavour  to  procure  a  member  of  our  Society,  well  skilled  in 
agriculture,  to  superintend  the  farms  connected  with  the  colonies,  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  Novogorod.  We  had  much  conversation.  They 
appear  to  be  greatly  pleased  with  Daniel  Wheeler. 

26th. — Meeting :  small,  but  comfortable.  It  seemed  my  place  to 
encourage  the  mourners,  beginning  with  the  words,  'He  that  endureth 
to  the  end,  the  same  shall  be  saved.'  I  called  on  Rebecca  Christy, 
and  we  had  a  little  religious  conversation,  which  was  strengthening. 
She  has  often  been  a  comfort  to  me  in  the  best  things. 

Third  Month  21th  Lecture  at  the  Hospital,  No.  21.    When  that 

was  over  I  went  to  the  Borough  Road  school,  where  the  public  exami- 
nation was  just  beginning.  In  the  eighth  class,  the  Madagascar  lads, 
who,  twenty  months  ago,  were  pagans,  and  could  not  speak  a  word  of 
English,  distinguished  themselves  by  their  admirable  answers  to  ques- 
tions on  the  christian  religion.  The  boys  read  and  answered  well.  W. 
W^ilberforce  was  there,  and  addressed  both  the  children  and  the  com- 
pany. La  Vigne,  Berchet  and  others,  accompanied  me  to  Plough 
Court,  to  dinner,  where  there  were  likewise.  Count  Porro,  of  Milan, 
and  his  friend,  Santa  Rosa,  of  Turin;  Carne,  of  Penzance,  on  his 
return  from  Mount  Lebanon  ;  Wilson,  the  missionary,  and  his  wife, 
who  are  about  to  return  to  Malta ;  Nils  Mordenshield,  of  Abo ;  Sarah 
and  Anna  Bradshaw,  and  Robert  Forster.  It  was  a  very  pleasant 
party. 

Sat  about  an  hour  with  my  dear  mother  as  usual,  and  read  to  her  in 
my  journal  of  the  Russian  journey.  She  expressed  herself  much  gra- 
tified. 

29th. — I  went  to  meeting  at  Uxbridge,  accompanied  by  Cornelius; 
E.  J.  Fry,  and  her  sister,  Elizabeth  Fry,  were  there.  We  all  had  our 
part  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  had  reason  to  thank  God,  and 
take  a  little  courage.  Dined  with  E.  J.  Fry,  her  husband,  and  E.  F., 
at  Richard  Fell's,  at  Belmont ;  John  Fowler  Hull,  and  some  other 
young  men,  were  there.  We  had  a  religious  opportunity,  in  which  the 
different  parties  were  addressed,  and  Cornelias  and  I  afterwards  visited 
dear  Ann  Crowley,  to  our  comfort.    We  went  to  meeting  in  the  after- 


1823 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


113 


noon ;  this  has  been  a  satisfactory  day.  I  have  engaged  J.  F.  Hull, 
who  has  a  great  taste  for  languages,  and  has  studied  Arabic  thoroughly, 
to  superintend  an  edition  of  at  least  a  part  of  the  Scripture  Lessons  in 
Arabic. 

Fourth  Month  1st. — Hospital  lecture.  Astronomy,  No.  1.  I  think  I 
got  on  remarkably  well." 

A  great  pressure  of  engagements  sometimes  rendered  it  difficult  for 
William  Allen  to  give  the  requisite  attention  to  his  lectures.  The 
affairs  of  the  poor  Greeks,  at  this  time,  occupied  a  large  portion  of  his 
time ;  some  of  the  details  of  their  dreadful  sufferings  and  calamities 
were  truly  appalling,  and  called  forth  the  exertions  of  many  on  their 
behalf.  A  letter  from  a  correspondent  at  Constantinople,  dated  Sep- 
tember the  8th,  1822,  says— 

"  A  gentleman,  from  Odessa,  has  lately  been  at  Scio,  where  he 
called  for  a  few  hours  on  passing.  He  states  the  destruction  of  that 
place  as  most  complete,  and  the  scene  of  horror  and  desolation  even 
to  this  day  as  quite  indescribable.  He  saw  still  in  the  streets  the 
bodies  of  many  of  the  unfortunate  Greeks  ;  some  of  them,  apparently 
just  as  they  had  died,  with  their  clothes  still  on.  The  dogs  had 
mangled  the  bodies  in  a  dreadful  manner.  No  description  of  the  affair 
of  Scio  has  painted  it  in  too  deep  a  colour.  It  is  a  disgrace  to  the  age 
in  which  it  has  been  committed." 

Another  letter  states,  that — 

"  The  wretched  inhabitants  were  burnt  out  of  their  houses,  and  only 
escaped  death  in  that  way,  to  receive  it  from  the  hands  of  their  barba- 
rous conquerors.  I  may  truly  say,  that  the  horrors  of  this  place  beggar 
all  description." 

The  following  expressions  of  gratitude  were  addressed  by  "  The 
Heads  of  the  Greek  nation  at  Trieste,  to  the  respectable  and  highly 
honoured  Society  of  Friends,  in  Great  Britain  ;" — 

"  Receive  our  sincere  acknowledgments  in  the  name  of  numbers 
consoled  by  your  bounty  ;  of  victims  escaped  from  the  hands  of  the 
assassins  ;  whose  destitute  condition  you  have  rendered  more  tolerable. 
You  will  perceive,  gentlemen,  that,  having  been  informed  by  Mr.  Vlasto, 
that  you  wished  your  aid  to  be  exclusively  directed  to  the  emigrants 
from  Scio,  we  have  been  careful  to  act  agreeably  to  your  instructions, 
and  this  last  sum  of  two  thousand  and  thirteen  florins  has  been  entirely 
devoted  to  the  relief  of  sufferers  from  that  island,  now  resident  here, 
and  at  Venice,  Ancona,  and  Malta. 

Allow  us,  however,  to  state,  that  we  have,  at  this  place,  refugees 
from  Cyprus,  Janina,  and  Volo,  and  other  places  which  were  destroyed 
by  the  fury  of  the  Turks,  who  are  equally  deserving  the  attention  of 
benevolent  christians." 

Jean  Vlasto,  in  writing  to  William  Allen,  from  Trieste,  says — 

Vol.  n.  8 


114 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


"  My  dear  Friend, 

'<  Having  heard,  with  great  pleasure,  through  ray  nephew,  Pantaleon 
Vlasto,  of  the  active  part  you  have  taken  in  the  relief  of  my  unfortunate 
countrymen,  I  hasten  to  recall  myself  to  your  recollection,  and  to  thank 
you  for  it,  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart.  It  is  now  about  four  years 
since  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  at  my  house,  and  of  finding,  ia 
you,  an  ardent  friend  of  my  nation. 

Who  can  think,  without  emotions  of  horror,  of  the  atrocities  commit- 
ted by  the  hands  of  barbarians,  on  this  unhappy  island  ?  The  churches, 
the  schools,  the  libraries,  the  hospitals,  the  splendid  mansions,  which 
adorned  this  island,  are  now  reduced  to  heaps  of  rubbish  and  cinders. 
Not  even  the  orange  and  citron  trees  have  escaped  the  fury  of  the  bar- 
barians. But  what  is  the  destruction  of  the  works  of  man,  in  compa- 
rison of  so  many  thousands  of  christians  massacred,  burnt,  or  condemned 
to  the  most  abject  slavery  ?  Every  man  of  sensibility  shudders  at  the 
thought.  Your  pious  and  philanthropic  Society  has,  by  its  generous 
aid,  relieved  all  those  of  my  unfortunate  countrymen,  who,  after  escap- 
ing a  most  cruel  death,  had  emigrated  to  this  place,  and  to  Venice, 
Ancona,  and  Malta;  where  they  drag  on  a  life  of  sorrow  and  bitterness. 
There  is  not  one  who  has  not  to  lament  the  loss  of  relations — sons, 
daughters,  mothers,  who  have  been  taken  captive  and  carried  into  the 
towns  of  Asia,  and  offered  to  the  highest  bidders  like  beasts  of  burden. 
In  the  city  of  Smyrna,  the  streets  are  filled  with  these  poor  captives, 
who  are  offered  by  their  masters  at  even  forty  or  fifty  piastres  each. 
Some  European  merchants,  resident  in  the  city,  moved  with  pity  and 
humanity,  have  ransomed  many  of  the  slaves  ;  but  the  number  of  those 
who  remain  in  servitude  is  so  great  that  a  considerable  sum  would  be 
required  to  redeem  them.  All  those  of  ray  countrymen,  who  have  suf- 
fered the  least  in  this  dreadful  catastrophe,  are  making  generous  efforts 
to  rescue  their  brethren  from  slavery ;  but  their  means  will  scarcely  be 
sufficient  to  redeem  their  nearest  relations." 

Fourth  Month  6th. — William  Allen  writes — 

«<  Luke  Howard  and  Dr.  Pinkerton  came  to  tea.  Dr.  P.  is  just 
come  from  Petersburg :  he  said  the  Emperor  had  been  returned  about 
two  weeks  when  he  left  Russia.  During  his  absence  of  five  months, 
there  had  been  opposition  at  all  points  to  the  Bible  Society,  schools, 
&c. ;  and  poor  Heard's  patience  had  been  tried  to  the  utmost,  but  the 
Emperor  sent  orders, yrom  Verona,  for  the  establishment  of  his  school, 
and,  since  his  return,  has  begun  to  re-establish  the  military  schools,  as, 
for  example,  one  in  a  regiment.  It  seeras  that  the  Bible  is  occasioning 
a  great  ferment  in  the  Greek  church,  and  the  Emperor  has  a  difficult 
part  to  act.    Papof  is.  coming  over  to  this  country  for  his  health. 

Dr.  Pinkerton  says  that  the  Emperor  is  firm  in  his  good  resolutions, 
and  is  by  no  means  gone  back  in  religion,  that  his  private  life  is  excel- 


1S23. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


115 


lent ;  that  about  two  days  in  the  week  he  retires  to  his  country  residence 
at  Zarskoi  Selo,  to  be  alone,  and  to  breathe;  here  he  is  employed  in 
religious  exercises.    This  information  was  truly  cordial  to  me. 

Dr.  Pinkerton  is  come  to  reside,  for  a  time,  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
London. 

11th. — To  the  committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society, 
Borough  Road ;  it  was  a  very  long  one,  and  satisfactory.  I  staid  to 
meet  the  Spanish  and  Portuguese  Ambassadors,  who  came  in  the  after- 
noon. Bowring  was  also  there,  and  Dr.  Wagner,  from  Berlin ;  they 
all  seemed  pleased. 

13//;  Cornelius  and  I  went  to  Deptford  meeting,  where  we  met 

dear  E.  J.  Fry  and  her  sister-in-law.  We  had  a  quiet  comfortable 
meeting,  and  were  all  engaged  in  ministry.  We  dined  at  Francis 
Cresswell's,  where  we  were  cordially  received.  Went  to  Peckham 
meeting  in  the  afternoon.    This  little  expedition  has  answered. 

Fourth  Month  11th  Rose  at  six.    Comforted  with  the  hope  that 

when  this  tabernacle  is  taken  down,  the  immortal  spirit  will  be  received 
by  my  Divine  Master. 

20//«. — Went  up  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington  without  an  appointment, 
but  he  kindly  saw  me  directly ;  I  presented  him  with  a  set  of  our 
Scripture  Lessons.  We  talked  about  Russia,  and  the  report  of  the 
Emperor's  being  about  to  send  an  army  into  Spain  ;  he  told  me  I  might 
be  perfectly  easy  on  that  point,  for  the  Powers  of  Europe  would  not 
sufTer  a  Russian  army  to  march  through  their  states.  He  says,  he  cer- 
tainly knows  that  the  rising  of  the  Greeks  was  in  consequence  of  the 
directions  of  members  of  a  committee  in  Paris,  who  hoped  to  involve 
Russia  in  a  war  with  all  Europe.  He  conversed  about  the  Abolition 
of  Slavery,  and  I  told  him  our  views.  He  spoke  in  favour  of  the 
Spanish  plan,  viz: — to  give  the  slaves,  besides  first-day,  a  day  to 
themselves,  and  an  opportunity  to  work  out  their  freedom  by  degrees. 
I  made  some  inquiry  respecting  the  proposed  conference  with  France, 
and  also  with  regard  to  the  papers  relative  to  the  transactions  at  Ve- 
rona being  laid  on  the  table  of  the  House  of  Commons ;  he  observed 
that  the  delay  had  arisen  from  the  other  pressing  engagements  of  George 
Canning,  but  he  thinks  that  the  Spanish  business  will  not  prevent  it,  or 
stand  in  the  way.  He  promises  to  speak  to  Canning  on  the  subject, 
and  to  give  me  an  introduction  to  him.  I  obtained  consent  from  the 
Duke  to  have  his  name  on  the  list  of  vice  presidents  of  the  African  In- 
stitution. I  likewise  spoke  to  him  respecting  the  Vaudois,  and  left 
him  J.  P.  Vertu's  last  letter,  which  he  will  show  to  Canning  and  return 
to  me. 

2oth. — Foreign  correspondence  committee,  Alfred  Gaultier,  of 
Geneva,  arrived  this  morning. 

21th. — Attended  the  funeral  of  Frederick  Smith,  at  Croj'don;  the 


116 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


interment  took  place  before  meeting,  and  many  Friends  were  present. 
E.  J.  Fry  prayed  very  sweetly  at  the  ground  ;  the  meeting-house  was 
crowded,  but  a  quiet  solemnity  prevailed.  Several  Friends  spoke  in 
ministry.  I  rose  with  the  words,  '  In  my  Father's  house  are  many 
mansions,  &.c.'  Dined  at  Thomas  Christy's,  and  Rebecca  went  to 
town  with  us  to  see  Mary." 

William  Allen  had,  for  some  time  past,  been  occasionally  brought 
into  deep  thoughtfulness  on  the  subject  of  writing  to  the  Emperor  of 
Russia,  and  at  length,  believing  it  to  be  his  duty  to  address  him,  he 
sent  the  following  letter  : — 

TO  ALEXANDER  THE  FIRST,  EMPEROR  OF  RUSSIA,  FROM  HIS  SINCERELY 
ATTACHED  FRIEND,  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 

"London,  29lk  nf  Fourth  Month,  (Jlpril,)  1823. 

"  Under  the  influence  of  the  same  love  which  drew  me  to  Vienna,  to 
seek  an  interview  with  thee,  I  am  induced  to  state  a  few  particulars  of 
my  journey  home,  and  inform  thee  of  some  circumstances  and  prevalent 
opinions  in  this  country,  with  which  I  think  it  is  of  great  consequence 
that  thou  shouidst  be  acquainted.  I  beg  thee  to  consider  this  com- 
munication as  entirely  of  a  private  nature,  flowing  from  a  heart  warm 
with  afTection  for  thee  ;  and  if  thou  shouidst  hereafter  condescend  to 
take  notice  of  it,  in  any  way,  such  notice  shall  be  considered  by  me  as 
confidential. 

I  have  found  from  the  person  who  went  as  courier  from  Turin,  that 
my  letter  on  the  subject  of  the  Vaudois,  reached  thee  at  Verona.* 

On  leaving  Turin,  I  proceeded  by  the  pass  of  Mount  Cenis,  to  Ge- 
neva. I  visited  several  pious  persons  in  that  city,  also  at  Lausanne, 
Vevay,  Friburg,  Berne,  Zurich,  Winterthur,  and  St.  Gallen.  In  most 
of  these  places  I  had  religious  meetings  with  serious  people,  wherein  we 
were  sweetly  refreshed  together  in  Christ  Jesus,  our  Lord,  the  influence 
of  whose  ever  blessed  Spirit  and  love,  united  our  hearts,  and,  at  times, 
made  us  experience  in  some  degree,  what  it  is  to  sit  together  in  Him, 
our  Holy  Head.  And  truly  the  Lord  hath  a  precious  seed  scattered 
through  the  nations,  which  is  well  worthy  of  being  visited.  I  next  went 
by  Constance  to  Stuttgard,  where  I  had  the  pleasure  of  becoming  ac- 
quainted with  some  who  love  the  Saviour,  and  are  devoted  to  his  cause, 
and  in  a  large  meeting  which  I  held  with  them,  the  Lord  was  pleased  to 
comfort  us  together,  and  to  strengthen  our  hearts  in  his  love.  The  King 
was  informed  of  my  arrival,  and  admitted  me  to  a  private  audience,  at 
which  the  Queen  was  present.  I  was  delighted  to  find  their  hearts 
were  bent  upon  promoting  the  best  interests  of  their  people,  and  that 

*  A  letter  from  Vertu,  who  went  as  special  courier  to  Verona,  states,  "I  have  learned 
that  your  letter  to  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  produced  some  observations  from  him  on  our  be- 
half. He  has  subscribed  towards  an  hospital  for  the  Protestants,  and  a  house  is  preparing 
for  this  object."  i 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


117 


although  a  variety  of  opinions,  on  matters  of  religion,  exists  among  their 
subjects,  they  wisely  consider  that  it  is  not  their  duty  to  interfere  ex- 
cept in  cases  where  morals,  the  good  order  of  society,  and  the  safety  of 
the  state,  require  it.  This  enlightened  policy,  as  well  as  true  Christian 
feeling,  will  tend  to  secure  to  them  the  affection  of  their  subjects.  They 
listened  with  much  attention  to  my  remarks  on  their  prisons,  and  are 
quite  willing  to  adopt  any  measures  which  may  lead  to  improvement  in 
the  present  system.  Several  other  topics  interesting  to  humanity  were 
introduced,  and  among  the  rest  the  education  of  the  poor.  This,  I  am 
glad  to  find,  is  well  attended  to  in  these  parts  ;  and  I  am  at  the  same 
time  informed,  that  there  is  perhaps  no  other  state  in  Germany,  where 
there  are  so  many  private  as  well  as  public  meetings  for  religious 
worship.  This  interview  lasted  from  an  hour  and  a  half  to  two  hours ; 
through  the  whole  of  it,  and  especially  towards  the  close,  I  was  favour- 
ed to  feel,  as  I  thought,  something  of  our  Divine  Master's  love,  under 
which  strong  desires  were  raised  in  my  mind  for  their  preservation, 
and  I  believe  we  parted  in  the  conviction  that  there  is  something  in  real, 
vital  religion,  which  infinitely  surpasses  all  sublunary  things." 

After  stating  some  further  particulars  of  his  proceedings,  W.  Allen 
continues : — 

"  On  reviewing  the  steps  of  this  journey,  undertaken  solely  from  a 
sense  of  religious  duty,  I  have  had  to  admire  the  condescending  good- 
ness of  our  Heavenly  Father,  in  making  a  way  where  there  seemed  to 
be  none,  in  furnishing  strength  and  ability  to  do  His  work,  always  pro- 
portioned to  the  occasion  ;  in  preserving  me  in  dangers,  in  supporting 
my  drooping  spirits,  and  enabling  me,  from  time  to  time,  to  trust  in 
Him,  until  at  length  He  safely  brought  me  through  all  which  I  believed 
He  required  me  to  do.  Thus  He  has  given  me  to  see  that  if  any  good 
has  been  done,  it  is  His  doing,  and  to  Him  be  all  the  praise  now  and 
for  ever. 

Sometimes,  in  this,  my  solitary  journey,  when  I  have  been  walking 
up  the  hills,  for  the  relief  of  the  horses,  my  mind  being  turned  to  the 
Lord,  I  have  been  contrited  in  prayer ;  my  supplications  have  been 
poured  forth,  that  the  kingdom  of  the  Redeemer  might  be  more  and 
more  extended,  and  that  all  that  stands  in  the  way  of  its  advancement 
might  be  broken  down,  overthrown  and  destroyed.  At  some  of  these 
seasons  I  have  had  a  belief  that  the  Lord  is  indeed  arising  by  his  power, 
to  carry  on  a  great  work  in  the  earth ;  and  0 !  saith  my  soul,  that  all 
of  us  may  be  preserved  from  doing  anything  to  counteract  it.  I  have 
indeed,  dear  friend,  prayed  fervently  for  thee,  that  thou  may'st  be  in- 
duced to  seek  deeply  for  divine  direction  in  thy  awfully  important  deci- 
sions, that  so  thou  may'st  experience  a  continuance  of  that  protecting 
providence,  which  has  so  eminently  and  conspicuously  been  round 
about  thee  in  years  that  are  past. 


118 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823, 


In  my  first  interview  with  thee  at  Vienna,  on  the  28th  of  Ninth  Month 
(September)  last,  I  expressed  a  deep  conviction  that  thou  wast  under 
very  pecuHar  dijffi cullies  and  trials;  and,  although  unacquainted  with 
the  precise  nature  of  them,  I  sympathized  much  with  thee.  The 
momentous  occurrences,  which  have  since  taken  place,  and  which  are 
daily  taking  place,  have  led  me  to  recur  to  those  feelings.  Thou  know'st 
that  my  love  for  thee  is  pure  and  disinterested — thou  know^'st  that  I 
have  disclaimed  all  party  or  political  feelings,  and  I  humbly  trust  that 
thou  hast  felt  that  I  rest  all  ray  hopes,  for  time  and  in  eternity,  upon  the 
love  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord.  At  the  present  moment,  then,  so 
awfully  interesting  to  a  friend  whom  I  most  dearly  and  tenderly  love, 
and  to  the  cause  of  mankind,  permit  me  to  relieve  my  mind  from  a 
heavy  burden,  which  has  been  increased  by  witnessing  the  feelings, 
with  which  the  various  classes  of  society  in  this  country,  are  agitated  with 
regard  to  thee.  Thy  kindness,  f  trust,  will  excuse  me,  if,  for  want  of 
that  information  of  which  thou  art  in  possession,  I  am  needlessly  alarmed. 
It  seems,  however,  due  to  the  affection  which  I  have  so  long  cherished 
for  thee,  to  produce  a  candid  statement  of  the  reports  currently  circulated 
and  universally  believed. 

It  is  said,  that  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  who  had  so  publicly  patron-  / 
ized  the  societies,  in  America  and  England,  for  the  promotion  of  univer- 
sal peace,  has  now  become  the  secret  and  open  abettor  of  war;  that, 
while  he  would  not  interfere  to  check  the  horrors  perpetrated  in  Greece, 
on  the  ground,  that  it  was  wrong  to  intermeddle  between  a  people  and 
their  government,  and  also,  lest  it  might  kindle  a  new  war,  is,  now,  in 
the  instance  of  Spain,  interfering  between  a  people  and  their  govern- 
ment, and  encouraging  France  in  measures,  the  extent  and  termination  of 
which,  it  is  as  impossible  to  foresee,  as  were  the  measures  adopted  by 
England  at  the  time  of  the  French  Revolution,  in  1792. 

Notwithstanding  we  have  our  share  of  deists  and  infidels,  and  friends 
to  revolution  in  general,  perhaps  no  country  in  the  world  can  produce 
so  large  a  proportion  of  friends  to  religion  and  social  order,  as  England. 
Many  of  this  class  are  persons  of  education,  of  talent,  and  of  property. 
To  a  very  considerable  extent  they  lead  the  public  mind,  and  are  the 
firmest  support  of  the  government.  But  these  persons  deprecate,  in  the 
strongest  manner,  all  interference  of  France  in  the  concerns  of  Spain, 
or  of  any  other  country.  They  think,  that  the  object  and  end  of  every 
government  ought  to  be,  the  protection  and  the  happiness  of  the  people  : 
that  the  people  of  every  country  are  the  best  judges  of  the  extent  of 
the  protection  they  enjoy,  and  of  the  degree  of  their  happiness,  and, 
that  these  points  ought  to  be  settled  between  them  and  their  rulers, 
without  any  foreign  interference  whatever.  They  say,  that  all  human 
institutions  are  susceptible  of  improvement,  and  that,  in  the  progress  of 
hght  and  knowledge,  the  institution  of  government,  among  the  rest, 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


119 


may  undergo  a  favourable  change, — that  it  would  be  wise,  to  admit  of 
reform  gradually,  where  it  is  obviously  needed,  lest  by  an  obstinate 
resistance  to  the  current  of  public  opinion,  when  it  happens  to  be 
founded  in  good  sense,  and  the  nature  of  things,  this  current  may  be- 
come so  strong,  as,  suddenly,  and  with  great  damage,  to  bear  down  all 
before  it,  and  produce  a  revolution.  They  think,  that,  if  France  suc- 
ceeds, the  establishment  of  the  horrid  inquisition  will  be  one  of  its  con- 
sequences, not  only  in  Spain,  but  in  France  itself;  and  that  the  authority 
of  the  Jesuits, — those  foes  to  real  Christianity, — will  be  established  over 
a  great  part  of  Europe.  They  are  of  opinion,  that  the  rapid  progress, 
which  this  intriguing  sect  is  now  making  through  France  and  Italy, 
ought  to  strike  every  friend  to  primitive  Christianity  with  alarm  and  terror. 
They  maintain,  that  the  spirit  of  infidelity  is  not  to  be  put  down  by  the 
sword,  but  can  only  be  conquered  with  spiritual  weapons. 

The  friends  of  revealed  religion  have  looked  up  to  thee,  dear  Emperor, 
with  tender  affection,  as  a  brother  beloved  in  Jesus  Christ;  as  an 
honoured  instrument  in  the  divine  hand,  to  promote  the  cause  of  truth 
and  righteousness.  They  have  considered  thee  as  one  of  their  body. 
They  have  felt  the  reproaches  made  against  thee,  as  if  they  had  been 
made,  in  some  measure,  against  themselves.  As  for  me,  when  I  am 
assailed,  as  I  constantly  am,  with  this  language,  <  What  do  you  think 
now  of  the  Emperor  of  Russia?'  I  do  not  fail  to  state  my  unshaken  con- 
viction of  the  sincerity  of  his  intentions,  and  my  firm  belief,  that  the  first 
wish  of  his  heart  is,  to  be  made  instrumental  in  preserving  the  peace 
and  tranquillity  of  Europe.  That  the  information  which  he  has  received, 
of  the  attempts  of  persons  under  the  influence  of  infidel  principles,  to 
produce  revolutions,  has  induced  hira  to  take  the  part  which  he  has 
done. 

And  now,  dear  Emperor,  having  relieved  ray  mind  upon  this  subject, 
I  wish  to  commend  thee,  with  my  own  soul,  to  '  Him  who  alone  is 
able  to  keep  us  from  falling,'  and  hope,  that  nothing  which  I  have 
written  may  give  the  smallest  oflfence,  or  be  attributed  to  any  party 
views.  I  do  not  belong,  nor  have  I  ever  belonged,  to  any  political 
society.  My  great  object,  while  continued  in  this  probationary  state, 
is,  to  unite  with  pious  persons,  of  all  denominations,  in  endeavouring 
to  promote  the  universal  diffusion  of  christian  principles,  which  are  the 
only  solid  foundation  for  the  happiness  of  man,  in  time  and  in  eternity. 

Our  religious  society  has  felt  it  to  be  its  duty,  as  a  body,  to  intreat 
our  government  to  take  early  measures  for  the  gradual  Abolition  of 
Slavery,  in  our  West  India  Islands.  I  enclose  a  copy  of  the  petition  to 
the  legislature,  and  also  a  statement  of  the  objects  of  a  large  and  re- 
spectable society,  recently  formed  in  London,  to  promote  the  Abolition 
of  Slavery. 

Having  travelled  in  Greece,  during  the  year  1819,  I  became  ac- 


120 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


quainted  with  many  of  the  principal  persons  in  that  country ;  and  at 
Scio,  in  particular,  my  dear  fellow  traveller  Grellet  and  I,  were  most 
kindly  and  hospitably  entertained.  I  could  not,  of  course,  but  be  deeply 
affected  with  the  catastrophe  which  afterwards  occurred  there.  Members 
of  our  religious  society  have  felt  so  much  compassion  for  the  sufferings 
of  the  Greek  refugees,  that,  in  conjunction  with  some  other  individuals, 
they  have  raised  a  subscription  for  their  relief,  which  now  amounts  to 
more  than  six  thousand  pounds  sterling. 

I  have  just  received  a  comfortable  letter  from  my  dear  friend  Daniel 
Wheeler.  I  should  rejoice  to  hear  that  thou  hadst  found  time  to  look 
at  his  labours  in  the  Moscow  Road.* 

And  now,  dear  Emperor,  permit  me  once  more  to  crave  thy  excuse 
for  having  so  frankly  and  fully  laid  open  my  heart ;  I  feel  such  a  tender 
attachment  to  thee,  that  it  seems  as  if  I  could  go  to  the  end  of  the  world, 
if  I  could  thereby  be  made  instrumental  in  administering  comfort  and 
encouragement  to  thy  deeply  tried  mind.  Be  assured,  that  as  I  feel 
enabled,  my  prayers  shall  continue  to  be  put  up  for  thee.  That  the 
Shepherd  of  Israel  may  preserve  thee  to  the  end,  is  the  earnest  desire  of 
thy  affectionate  and  respectful  friend, 

William  Allen." 

Fourth  Month  30th. — Went  to  the  Royal  Society  to  introduce  Alfred 
Gaultier;  it  answered  well;  I  afterwards  brought  him  with  me  to 
Newington. 

Fifth  Month  2nd. — I  waited  at  the  lobby  of  the  House  of  Commons 
to  speak  to  members  about  the  motion  of  T.  Williams,  M.  P.  for  Lin- 
coln, who  is  to  move  for  leave  to  bring  in  a  bill  to  admit  of  tha  affirma- 
tion of  Friends  in  criminal  cases.  I  saw  and  spoke  to  Williams  on  the 
subject ;  he  was  very  kind  and  civil,  but  his  great  argument  is,  that  the 
ends  of  public  justice  are  obstructed  by  the  incapacity  of  Friends  to 
give  their  evidence ;  on  the  other  hand,  we  say,  the  laws  are  so 
sanguinary  that  we  had  rather  not  be  instrumental  in  putting  them  into 
execution  ;  he  agrees  to  state  that  Friends  do  not  desire  the  measure. 

Fifth  Month  3rd. — I  had  an  audience  with  the  Duke  of  Wellington 
by  appointment ;  he  received  me  very  cordially  ;  the  subjects  claiming 
notice,  were — 

Fiist,  Verona  papers  on  the  Slave  Trade,  and  when  they  would  be 
laid  on  the  table  of  the  House  of  Commons ;  he  said  that  they  were 
printing,  and  that  they  would  very  shortly  he  brought  forward. 

Second,  respecting  the  conference  to  be  held  in  London  with  the 
French  plenipotentiaries  and  other  powers. 

Third,  Turin,  and  Vertu's  letter  ;  my  great  object  was  to  procure  from 
him  an  introduction  to  George  Canning,  which  he  readily  gave,  and 
wrote  a  letter  at  once  for  me  to  take  to  Canning. 

*  Not  long  after  this  period,  the  Emperor  paid  a  very  kind  visit  to  Daniel  Wheeler. 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


121 


Fourth,  the  hundred  and  fifty  Greek  refugees  now  in  Switzerland, 
who  came  from  Odessa,  and  were  intending  to  pass  through  France  to 
Amsterdam,  but  the  French  government  would  not  permit  it.  I  wished 
the  Duke  to  speak  to  Canning,  requesting  him  to  use  his  influence  with 
the  French  minister  to  let  them  come  to  Marseilles,  where  we  might  be 
able  to  assist  them  to  get  home,  but  he  thinks  that  they  consist  of  some 
of  the  principal  Greeks  from  Constantinople,  and  are  marked  political 
characters,  so  that  there  would  be  some  difficulty  about  it ;  however,  I 
think  that  the  conference  did  good. 

The  Duke  wished  me  to  have  seen  Professor  Gall,  the  craniologist, 
but  he  did  not  come.  I  afterwards  called  on  the  Marquis  of  Lansdowne, 
to  solicit  his  attendance  at  the  anniversary  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
School  Society ;  he  pleaded  many  engagements,  but  I  urged  him  to 
come,  if  it  were  but  for  an  hour.  I  then  went  to  the  African  Institution 
rooms,  in  Fludyer  Street ;  met  W.  Smith,  Lord  Bute,  Lord  Calthorp, 
Dr.  Lushington,  Macaulay,  and  W.  Evans,  M.  P.,  and  we  proceeded 
to  the  Foreign  Office,  Downing  Street,  where  we  had  a  conference  with 
G.  Canning  for  about  an  hour  ;  he  says,  Verona  papers  will  be  laid  on 
the  table  early  in  next  week.  He  took  memoranda  about  the  Brazils. 
Dr.  Lushington  stated  the  matter  about  Albreda,  &c.,  most  ably  ;  I  also 
spoke  on  this  subject.  Canning  says,  there  is  no  feeling  in  France  at 
all  on  the  Slave  Trade ;  that  the  more  the  matter  is  pressed,  the  worse 
it  is.  I  was  delighted  to  see  him  so  well  disposed.  He  is  to  be  fur- 
nished with  a  written  paper  about  Albreda,  which  Macaulay  engages 
to  prepare :  this  must  be  followed  up. 

Fifth  Month  1th. — About  seven  o'clock  this  morning  a  note  was 
brought  me  from  dear  Cornelius,  to  say  that  my  precious  child  was 
confined  with  a  fine  boy,  about  one  o'clock  this  morning,  and  that  all 
was  going  on  well.  I  was  contrited  and  bowed  in  reverent  thankful- 
ness at  the  news,  and  when  left  alone  I  knelt  down,  and,  with  tears, 
returned  thanks,  imploring  also  that  the  Lord  would  bless  the  child,  and 
make  him  his. 

I  went  to  town,  and  saw  my  dear  daughter  and  the  infant.  E.  J. 
Fry  and  K.  Capper  have  been  extremely  kind. 

I  afterwards  attended  the  great  Bible  meeting  at  Freemasons'  Hall. 
Papof  made  a  very  good  speech  in  English,  also  Professor  Stapfer,  from 
Paris,  who  spoke  with  much  excellent  feeling  ;  Daly,  from  Ireland, 
powerfully  advocated  the  cause,  and  strongly  recommended  the  print- 
ing of  the  Scriptures  in  the  Irish  language.  There  were  some  other 
very  impressive  addresses.  Basil  Papof  and  Dr.  Patterson  came  with 
me  to  Newington, — had  some  interesting  conversation  about  Russia  and 
the  Emperor. 

8th  Called  on  Baron  Steinheilt  about  Elias  Eliason  Tasted,  and  the 

Stavanger  Friends.    The  Baron  enters  warmly  into  their  cause." 


122 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


This  interview  was  in  consequence  of  a  letter  which  W.  Allen  re- 
ceived from  Elias  Eliason  Tasted,  stating  that  he  had  been  prosecuted 
in  the  courts  of  Christiansand  and  Christiania  for  burying  two  of  his 
children  without  the  ceremonies  of  the  church,  and  that  judgment  was 
given  against  him,  also  that  he  had  petitioned  the  King,  and  William 
Allen  says — 

<<  I  concluded  to  write  to  the  King,  and  remind  him  of  the  promise 
of  protection  which  he  was  so  kind  as  to  make  to  S.  G.  and  me,  when 
we  were  at  Stockholm  in  the  year  1818. 

Dined  with  Lord  Bexley,  at  Great  George's  Street ;  Sir  B.  Hobhouse 
was  there,  and  a  family  party. 

Fifth  Month  9th  Took  my  letter  to  the  King  of  Sweden  to  Baron 

Steinheilt,  the  Swedish  Ambassador.  Went  to  see  my  dear  child  and 
the  infant ;  both  seem  going  on  well,  though  Mary's  pulse  is  quick. 

10th. — Set  off  to  town  at  eight  o  clock." 

On  this  day,  the  first  indication  appears  of  decided  anxiety  respecting 
his  beloved  daughter,  whom  he  mentions  as  poorly,  yet  he  says — 

« I  attended  to  my  appointment  with  George  Canning.  The  first 
subject  we  conversed  upon  was  the  Vaudois,  and  I  stated  that  the 
Sardinian  government  had  not  fulfilled  its  promises.  I  requested  leave 
to  send  little  packages  to  them  through  the  foreign  office,  which  was 
instantly  granted. 

I  then  explained  about  our  Greek  subscription,  &c.,  and  just  as  I 
had  finished,  the  Duke  of  Wellington  came  in.  I  happened  to  say 
something  about  Slavery,  Canning  immediately  looked  very  grave,  and 
seemed  to  feel  deeply ;  he  said  that  Buxton's  book  would  be  answered 
by  insurrection.  I  replied,  I  hoped  not,  and  that  we  should  be  ex- 
tremely sorry  if  any  such  thing  took  place.  Both  he  and  the  Duke 
requested  me  to  use  my  influence  with  Buxton,  to  induce  him  not  to' 
push  the  matter  to  extremity,  but  to  let  it  become  a  measure  of  govern- 
ment. I  wrote  a  letter  to  Buxton,  begging  him  to  call  upon  the  Duke 
of  Wellington. 

I  agreed  to  meet  E.  J.  Fry  at  Staines  meeting  to-morrow,  if  I  did 
not  find  my  dear  child  worse. 

ll^Zt — Found  that  Mary  had  had  a  poor  night,  so  I  did  not  go  to 
Staines.  She  was  much  better  in  the  course  of  the  day,  and  I  went  to 
Devonshire  House  meeting. 

12//i. — To  town  under  anxious  feelings.  This  is  the  anniversary  of 
the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society,  and  a  harassing  time  for  me. 
The  report  is  one  of  the  best  we  have  had  for  a  long  time.  It  was  read 
by  G.  Clayton,  and  T.  S.  Rice  moved  that  it  be  received,  &c. ;  he 
made  a  very  animated  speech.  Papof  and  Patterson  came  to  Plough 
Court  with  me.  My  dear  child  is  rather  worse,  so  that  I  feel  much 
tried." 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


123 


After  this  date,  no  memorandum  occurs  for  about  a  week,  and,  in 
recommencing  his  notes,  W.  A.  writes — 

<']My  deep  plunges  and  poignant  anguish,  together  with  being  in  town 
for  some  days,  have  prevented  my  making  daily  remarks  as  usual. 

On  second-day,  when  I  found  that  my  beloved  child  was  seriously 
ill,  I  determined  to  make  her  my  sole  object.  I  had  Dr.  Babington 
called  in,  in  addition  to  other  medical  advice,  and,  feeling  a  more  than 
ordinary  interest  in  her  case,  he  visited  her  two  or  three  times  daily. 
On  fourth-day,  the  14th,  we  were  very  low  about  dear  Mary,  but  not 
without  hope.  Fifth-day,  her  strength  seemed  to  fail,  and,  watching 
by  her  bed-side  at  night,  my  soul  was  poured  out  in  secret  supplication 
to  our  compassionate  Saviour.  When  thinking  of  the  probability  of  ray 
dearest  earthly  treasure,  in  whom  my  tenderest  affections  were  concen- 
trated, being  taken  from  me,  I  have  prayed  in  an  agony,  and  with  many 
tears,  that  such  a  cup  might  pass  from  me ;  nevertheless,  I  dared  only 
ask  it  in  conformity  with  the  Divine  will.  Sixth-day,  the  pulse  was 
one  hundred  and  sixty,  and  respiration  short,  yet  she  seemed  under  no 
anxiety  or  fear ;  she  knew  that  her  Redeemer  lived.  Once  she  fixed 
her  eyes  upon  me,  and  said,  '  Dear  father,  my  mind  is  impressed  with 
the  idea  that  thou  thinkest  I  shall  not  recover ;'  I  replied,  that  what 
the  termination  might  be,  was  hid  from  us,  and  that  all  these  cases  were 
very  uncertain  ;  she  pursued  the  subject  no  farther.  Her  precious  spirit 
was  so  prepared  that  if  I  had  told  her  she  could  not,  in  my  opinion, 
recover,  I  believe  it  would  have  been  no  cause  of  fear  or  dismay. 
There  has  been  always  a  sweet  holy  feeling  about  her;  indeed,  her  con- 
duct was  angelic,  patient,  cheerful,  and  sweet ;  sometimes,  in  looking 
at  her,  I  hardly  knew  how  to  contain  my  grief.  This  evening,  as  we 
stood  round  her  bed,  she  smiled  upon  us  all,  and  looking  at  each  sepa- 
rately, seemed  full  of  love  ;  she  spoke  of  the  little  band  who  loved  one 
another,  and  said  how  sweet  was  that  feeling;  as  long  as  consciousness 
remained  there  was  a  heavenly  smile  upon  her  countenance.  My  agony 
was  great ;  all  hope  had  now  vanished,  and  I  knelt  by  her  bed-side  in 
strong  mental  supplication. 

On  seventh-day  morning,  the  17th  of  Fifth  Month,  1823,  at  about 
half-past  one  o'clock,  I  was  deprived,  by  death,  of  this  most  tenderly 
beloved  and  inestimable  child.  When  her  blessed  spirit  took  its  flight, 
we  sat  some  time  in  profound  silence.  Dear  Kaiherine  Capper  then 
knelt  down,  and  gave  thanks  for  the  inward  assurance  that  she  had  en- 
tered into  the  rest  that  is  prepared  for  the  people  of  God.  She  had 
long  been  meekly  endeavouring  to  know  and  to  perform  the  will  of  her 
Saviour,  and  I  have  the  most  unshaken  confidence  that  He  has  received 
her  unto  Himself.  Never,  through  the  whole  course  of  her  illness,  did 
the  least  repining  word  escape  her, — uniform,  heavenly  tranquillity 
rested  on  her  countenance.    The  disorder  was  a  severe  billious  attack. 


124 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


Katherine  Capper  has  been  with  her  night  ancl  day  from  the  beginning ; 
her  quiet  precious  spirit  is  a  great  help  to  me.  E.  J.  Fry  also  spent 
much  time  with  us,  and  Rebecca  Christy,  since  her  return  from  Essex, 
has  been  almost  continually  here  during  the  day.  These  dear  sisters 
in  the  truth  have  been  a  great  consolation  to  us.  Cornelius  is  divinely 
supported  under  the  agonizing  trial. 

First-day  morning,  the  18th,  we  read  in  the  Scriptures  as  usual,  and 
in  the  pause  afterwards,  the  servants  being  present,  I  thought  it  right  to 
repeat  the  text,  <The  Lord  gave,  the  Lord  hath  taken  away,  blessed  be 
the  name  of  the  Lord my  poor  mind  is  supported,  though  nature 
keenly  feels. 

Fifth  Month  22nd. — Sarah  Grubb  visited  us.  In  a  solemn  time  of 
religious  retirement  she  administered  consolation,  expressing  the  un- 
doubted assurance  which  she  felt,  that  my  beloved  child  had  entered 
into  her  Master's  rest. 

I  had  a  sweet  note  of  sympathy  on  third-day  from  Wilberforce. 

Sixth-day,  the  23rd,  was  a  day  of  close  trial ;  the  remains  of  my 
precious  child  were  deposited  in  the  Friends'  burial  ground  at  Winch- 
more  Hill,  after  a  meeting  appointed  at  ten  o'clock.  Robert  Forster  has 
very  kindly  assisted  in  the  preparations,  also  my  brother  Joseph,  who 
was  tenderly  attached  to  the  dear  deceased.  Cornelius  continued  to 
be  supported,  but  we  were  both  very  low.  0  what  a  stroke  !  It  was  a 
crowded  meetmg,  as  my  dear  child  was  universally  beloved,  but  we 
were  seated  in  great  quietness,  and  I  was  thankful  for  a  feeling  of  deep 
solemnity ;  many  Friends  spoke  in  ministry,  and  the  silence  was  im- 
pressive. On  withdrawing  to  the  ground,  a  large  circle  was  formed 
round  the  grave,  and  a  solemn  stillness  prevailed.  Here  also  several 
Friends  ministered,  and  Cornelius  knelt  down  in  supplication  and 
thanksgiving,  adopting  the  blessed  language,  <  Thy  will  be  done.'  I  felt 
bound  to  offer  up  thanksgiving  for  the  belief  mercifully  granted,  that  the 
dear  deceased  had  been  admitted  mto  the  mansions  of  rest  and  peace, 
and  to  intercede  earnestly  on  behalf  of  those  young  people  standing 
round  the  grave,  for  whom  her  soul  had  often  travailed,  that  their  steps 
might  be  directed  into  the  way  of  peace ;  praying,  that  in  the  end  they 
might  unite  with  her  in  the  everlasting  Hallelujah. 

When  the  whole  was  over,  we  returned  directly  to  Newington.  In 
the  afternoon,  we  had  a  consoling  religious  opportunity,  in  which  my 
dear  brother  Joseph  spoke  very  tenderly  and  sweetly.  Peaceful  feelings 
prevailed." 

After  this  touching  record  of  a  father's  grief,  it  may,  perhaps,  be  ad- 
missible to  say  a  few  words,  respecting  the  darling  object  of  his  hopes 
and  affections. 

In  early  life,  she  evinced  an  amiable  disposition,  united  with  an  ex- 
cellent understanding.    Her  talents  were  improved  by  culture,  and  the 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


125 


bright  promises  of  youth  were  realized  in  riper  years.  An  engaging 
liveliness  of  manner  was  regulated  by  submission  to  the  cross  of  Christ. 
The  influence  of  her  sweet  and  pious  example  was  much  felt  amongst 
her  associates  of  various  classes,  and  she  was  beloved  and  cherished 
by  a  large  circle  of  friends.  Yet  was  humility  a  distinguishing  feature 
in  her  character.  The  maturity  of  her  judgment,  and  her  religious  ex- 
perience rendered  her  capable  of  being  the  sympathizing  friend,  and 
even,  at  times,  the  counsellor  of  her  tenderly  beloved  father.  The  most 
perfect  openness  of  friendship  existed  between  them;  and,  in  speaking 
of  her,  he  says — 

<<  I  had  fondly  looked  to  her,  as  to  one  calculated  to  be  useful  in  the 
church,  and  in  the  world  at  large;  and  had  hoped,  that  she  would  be 
the  comfort  and  support  of  my  declining  years,  should  they  be  length- 
ened out.  But  ah !  it  was  otherwise  ordered  by  Him  who  doeth  all 
things  well." 

To  her,  the  language  of  the  author  of  the  Book  of  Wisdom  seems 
peculiarly  appropriate, — "  Honourable  age  is  not  that  which  standeth  in 
length  of  time,  nor  that  is  measured  by  number  of  years.  But  wisdom 
is  the  grey  hair  unto  men,  and  an  unspotted  life  is  old  age." 

For  several  months  previous  to  her  decease,  her  friends  had  been 
struck  with  her  heavenly-mindedness.  The  awful  summons,  though 
unexpected,  did  not  find  her  unprepared.  She  loved  her  Saviour — her 
faith  and  her  trust  were  in  Him  ;  and,  in  contemplating  her  life  and  her 
death,  we  have  an  evidence,  that  «<  The  work  of  righteousness  is  peace, 
and  the  effect  of  righteousness,  quietness  and  assurance  for  ever." 

In  wiiting  to  Sir  James  Wylie,  soon  after  this  period,  William  Allen 
says — 

"My  last  letter  would  inform  thee  of  the  affliction  into  which  I  have 
been  plunged,  by  the  death  of  ray  only  and  darling  child.  Her  deep 
and  unaffected  piety,  her  superior  understanding,  and  her  affectionate 
attachment  to  me,  rendered  her  inexpressibly  precious.  She  was  my 
most  intimate  friend,  and  my  counsellor;  but  it  has  pleased  God,  who, 
by  his  grace,  made  her  what  she  was,  to  cut  short  the  work  in  righteous- 
ness, and  to  receive  her  to  Himself  in  glory.  Of  this  I  have  been  fa- 
voured to  feel  the  most  undoubted  assurance.  May  we,  my  dear  friend, 
daily  endeavour  to  seek  earnestly  for  an  interest  in  the  Saviour,  that, 
when  these  earthly  tabernacles  fail,  we  may  be  for  ever  with  Him,  where 
He  is,  to  behold  His  glory. 

My  mind  has  been  wonderfully  supported  by  divine  grace,  under 
this,  otherwise,  overwhelming  affliction,  though  nature  wrings  from  me 
the  parental  tear." 

The  Princess  Sophia  Mestchersky,  soon  after  hearing  of  this  afflict- 
ing event,  thus  addressed  William  Allen: 


126 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


"Dear  and  Respected  Friend, 

"I  know  not  how  to  write  a  letter  of  condolence  to  a  man  like  you. 
Ah !  what  shall  I  say  to  you  ?  to  you,  faithful  servant  of  our  Divine 
Master, — to  you,  whom  I  have  so  often  seen  ready  to  give  up  all,  which 
He,  in  His  love,  had  granted  to  you.  My  heart  trembles  when  I  think 
of  the  loss  you  have  sustained.  Man,  so  long  as  he  is  in  this  earthly 
tabernacle,  how  resigned  and  submissive  soever  he  may  be,  cannot  fail 
to  feel  deeply,  when  a  part  of  himself  is  torn  away,  and  this  grief  was 
permitted  by  the  Saviour.  Ah !  how  vividly  do  I  call  to  remem"brance 
your  tender  love  for  this  only  child,  who  was  already  become  your 
friend,  and  had  proved  herself  a  faithful  servant  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  I  was  just  recovering  from  an  illness  of  five  weeks'  continu- 
ance, when  I  learnt  the  blow  you  had  received.  Your  letter  touched  us 
all ;  ray  husband,  children,  all  who  knew  you  here,  sympathize  in  your 
sorrow.  0,  my  respected  friend,  may  we,  in  the  time  of  the  Lord's 
visitation,  be  as  submissive  as  you  ;  and  may  our  divine  Saviour,  by  his 
spirit  and  his  love,  sustain  you  unto  the  end. 

Pardon  the  faults  of  this  letter.  I  am  still  very  weak,  but  weakness 
of  body  could  not  prevent  my  sympathizing  with  you  in  spirit.  Do 
not  forget  me  in  your  prayers,  and  believe  me,  united  to  you  in  spirit 
and  in  truth.       Your  affectionate  friend, 

P.  Sophie  Mestchersky." 

"  Fifth  Month,  25th. — I  recovered  a  little  from  my  depression,  and 
was  calmed  and  comforted ;  my  prayers  were  put  up  that  the  Lord 
would  direct  ray  steps  in  the  way  that  He  would  have  me  to  go,  and 
that  He  would  draw  me  very  near  to  Himself.  Attended  Tottenham 
meeting  in  the  morning  and  afternoon ;  I  was  a  good  deal  overdone ; 
we  had  a  sweet  time  of  religious  retirement  on  parting  with  dear  Kathe- 
rine  Capper,  who  leaves  us  to-day ;  she  has  been  quite  a  comfort  and 
support  to  me  in  my  keen  affliction,  and  was  indefatigable  in  her  atten- 
tion to  my  beloved  child,  by  night  and  by  day." 

On  the  26th,  William  Allen  went  to  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  was 
able  to  attend  the  remaining  sittings.  In  reference  to  the  concluding 
meeting  of  ministers  and  elders,  he  says — 

"An  epistle  was  read  from  Mary  Dudley,  who  is  quite  confined  to 
her  chamber  with  indisposition.  It  was  sweet  and  satisfactory,  and  or- 
dered to  be  recorded.  In  the  evening  my  spirits  sunk  exceedingly, 
and  I  was  plunged  into  the  depths  of  sorrow,  under  a  feeling  of  my 
irreparable  loss. 

Sixth  Month,  1st. — Went  to  meeting  at  Devonshire  House  in  the 
morning  and  afternoon,  but  the  attendance  of  both  meetings  was  too 
much  for  me  in  my  present  state.  Though  very  low  and  unwell  when 
I  returned  to  Newington,  yet  I  was  able  to  read  to  the  family. 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


127 


2jid. — To  town.  John  Fowler  Hull  called  about  Arabic  Scripture 
Lessons ;  he  undertakes  to  cut  and  paste  a  set,  and  put  in  the  heads  of 
the  chapters ;  he  is  willing  to  translate  tracts  into  Arabic.  In  the  after- 
noon went  to  John  Sanderson's,  in  the  Old  Jewry,  to  meet  the  com- 
mittee on  H.  Kilhara's  concern  for  Africa.  Richard  Smith  offers  to  go 
from  a  sense  of  duty;  his  proposal  is  accepted,  if  two  or  three  more 
Friends  can  be  found  who  are  also  willing  and  suitable.  A  brother  and 
sister  in  Ireland,  of  the  name  of  Thompson,  are  to  be  written  to  on  the 
subject. 

4:111. — Meeting,  and  Monthly  Meeting.  I  remembered  the  time  when 
my  precious  child  sat  in  the  same  line  with  me,  and  the  delight  I  ex- 
perienced in  hearing  her  sweet  voice  advocating  the  best  of  causes,  and 
I  seemed  sunk  too  low  to  experience  any  spiritual  refreshment. 

6th. — Meeting  for  Sufferings ;  a  committee  appointed  to  assist  Robert 
Fowler,  who  is  going  to  reside  some  time  at  Paris,  under  a  feeling  of 
religious  duty.  Josiah  Forster  has  obtained  leave  of  his  Monthly  Meet- 
ing to  join  him  for  a  few  weeks. 

Sixth  Month,  lAth. — Awake  a  long  time  in  deep  exercise  of  mind; 
the  watch  must  be  maintained  still  more  unremittingly  against  the  ene- 
mies of  my  own  house,  who  are  alarmingly  powerful. 

nth  When  I  awoke  during  the  night,  my  mind  was  engaged  to 

feel  after  the  Lord.  I  have  remembered  these  words  of  David,  'I  will 
say  unto  God,  my  rock,  why  hast  thou  forgotten  me  ?'  and  again,  « I 
go  mourning  all  the  day  long.'  I  must  arouse  and  exert  myself,  but  I 
am  sadly  crushed  and  broken  down. 

— After  meeting  I  had  a  cruise  westward.  Received  the  King's 
subscription  to  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society,  j£100.  Called 
at  Count  Lieven's,  about  some  cows,  &c.,  for  Russia;  saw  Prince  Es- 
terhazy  there,  and  talked  about  our  cottage  plans ;  then  to  Count  Man- 
delsloh,  the  Wurtemberg  minister,  a  very  nice  man.  I  find  that  the 
so-called  Holy  Alliance  is  interfering  with  the  Bavarian  government,  and 
that  the  Wurtemberg  Ambassador  is  withdrawn,  because  the  King  will 
not  submit  to  their  restrictions.  I  am  glad  that  I  wrote  what  I  did  to 
the  Emperor  of  Russia. 

20th. — Some  comfort  in  the  night ;  my  mind  stayed  upon  God  ;  hope 
revived,  and  I  feel  a  little  raised  above  my  sorrow.  Very  busy  in  my 
study  with  correspondence ;  wrote  to  Ancona  and  Marseilles  with  re- 
mittances for  the  poor  Greeks.  Mary  Stacey  came  to  tea  ;  a  little  com- 
forted and  strengthened  in  her  company. 

22nd. — We  went  to  Tottenham  meeting;  here  I  felt  inwardly 
strengthened,  and  had  to  speak  in  ministry  on  the  words,  '  There  re- 
maineth  therefore  a  rest  to  the  people  of  God.'  P.  Gurney  and  Anna 
Forster  were  there,  and  also  spoke.    Went  back  to  the  afternoon  meet- 


128 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


ing,  and  in  the  evening  read  to  the  family  in  Isaiah.  A  sweet  feeling 
of  the  presence  of  the  Lord  tranquilized  our  minds. 

23rd. — The  Comforter  was  near  in  the  night,  and  my  heart  was 
humbled  and  contrited  on  waking.  A  conference,  at  my  cousin  G.  Birk- 
beck's,  in  the  evening,  about  a  school  for  boys,  at  ray  cottage  in  Lord- 
ship Road.  Present,  besides  the  Bradshaws,  Joseph  Janson,  J.  J.  Lis- 
ter, and  Edward  Harris.  We  agreed  to  have  a  young  man  as  master, 
trained  at  the  Kingsland  school  under  J.  Janson's  superintendence. 

Sixth  Month  29th.~  Cornelius  and  I  attended  Southwark  meeting  in 
the  morning ;  we  both  spoke  in  ministry.  In  the  afternoon  I  was  at 
Tottenham  meeting,  and,  at  Mary  Stacey's,  afterwards,  met  Robert 
Fowler,  who  sets  otT  for  France  to-morrow.  I  rode  over  to  Southgate, 
to  call  upon  John  Walker,  who  has  just  lost  his  son  Alfred,  a  fine 
young  man,  whose  remains  are  to  be  interred  at  Winchmore  Hill,  but 
I  do  not  feel  equal  to  encounter  the  trial  it  would  be  to  my  feelings  to 
attend  the  funeral.  I  had  a  sweet  religious  opportunity  with  him  and 
some  of  his  family.  Returned  to  Newington  with  peace  in  the  retro- 
spect of  this  day." 

Seasons  of  divine  favour  in  his  devotions,  both  in  the  family  and  in 
private,  are,  from  time  to  time,  gratefully  commemorated.  On  one  oc- 
casion, he  says — 

"  There  was  a  degree  of  religious  solemnity  over  us,  for  which  I  was 
thankful ;  I  read  one  or  two  psalms  before  we  retired,  and  then  pro- 
ceeded with  the  Life  of  Mary  Fletcher." 

Soon  afterwards,  he  writes — 

"My  mind  calmed  and  drawn  upwards;  I  knelt  down  by  the  bed- 
side, feeling  access  in  prayer,  which  ascended  for  my  preservation,  and 
that  of  those  nearest  and  dearest  to  me. 

Seventh  Month  6th. — Read  to  the  family  Solomon's  dedication  of  the 
temple;  independently  of  every  other  consideration,  it  is  an  affecting 
piece  of  eloquence. 

10th. — E.  J.  Fry  came  down  and  dined  with  us.  The  afternoon 
being  fine,  we  walked  to  the  cottages  and  round  by  the  Row,  and  had 
much  open  conversation  about  dear  Mary  and  the  better  country,  to  our 
mutual  consolation.  My  brother  Samuel  came  in  the  evening ;  we 
were  a  little  comforted  together.  I  went  up  to  the  observatory  between 
eight  and  nine,  and  had  one  or  two  observations. 

12th  Went  to  Hampstead  to  dine  at  Samuel  Hoare's,  Jun.,  with 

Wilberforce,  Buxton,  W.  Smith,  and  Dr.  Lushington ;  H.  Newman 
was  also  there ;  some  conversation  about  the  Slave  Trade.  A  satis- 
factory visit. 

Seventh  Month,  lith. — Attended  the  Morning  Meeting,  where  we 
read  a  MS.  of  the  diary  of  Robert  Searles,  a  journeyman  miller.  It 
contained  much  unction,  and  will  make  a  valuable  little  tract.  We 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


129 


proceeded  more  than  half  through  it  and  then  adjourned.  There  was 
a  precious  feeling  throughout  the  meeting. 

15//;, — Rose  at  six.  Reading  strictures  of  the  Edinburgh  Christian 
Instructor  on  Robert  Owen's  publications :  they  expose  his  principles 
very  properly  on  many  points,  but  appear  to  be  uncandid  in  their  re- 
marks upon  the  morality  of  the  people  at  the  mills. 

My  spirits  fail  very  much  ;  I  scarcely  feel  energy  to  get  through  what 
is  before  me  ;  but  I  must  rouse  myself,  as  this  depression  nourishes  that 
sorrow  which  brings  spiritual  death.  W.  Wilberforce  and  his  wife  came 
to  dine  with  us,  also  a  young  person  named  Palmer,  the  daughter  of  a 
clergyman  near  Birmingham.  W.  W.'s  wife  was  affected  with  the  re- 
membrance of  her  daughter,  whose  remains  are  interred  here  ;  we  how- 
ever spent  a  pleasant  afternoon. 

l8//j. — Dined  at  J.  Fry's,  at  Plashet,  where  I  again  met  W.  Wilber- 
force and  his  wife ;  also  Counts  Porro  and  Santa  Rosa.  It  required  an 
effort  to  pay  this  visit,  but  I  was  glad  that  I  went. 

20th  Our  new  meeting-house,  in  Gracechurch  Street,  was  opened 

this  mornintr.  When  we  arrived  at  Plough  Court  we  found  Count 
Porro,  of  Milan,  and  Count  Santa  Rosa,  of  Turin,  waiting  to  go  to 
meeting.  I  was  under  much  depression,  but  when  the  meeting  settled 
there  was  a  sweet  solemnity.  Isabella  Harris,  of  Ackworth,  spoke  ac- 
ceptably in  ministry  ;  soon  after  she  sat  down  I  rose,  and  felt  supported 
by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  deliver  a  pretty  long  communication  ; 
some  other  Friends  also  spoke  in  ministry,  and  the  meeting  ended 
with  prayer.    Tlie  whole  felt  sweet  and  confirming. 

Cornelius  read  to  me  the  sheets  of  Joseph  John  Gurney's  book  on 
the  Peculiarities  of  Friends.    I  am  much  pleased  with  it. 

2\st  Morning  Meeting.    The  manuscript  of  Robert  Searle's  diary 

was  finished.  Some  inward  comfort.  After  meeting  called  on  Bow- 
ring;  he  says  that  Lord  Byron  has  given  eight  thousand  pounds  to  the 
Greek  cause. 

Seventh  Month  2Sth. — Went  to  Guy's  Hospital  to  meet  the  treasurer; 
he  approves  of  a  plan  I  have  suggested  to  introduce  Alexander  Barry. 
Afterwards  called  on  Baron  Theotoki,  and  met  Dr.  Thomas,  who  so 
kindly  attended  me  at  Zante. 

29th. — Meeting  at  Gracechurch  Street ;  my  poor  mind  was  comforted, 
and  I  felt  peace  in  speaking  for  a  short  time  on  the  words,  '  Trust  in  the 
Lord  with  all  thine  heart:  and  lean  not  unto  thine  own  understanding.' 

Eighth  Month  3rd. — Alfred  Gaullier  returned  from  Ireland,  and 
lodges  with  us. 

Ath. — Richenda  Fry  read  to  me  a  little  pamphlet  just  published,  en- 
titled 'Hints  to  Mothers,'  No.  l,to  be  continued  monthly,  by  a  disciple 
of  Pestalozzi ;  it  is  most  excellent,  and  ought  to  be  widely  diffused. — 
The  duties  of  a  mother  are  placed  in  a  strong  light,  and  the  good  effects 

Vol.  II.  9 


130 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


of  the  course  of  training  there  recommended,  must  be  quite  incalculable. 
I  was  alTected  to  tears  in  hearing  it  read.  Dr.  Charles  Mayo,  of  Ep- 
som, a  clergyman  of  the  church  of  England,  called  about  Pestalozzi's 
plan  ;  he  has  learnt  the  system,  and  he  offers  to  teach  any  pupils  whom 
I  may  send  to  Epsom. 

10th. — Rose  at  six;  very  low.  Before  I  left  my  chamber,  I  took  up 
the  hymn  book,  and  opened  upon  two  very  comforting  hymns ;  one  of 
them,  by  Fawcett,  is  on  the  words,  '  As  thy  day,  so  shall  thy  strength 
be,'  the  other,  by  Stennett,  'Trust  in  God  in  time  of  trouble.'  Ah! 
Lord  !  I  have  no  hope  but  in  thee ;  forsake  me  not,  0  God  of  my  salva- 
tion !  As  we  rode  to  meeting,  I  felt  something  of  the  calming  influence  of 
divine  love,  and  when  there,  some  words  were  spoken  in  ministry, 
which  seemed  attended  with  life.  Samuel  Capper,  and  some  other 
Friends,  spoke  in  the  afternoon  also. 

13//i. — Meeting  at  Gracechurch  Street;  Katherine  Capper  was  mar- 
ried to  John  Backhouse,  of  Darlington  ;  E.  J.  Fry  was  sweetly  engaged 
in  supplication,  alluding  to  the  bereavements  which  had  taken  place 
amongst  us.  Soon  after,  under  some  feeling  of  the  Lord's  power,  I 
rose  with  these  words,  <  At  the  close  of  the  solemn  supplication  which 
we  have  just  heard,  my  heart  said,  even  so,  Lord  Jesus!  amen,  and 
amen!'  My  mind  was  brought  into  tenderness,  and  I  believe  many 
were  affected.  Several  Friends  spoke  in  ministry,  and  also  in  prayer. 
It  was  a  good  meeting.  I  joined  the  marriage  company  in  the  after- 
noon ;  there  was  a  time  of  religious  retirement,  in  which  divine  favour 
was  felt,  and  in  taking  leave  of  dear  Katherine  and  her  husband,  I  said, 
'  Truly  the  Lord  has  been  with  you  to-day  ;  may  you  henceforth  set  up 
your  banner  in  His  name.' 

Eighth  Month  \Ath  Fifth-day.     I  have  been  so  much  hindered 

this  week  from  proceeding  with  several  objects  which  claim  attention, 
that  I  had  thought  of  staying  in  my  study  all  day  to  work  at  them.  I 
was  not,  however,  easy  to  omit  the  committee  on  J.  J.  Gurney's  book, 
and  I  also  felt  a  little  draught  of  love  to  sit  with  Friends  of  Totten- 
ham in  their  meeting  this  morning.  I  accordingly  walked  there  after 
breakfast,  and  had  a  sweet  comfortable  meeting,  in  which  encourage- 
ment was  offered  to  those  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity. 
We  afterwards  proceeded  very  satisfactorily  with  the  work.  I  felt  in 
my  place,  and  was  favoured  with  a  little  of  my  Divine  Master's  sweet 
peace,  which  is  more  than  all  the  world  to  my  soul.  It  was  past  nine 
o'clock  when  I  returned  home,  so  I  only  sent  a  message  to  my  mother 
instead  of  calling. 

21th. — The  ancient  Christians  were  in  the  practice  of  fasting ;  and 
our  Lord  himself,  in  speaking  of  the  great  difficulty  in  some  cases  of 
casting  out  devils,  said,  '  This  kind  goeth  not  out,  but  by  prayer  and 
fasting.'    We  may  regard  this  passage  as  applicable  to  self-denial, 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


131 


which  is  too  little  thought  of  in  the  present  day,  and  I  have  often  felt 
that  its  importance  should  be  early  inculcated  upon  children  ;  how 
many,  for  want  of  this  virtue,  have  been  carried  away  by  their  passions, 
and  utterly  ruined.  It  is  self-denial  which  keeps  the  passions  in  check  ; 
when  we  do  anything  contrary  to  our  inclinations,  from  a  sense  of 
duty,  we  should  do  it  as  for  Jesus'  sake,  and,  in  thus  acting,  we  should 
experience  his  peace." 

In  writing  to  his  beloved  friend  Stephen  Grellet,  on  the  1st  of  Ninth 
Month,  William  Allen  says — 

<<  I  now  live  entirely  at  Stoke  Newington,  and  have  taken  a  little 
estate  in  Red  Lion  Lane,  leading  to  the  New  River,  where  I  have  built 
stables,  a  cottage  for  the  coachman  and  his  family,  and  another  for  a 
school.  I  am  occupied  in  experiments  in  agriculture,  calculated  to  find 
out  the  means  of  subsistence  for  a  poor  man  and  his  family,  on  two 
acres  of  land,  and  am  corresponding  with  persons  of  experience  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  country,  on  the  best  appropriation  of  the  land,  and 
the  best  plan  for  cottages.  I  have  obtained  much  valuable  information 
in  this  way. 

Basil  Papof  is  nicely  recovered  in  health.  I  had  a  sweet  letter  from 
him  just  before  his  departure;  it  contained  an  extract  of  a  letter  from 
Prince  Galitzin  ;*  they  retain  an  affectionate  remembrance  of  thee.  My 
great  affliction  occurring  when  he  was  in  London,  made  it  impossible 
for  me  to  see  so  much  of  him  as  I  should  otherwise  have  done.  Things 
are  going  on  badly  in  France  now.  Everything  is  mystery  in  Spain. 
The  subscription  raised  by  Friends  for  the  Greeks  has  relieved  much 
misery,  and  been  productive  of  an  abundant  expression  of  gratitude; 
it  amounts  to  about  seven  thousand  pounds.  An  edition  of  the 
'Thoughts  on  the  Importance  of  Religion,'  is  now  printed  in  modern 
Greek,  and  is  sent  off"  by  way  of  Marseilles.  Dear  Robert  Fowler  is 
returned  from  Paris;  he  and  J.  Forster  have  established  a  depot  there 
for  Friends'  books  and  tracts.  Gaultier,  of  Geneva,  has  printed  a 
French  edition  of  the  'Brief  Remarks;'  the  style  of  the  translation  has 
been  revised  by  M.  Neckar. 

*  The  following  is  the  extract  from  Prince  Galitzin's  letter: — 

"  Pray  recall  ine  to  the  remembrance  and  to  the  prayers  of  my  good  friend  Mr.  Allen. 
Beg  of  him  sometimes  to  write  to  me,  and  to  pray  that  the  Lord  %vould  grant  me  that  inward 
calmness  and  peace,  which  our  dear  friend  so  eminently  possesses, — a  calmness,  without 
which,  the  will  of  God  cannot  be  done  in  us." 

Basil  Papof,  in  concluding  his  letter,  says — 

"  May  our  Lord  bless  you,  my  dear  friend,  and  fill  you  with  his  grace,  which  has,  hitherto, 
been  so  abundantly  vouchsafed  to  you.  Sometimes  think  of,  and  pray  for,  the  poor  infirm 
writer  of  these  lines.  I  have  much  need  of  the  prayers  of  those  who  are  strong  in  the  Lord, 
and  who  unreservedly  obey  his  will.  Do  not  forget  one  who  loves  you  as  an  elder  brother 
in  .lesus  Christ.  May  his  sacred  name  be  adored  throughout  the  universe!  May  his  king- 
dom come,  his  will  be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.  This  is  the  prayer  of  him  who, 
with  the  most  sincere  affection,  is 

Your  loving,  faithful,  and  obedient 

Basil  Papof." 


132  LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  1823. 

We  have  had  a  coinmittee  of  the  Morning  Meeting  on  a  work  writ- 
ten by  Joseph  John  Gurney,  on  the  '  PecuUarities  of  the  Society  of 
Friends.'  I  think  it  will  be  a  very  useful  book,  and  that  thou  wilt  be 
of  the  same  mind." 

"  JMntk  Month  Ath. — Sent  for  by  Earl  Bathurst ;  conference  about 
the  Greeks.  He  engages  to  write  to  Sir  Frederic  Adam,  and  urge  him 
to  inquire  into  the  distress  amongst  the  people  in  the  Ionian  Islands. 
Our  government  has  given  them  a  refuge  in  the  Island  of  Calamo,  near 
Santa  Maura.  Sir  F.  A.  is  authorized  to  draw  for  three  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds." 

The  case  of  the  poor  Greeks  continued  to  occupy  much  of  William 
Allen's  time,  the  attendance  of  the  committees  being  frequent,  and  his 
correspondence  on  this  subject  very  extensive,  and  whilst  thus  aiding 
in  the  relief  of  their  present  exigencies,  he  was  indefatigable  in  endea- 
vouring to  promote  the  cause  of  education,  and  to  raise  the  standard  of 
morals  amongst  them.  In  a  letter  to  Jean  Vlasto,  at  Trieste,  written 
about  this  period,  he  says — 

<<  As  we  are  interested  in  the  spiritual  as  well  as  temporal  welfare  of 
the  Greeks,  we  have  procured  from  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
ciety, a  grant  of  twelve  New  Testaments  in  modern  Greek,  and  thirty- 
eight  in  ancient  and  modern  Greek,  which  are  sent  according  to  the  en- 
closed bill  of  lading." 

(■nth. — Met  Earl  Bathurst  by  appointment  at  Downing  Street ;  he  re- 
ceived me  in  a  very  friendly  manner,  and  said  that  he  had  desired  Sir 
F.  Adam  to  write  to  me  about  the  distribution  of  the  money  for  the 
Greeks.  I  endeavoured  to  impress  upon  the  Earl  the  importance  of 
binding  the  Greeks  to  us ;  their  willingness  to  do  any  thing  that  our 
government  would  point  out,  consistent  with  their  liberties  and  security  ; 
stating  my  conviction  that  Russia  would  ultimately  have  all  those  coun- 
tries, if  we  did  not  prevent  the  Greeks  from  being  crushed,  and  that  I 
really  wished  the  Russians  might  have  them,  if  we  did  not  interfere. 
He  spoke  very  kindly  on  the  subject,  and  I  was  glad  to  find  that  go- 
vernment was  quite  willing  to  listen  to  them,  if  they  should  apply  for  its 
mediation  ;  this  is  important,  and  they  must  be  urged  to  apply.  We 
conversed  also  about  the  people  of  colour  in  the  West  Indies,  and  I 
begged  him  to  write  to  Sir  Lowry  Cole,  at  the  Mauritius,  to  patronize 
Jenkins  and  the  schools  there.  I  reminded  him  of  E.  J.  Fry's  appli- 
cation about  a  house  for  the  female  convicts  at  Van  Dieman's  Land,  and 
he  assured  me  that  he  had  attended  to  it,  and  sent  out  instructions.  I 
expressed  a  desire  to  know  what  the  business  of  education  cost  our 
government  for  the  Ionian  Islands,  observing,  I  was  aware  that  I  might 
solicit  a  member  of  parliament  to  move  for  papers,  but  I  preferred  re- 
ceiving the  information  privately  through  him  ;  he  seemed  pleased,  and 
promised  to  procure  it  for  me.    The  whole  of  this  interview  was  very 


t 


1823.  OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN.  133 

satisfactory,  and  at  the  conclusion,  he  told  me  that  if  I  came  into  Glou- 
cestershire, where  he  is  now  going,  he  should  be  glad  to  see  me. 

JVinth  Month  9th. — Meeting  of  the  Lanark  proprietors.  We  came 
to  the  decision  that  Robert  Owen  had  materially  deviated  from  the  ar- 
ticles of  partnership,  and  coukl  no  longer  be  considered  as  the  mana- 
ger. He  was  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  resolution,  and,  according 
to  the  articles,  may  take  a  month  to  consider  whether  he  will  apply  to 
arbitrators  or  not." 

The  cause  of  this  proceeding,  was  the  dissatisfaction  of  the  London 
proprietors,  with  the  mode  in  which  the  education  of  the  children  had 
been  conducted — the  partners  being  determined  to  have  it  carried  on 
upon  Christian  principles,  and  W.  A.  afterwards  adds — 

"My  mind  is  quite  easy  in  the  part  I  have  taken;  and  on  this 
ground, — if,  indeed.  Divine  Providence  has  permitted  me  to  come  into 
this  concern,  to  aid  in  preventing  its  becoming  an  infidel  establishment, — 
then  I  must  stand  firm,  until  the  matter  is  tried.  If  it  goes  against  us, 
I  shall  have  done  my  best,  and  might  then  withdraw,  and  if  it  is  de- 
cided in  our  favour,  I  might  retire  with  a  safe  conscience. 

JYinth  Month  10th. — In  a  conference  with  Owen  to-day,  I  convinced 
him  that  we  were  firm,  and  would  do  every  thing  in  our  power  to  pre- 
vent him  from  making  New  Lanark  an  infidel  establishment. 

J.  J.  Lister  came  in  the  evening.  Observed  many  stars  through  my 
large  telescope. 

22nd. — Much  engaged  in  my  study  about  'Colonies  at  Home.' 

2Ath. — Attended  the  City  Auxiliary  Bible  Meeting,  at  the  Egyptian 
Hall.  It  was  a  very  large  meeting.  The  committee  gave  me  the  fifth 
resolution. 

2Dth. —  Staid  at  Newington  all  day  ;  cleared  my  table  ;  posted  books 
in  the  summer-house  ;  visited  my  mother.  This  has  been  a  day  of  close 
application  ;  but  my  mind  has,  at  times,  been  sweetly  comforted  in  the 
Lord. 

21fh. — Went  up  to  Downing  Street,  by  appointment,  to  meet  G. 
Canning.  He  recived  me  very  cordially,  and  agrees  to  write  to  Turin, 
to  have  the  decree  published  for  the  relief  of  the  Waldenses.  I  endea- 
voured to  impress  his  mind  in  favour  of  the  Greeks.  Way  opened  for 
free  communication  on  several  subjects,  and  it  was  a  very  satisfactory 
interview  indeed.  Spent  the  evening  at  Letitia  Barbauld's,  to  meet 
Bowring. 

28th. — At  Gracechurch  Street  meeting.  I  spoke  on  the  subject  of 
the  kingdom  of  heaven,  which,  our  Lord  said,  « cometh  not  with  ob- 
servation,' showing,  that  it  came  by  prayer  and  dedication.  In  the 
afternoon,  my  mind  dwelt  much  upon  my  precious  child  ;  her  dear 
sweet  spirit  is  often  with  me.  What  a  joyful  time  it  will  be,  when  we 
meet  to  be  no  more  separated !  In  the  evening,  I  went  to  see  Elizabeth 


« 


134  LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  1823. 

Reed,  aged  eighty-two,  and  her  daughter  Rachel,  both  invalids.  We 
had  a  time  of  religious  retirement,  in  which  the  presence  of  the  Lord 
was  to  be  felt,  comforting  us  together.  I  had  to  acknowledge  His 
goodness,  who,  when  His  poor  dependent  servants  draw  nigh  unto  Him, 
condescends  to  draw  nigh  unto  them. 

30^/(. — Quarterly  Meeting.  I  rose  with  the  words,  'We  preach  not 
ourselves,  but  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord  ;  and  ourselves,  your  servants,  for 
Jesus'  sake,'  pointing  to  the  Saviour,  and  enlarging  upon  the  subject. 
Some  other  Friends  spoke  in  ministry,  and  Hannah  Kilham  was  sweet 
in  prayer.  It  was  generally  acknowledged  to  be  a  favoured  meeting, 
and  that  for  discipline  was  quiet  and  satisfactory.  The  adjournment  in 
the  afternoon  was  almost  wholly  occupied  with  discussion  respecting 
Islington  school.  I  left  the  meeting  with  some  regret  before  it  was  over ; 
but  the  coachman  had  been  waiting  in  the  street  great  part  of  an  hour, 
and  the  evening  was  very  unfavourable. 

Tenth  Month  4th. — Lanark  weighs  upon  my  mind  ;  but  I  trust  in  the 
Lord  that  He  will  make  way.  I  opened  the  chemical  course  of  lec- 
tures at  the  hospital  to-day,  and,  towards  the  close,  gave  the  pupils  a 
little  extempore  advice,  which  was  well  received." 

After  mentioning  the  attendance  of  several  meetings  of  the  committee 
on  H.  Kilham's  concern,  William  Allen  speaks  of  the  arrival  of  Ann 
Thompson  and  her  brother  John  from  Ireland,  and  says — 

"It  was  agreed  to  accept  the  offer  of  A.  T.,  but  as  her  brother  could 
not  say  that  he  had  a  distinct  concern,  nothing  was  decided  respecting 
him.  The  ground  that  I  wish  our  committee  to  take  is  this :  we  sit 
here  to  assist  in  the  outfit  of  those  who  may  have  a  right  concern  to 
visit  Africa,  not  to  take  the  responsibility  of  forming  a  judgment  in  the 
case. 

13th. — At  H.  Kilham's  committee  in  the  afternoon.  Luke  Howard 
has  been  exceedingly  useful  in  drawing  up  certificates  for  the  party,  and 
framing  a  code  of  rules.  Very  good  certificates  were  read  on  behalf  of 
Ann  Thompson  and  her  brother  John,  from  their  Monthly  Meeting,  in 
Ireland,  also  on  behalf  of  Hannah  Kilham  and  Richard  Smith,  from 
their  meeting.  The  case  of  John  Thompson  was  much  considered,  he 
having  declined  going  unless  the  committee  could  say  that  they  thought 
it  right  for  him. 

Ibth. — John  Thompson  sent  a  note  to  the  committee,  offering  his 
services  ;  this  was  a  great  relief. 

20th. — My  mind  humble  and  tender,  though  in  great  poverty.  O, 
that  under  all  my  trials,  and  temptations,  and  easily  besetting  sins,  I 
may  be  enabled  to  lift  up  my  heart  to  the  Lord,  to  look  steadily  unto 
Him,  and  be  more  and  more  upon  ray  guard  against  every  evil  propensity 
which  has  its  root  in  pride!  In  reading  last  evening,  I  thought  that 
the  Master  was  not  far  off.    May  He  graciously  accept  my  humble 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


135 


endeavours  to  honour  him  before  my  family !  and  I  have,  at  times,  felt 
as  though  he  did  accept  them. 

Tenth  Month  22nd. — I  attended  the  Peel  Monthly  Meeting,  in  con- 
junction with  other  Friends  appointed  by  the  Quarterly  Meeting.  In 
the  second  meeting  it  appeared  right  for  me  to  visit  women  Friends, 
which  I  accordingly  did,  Thomas  Cox  accompanying  me.  I  was  led 
to  encourage  a  low  state,  and  to  remind  mothers  of  the  importance  of 
their  station. 

23rd — Spent  some  time  preparing  books  for  the  visitors  of  a  district 
association,  which  we  are  about  to  establish :  arranged  to  have  eight 
districts. 

— H.  Kilham  and  the  rest  of  the  party  set  out  for  Africa  this 

day! 

2bth. — I  believe  that  one  reason  why  my  work  is  behindhand  is, 
that  severe  affliction  has  so  depressed  my  animal  spirits,  that  every  thing 
which  calls  for  great  exertion  of  the  mental  faculties  is  a  burden. 

Eleventh  Month  5th. — Monthly  Meeting.  I  longed  for  the  company 
of  dear  E.  J.  Fry,  and  was  comforted  in  seeing  her  and  her  sister  there. 
Soon  after  taking  ray  seat,  I  felt  the  sweetness  of  the  Holy  Spirit's  in- 
fluence, and  had  some  openings,  which  being  attended  with  the  convic- 
tion that  they  were  not  merely  for  my  own  instruction,  I  at  length  rose, 
and  delivered  what  I  felt  commissioned  to  utter.  E.  J.  Fry  was  sweetly 
engaged  in  ministry ;  then  her  sister  Elizabeth,  and  lastly  E.  J.  Fry  in 
supplication.  It  was  indeed  a  favoured  meeting.  Cornelius  Hanbury 
being  about  to  mention  to  the  meeting  a  concern  which  he  had  felt  to 
join  Richard  Barrett  in  a  religious  visit  to  Friends  in  Norfolk  and  Suf- 
folk, and  the  testimony  respecting  my  precious  child  having  to  be 
brought  forward,  the  women  Friends  were  requested  to  stay.  The 
Lord's  power  seemed  over  us.  Cornelius,  in  a  few  words,  spread  his 
concern  before  Friends,  and,  after  much  unity  and  sympathy  had  been 
expressed,  I  had  to  stand  up  with  these  words,  'Peace  be  to  thine 
helpers,'  showing  that  those  who  were  not  engaged  to  speak  publicly 
in  our  assemblies,  might  be  helpers  indeed,  by  dwelling  under  a  deep 
and  living  exercise  of  spirit.  I  addressed  the  young  people,  affection- 
ately encouraging  them  to  enlist  in  the  Lord's  service,  that  when  any 
might  hear  intelligibly  the  language,  '  Whom  shall  I  send,  and  who  will 
go  for  us  ?'  they  might  be  ready  to  say,  '  Here  am  I,  send  me.'  It  was 
a  solid  time.  The  certificate  being  ordered,  Cornelius  withdrew,  but 
I  thought  it  right  for  me  to  stay.  The  draft  of  a  testimony  respecting  my 
beloved  child  was  then  read  with  much  solemnity,  by  Edward  Harris. 
Many  beside  me  were  tenderly  affected,  but  the  God  of  all  consolation 
w&s  so  graciously  near,  that  the  tears  which  then  flowed  were  not  tears 
of  sorrow.  There  were  some  sweet  communications  in  ministry,  and 
indeed  it  was  a  time  to  be  had  in  everlasting  remembrance.  Friends 


136 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


were  so  well  satisfied  wllh  the  testimony,  that  it  was  signed  without 
any  alteration. 

Though  this  has,  spiritually,  been  a  good  day,  it  has  been  very  trying 
to  the  bodily  frame. 

Eleventh  Month  10th. — Rose  at  six.  My  mind  peaceful  and  com- 
fortable. Blessed  be  the  Lord,  He  has  not  forsaken  his  poor  weak 
creature.  0,  may  lie  in  an  especial  manner,  guide  and  direct  me  this  day. 

The  Lanark  proprietors  met  at  Plough  Court.  We  showed  Robert 
Owen  that  we  were  firm,  and  at  one  time  there  seemed  nothing  to  be 
done  but  to  dissolve  the  partnership.  We  told  him  that  our  object  was 
solely  to  have  the  schools  on  a  christian  plan,  as  contemplated  in  the 
thirty-fourth  clause  of  the  articles,  and  this  we  should  insist  upon.  He 
at  length  gave  way,  and  agreed  to  the  resolution  which  we  had  brought 
forward,  thus  submitting  to  act  under  us ;  but  we  must  have  Charles 
Walker  on  the  spot  to  see  that  the  regulations  which  we  shall  make  in 
the  school,  be  strictly  observed. 

Thus  way  seems  to  be  opening  for  obtaining  the  great  object  of  our 
coming  into  this  concern.  May  the  Lord  God  Almighty  bless  our  endea- 
vours to  promote  the  spiritual,  as  well  as  temporal  interests  of  the  people ! 

12th. — Called  at  the  Foreign  Office,  and  saw  J.  Planta,  Jun.,  who 
told  me,  that  Canning  had  desired  him  to  show  me  despatches  from  the 
Sardinian  minister,  on  the  subject  of  the  Waldenses,  or  Vaudois.  It 
seems,  that  the  interference  of  our  government,  in  1822,  has  stimulated 
them  to  make  further  concessions. 

Eleventh  Month  Ibth. — Spent  about  three  hours  with  Pepys,  making 
experiments  on  blood. 

l8//i. — My  thoughts  dwelt  much  on  my  precious  departed  child  this 
morning.  She  was,  indeed,  my  greatest  earthly  treasure  ;  but  the  great 
Giver  saw  meet  to  resume  his  precious  gift.  May  He  enable  me  to  bow 
in  humble  resignation  to  His  divine  will.  Being  now  in  the  fifty- 
fourth  year  of  my  age,  it  is  not  likely  that  I  shall  have  to  wade  through 
many  more  years. 

I  had  a  tendering  time  in  prayer  in  ray  study  very  early  this  morning; 
the  good  presence  of  the  Lord  seemed  with  me.  In  our  reading,  after 
breakfast,  the  twentieth  chapter  of  the  Gospel  of  John,  I  was  so  much 
affected  at  the  description  of  our  Lord  appearing  to  Mary,  after  his 
resurrection,  that  I  was  obliged  to  stop  for  some  time. 

22nd. — Josiah  Forster  called  this  evening.  I  was  pleased  with  his 
company,  and  we  had  some  edifying  conversation. 

2^rd. — Rose  at  six.  My  mind  comforted  and  stayed  on  the  Lord. 
Meeting,  where  I  was  engaged  in  ministry.  On  going  into  Plough 
Court,  a  foreigner,  who  had  been  at  meeting,  wanted  to  engage  me  in 
a  philosophical  discussion  upon  light,  but  I  declined  it,  my  mind  being 
fixed  upon  higher  matters. 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


137 


25//;. — Tea  at  my  cousin,  G.  Birkbeck's.  The  first  meeting  of  the 
committee  for  tlistrici  visiting  in  Stoke  Ncwington.  There  were  pre- 
sent, besides  the  family,  Isabella  Lister,  Isabella  Harris,  Martha  Richard- 
son, and  Mary  Lister.  Thomas  Fowler  also  happened  to  be  there. 
We  had  a  very  agreeable  evening;  fixed  the  visitors,  and  distributed 
the  books.    I  acted  as  secretary.* 

30th. — Meeting.  Dorcas  Coventry  spoke  in  ministry  ;  short  and 
sweet.  I  afterwards  rose,  beginning  with  the  words,  '  Built  upon  the 
foundation  of  the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus  Christ  himself  being 
the  chief  corner  stone.' 

Twelfth  Month  10th. — Monthly  Meeting  ;  the  business  was  conducted 
remarkably  well. 

17//i. — Robert  Owen  almost  persecutes  me  to  join  in  his  plan  at 
Motherwell,  but  his  known  opinions  on  the  subject  of  religion  forbid. 
31s/. — Sweet  spiritual  refreshment  at  meeting. 

I  have  been  thinking  lately,  that  we  may  make  an  inroad  upon  the 
present  demoralizing  system  of  paying  agricultural  labourers  out  of  the 
poor  rates,  by  building  cottages  for  them,  and  giving  them  some  land." 

In  replying  to  a  friend  who  had  consulted  him  upon  a  point  of  disci- 
pline in  our  Religious  Society,  W.  A.  says — 

"  In  the  exercise  of  our  discipline,  in  Monthly  Meetings,  I  have 
longed  that  we  might  come  more  and  more  under  the  feeling  of  the 
Lord's  power,  which  first  raised  us  up  as  a  people,  to  bear  testimony  to 
Christianity  in  its  primitive  purity ;  we  should  then,  while  contending 
earnestly  for  ihe  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints,  do  it  under  the  in- 
fluence of  the  spirit  of  love." 

About  the  same  date  he  addressed  a  letter  to  Hannah  Kilham,  in 
which  he  says — 

"I  was  much  comforted  in  hearing  how  thou  wast  supported  during 
the  storm  in  the  Downs.  Endeavour,  my  dear  friend,  to  keep  thy 
mind  stayed  upon  the  Lord  ;  keep  thine  eye  single  unto  Him,  and  then, 
come  life,  or  come  death,  all  will  be  well.  How  sweet  to  feel  that  we 
have  an  ever  present  Saviour — to  bring  all  our  cares  and  troubles  to 
Him  ;  and  if  this  be  done  in  faith,  we  may  dismiss  all  anxiety  about  the 
issue  of  events,  and  may  adopt  the  language — 

'  Inspirer  and  hearer  oTprayer, 

Thou  keeper  and  guardian  of  thine, 
My  all  to  thy  covenant  care 

I,  sleeping  and  waking,  resign. 

*  William  Allen  always  retained  a  lively  interest  in  this  Association,  to  which  he  was 
appointed  treasurer,  and  for  some  time  continued  to  act  as  secretary.  The  plans  first  laid 
down  have  been  steadily  pursued  for  twenty-three  years,  in  which  time  the  Society  has 
been  considerably  enlarged,  and  has  not  only  been  the  means  of  extensive  usefulness  in 
distributing  its  own  funds,  but  has  proved  an  excellent  medium  for  dispensing  those  of  other 
charities. 


138 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1823. 


If  thou  art  my  shield  and  my  sun, 

The  niglit  is  no  darkness  to  me; 
And  fast  as  the  moments  roll  on. 

They  bring  me  but  nearer  to  thee.' 

May  this  be  thy  happy  experience !  and  may  the  everlasting  arm  be 
round  about  you  all!" 

TO  PROFESSOR  PICTET. 

''Twelfth  Month,  1823. 
"I  am  glad  to  hear  so  good  an  account  of  the  health  of  thy  daughter, 
M.  Vernet,  and  that  Adele  has  received  so  much  benefit  from  the  waters 
of  Aix.  The  picture  thou  presentest  of  the  comfort  and  happiness  of 
thy  family  is  truly  cheering  to  me,  and  long  mayest  thou,  my  dear  friend, 
be  able  to  continue  to  present  such  a  picture ;  you  all  know  how  much 
affection  I  cherish  in  my  heart  for  you.  You  will  be  glad  to  hear  that 
my  dear  Redeemer,  whom  I  wish  to  love  and  to  serve  above  all,  con- 
tinues to  support  His  afflicted  servant  with  the  secret  influences  of  His 
divine  love,  so  that  I  am  still  enabled  to  say  in  sincerity,  '  Thy  will  be 
done,'  and,  at  times,  to  look  forward  with  a  degree  of  joy  to  the  period 
when  « this  mortal  shall  put  on  immortality,'  and  when  I  may  be  for 
ever  re-united  to  those  most  dear  to  me,  who  are  indeed  not  lost  but 
gone  before. 

I  am  much  delighted  at  the  success  of  my  friend  Vernet's  school 
a  Vinstar  de  Fellenberg.  I  trust  that  he  will  be  especially  careful  to  see 
that  the  teachers  do  all  in  their  power  to  promote  religious  sensibility 
of  mind  in  their  pupils. 

Whilst  we  deplore  the  too  successful  attempts  of  bigotry  in  some 
quarters  to  put  down  the  spirit  of  investigation,  and  check  the  progress 
of  light  and  knowledge,  there  is,  on  the  whole,  cause  of  rejoicing. 
England  contains  a  firm  band  who  are  diligent  in  promoting  the  best 
interests  of  man  in  all  countries:  our  British  and  Foreign  School  Society 
is  steadily  promoting  education  in  various  parts.  We  have  formed  a 
society  in  London  to  promote  the  Abolition  of  Slavery  in  our  Colonies; 
a  great  impression  has  been  made  upon  the  public  mind  in  favour  of 
the  object." 

Marianne  Vernet  soon  afterwards  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  this 
letter  to  her  father,  and  says — 

<<  I  have  read  that  excellent  letter  three  times ;  it  has  done  good  to 
my  soul,  as  every  thing  does  that  comes  from  you,  and  I  feel  that  you 
are  an  instrument  in  the  Lord's  hand  to  assist  me  to  approach  Him, 
and  to  encourage  me  in  the  christian  course.  My  son  C.  is  like  me  ; 
if  he  feels  cast  down  and  discouraged,  his  spirits  rise  when  he  thinks 
of  you. 

What  a  blessing  it  would  be  if  God,  by  His  Holy  Spirit,  would  lead 
you  to  come  and  pass  some  months  at  Geneva! — you  would  have 


1823. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


139 


more  influence  upon  us  all  than  any  christian  whom  I  have  ever  known. 
There  is  much  good  intention  in  our  dear  Geneva,  and  much  piety  and 
religious  feeling,  but  we  attach  too  much  importance  to  the  opinions  of 
others;  simplicity  is  lost,  and  there  is  not  enough  christian  liberty  and 
true  elevation  of  soul.  Do,  I  conjure  you,  pray  for  your  friend  and  for 
her  children ;  she  desires  that  they  may  all  belong  to  her  Saviour,  and 
be  of  the  number  of  His  faithful  servants,  but  she  too  often  dwells  upon 
the  assistance  which  she  feels  she  needs,  rather  than  seeks  to  take  ad- 
vantage of  the  blessings  which  are  granted  to  her. 

Our  rural  school  at  Carra  interests  our  children  much ;  it  seems  to  me 
that  an  especial  blessing  rests  upon  this  institution.  The  principles  and 
religious  opinions  of  the  master  are  solid  and  pure  ;  the  improvement 
of  the  children  is  satisfactory,  and  the  whole  establishment  resembles, 
as  much  as  possible,  that  of  a  respectable  agricultural  family.  The 
master  reads  the  Bible  with  the  children,  and  always  endeavours,  even 
during  their  hours  of  labour,  to  excite  and  encourage  their  love  and 
gratitude  to  the  Author  of  all  good. 

Adieu,  my  worthy  friend,  my  prayers  are  often  put  up  on  your  behalf, 
that  God  would  grant  you  His  choicest  blessings,  that  He  would  com- 
fort you,  and  give  you  an  abundant  measure  of  His  Holy  Spirit.  With 
Him  to  succour  us,  we  may  traverse  this  valley  in  peace.  Do  not  forget 
rae  in  your  prayers,  and  believe  me,  with  deep  and  true  attachment  in 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Saviour, 

M.  Vernet,  nee  Pictet." 

Emilien  Frossard,  of  Montauban,  retained  a  very  grateful  recollection 
of  William  Allen's  kindness  to  him  when  in  England,  and,  in  a  letter 
expressive  of  regret  at  not  hearing  oftener  from  him,  E.  F.  says — 

"  I  hope  you  will  sometimes  continue  your  advice  to  me.  I  feel  a 
sweet  satisfaction  when,  on  opening  the  prospectus  or  report  of  a  work 
of  benevolence,  I  find  your  name  at  the  head ;  and  it  always  seems  to 
me  to  mark  the  course  which  a  christian  philanthropist  ought  to  pursue. 
I  delight  in  perusing  and  re-perusing  the  letters  which  I  have  received 
from  you,  particularly  the  letter  written  just  before  my  departure  for 
Manchester.*  I  have  shed  many  tears  over  this  proof  of  your  paternal 
regard,  and  never  read  it  without  emotion.  May  I  entreat  you  to  con- 
tinue your  kindness  towards  me,  whose  steps  you  have  guided  into  the 
paths  of  religion  as  well  as  science?  He  may  have  wandered,  but  his 
heart  has  never  changed,  and  earnestly  has  he  craved  that  the  blessing 
of  heaven  might  rest  upon  you. 

I  know,  however,  that  your  time  is  not  your  own — it  belongs  to  your 
family,  which  is  composed  of  the  poor  and  needy,  and  of  all  whose 
aching  hearts  seek  for  comfort. 


*  See  Vol.  I.,  page  250. 


140 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1824. 


The  remembrance  of  the  opportunities  of  improvement  I  have  had 
with  you,  and  above  all,  the  recollection  of  your  example,  fills  me  with 
ardent  desires  to  be  useful  to  my  fellow  creatures." 

Many  <<  strangers  in  a  strange  land,"  and  many  a  solitary  and  weary 
pilgrim,  not  only  found  a  home  and  a  welcome  at  the  house  of  William 
Allen,  but  that  kindness  and  christian  sympathy  which,  whilst  they 
soothed  the  sorrows  of  the  mourner,  tended  also  to  heighten  the  enjoy- 
ment of  the  prosperous,  and  to  call  forth  the  best  feelings  of  all. 

A  person  from  Sweden,  who  had  been  spending  some  time  in  London, 
and  had  set  out  on  his  return  to  his  native  land,  describes  the  effect  upon 
his  own  mind  in  the  following  words : — 

"  I  cannot  end  a  letter  to  you,  my  dear  sir,  without  repeating  my 
high  sense  of  your  most  kind  and  affectionate  behaviour  to  me,  who 
came  to  you  as  a  stranger.  May  I,  by  serving  others,  and  adding  my 
mite  in  the  cause  of  humanity,  prove  myself  in  some  measure  worthy  of 
it.  Your's  is  the  happy  lot  of  a  life  of  continual  goodness  and  benevo- 
lence, and  you  have  the  respects  and  blessings  of  all.  All  who  come 
near  you  feel  themselves  better  when  with  you,  and  never  go  away 
without  a  good  bias — so  was  the  case  with  me." 


CHAPTER  XX. 

1824. — Visit  to  Lanark — Recommences  Lectures — Correspondence — Yearly  Meeting — 
Death  of  Sir  C.  Macarthy — Visit  to  Nortliamptonsliiro — Establishment  of  the  School  at 
Stoke  Newington — Committee  on  Greek  Refugees — Bible  Society,  &c.,  in  Russia — 
Death  of  John  Thompson  and  Richard  Smith — Journey  to  Ipswich  and  Needham. 

"  First  Month  1st,  1824. — Rose  before  six  ;  aspirations  ascended  to 
the  God  of  all  grace  and  consolation,  for  His  divine  aid  and  protection. 
The  year  that  is  passed  has  been  marked  by  deep  tribulation ;  with 
exquisite  and  inexpressible  anguish,  in  the  loss  of  my  only,  and  most 
tenderly  beloved  child, — yet  it  is  some  mitigation  of  my  sorrow  that  a 
tender  shoot  from  that  blessed  stock,  has  been  permitted,  so  far,  to 
thrive.  What  events  may  mark  the  present  year,  I  must  leave  ;  but, 
0,  Thou !  who  hast  mercifully  been  with  me  all  my  life  long,  in  heights 
and  in  depths,  forsake  me  not  at  last,  0  God  of  my  salvation  !  but  grgnt 
that  I  may  know  more  and  more  of  a  union  and  communion  with  thy 
beloved  Son,  the  Lamb  immaculate,  and  witness  the  efficacy  of  his 
precious  blood  in  cleansing  me  from  all  sin.  0,  be  pleased  to  enable 
me  to  consecrate  to  thy  service,  whatever  portion  of  ray  life  may  re- 
main, and  making  me  instrumental  in  thy  hand  in  drawing  souls  to 
thee  !  that  when  thou  art  pleased  to  say,  '  It  is  enough,'  I  may  be  per- 
mitted to  join  my  beloved  child,  with  my  dearest  Mary  and  Charlotte, 
among  those  who  are  raising  the  eternal  Hallelujah!" 


1824. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


141 


On  the  2nd  of  this  month,  William  Allen  set  out  in  company  with 
his  friend  Joseph  Foster,  to  visit  the  mills  at  New  Lanark,  where,  in 
conjunction  with  Michael  Gibbs  and  Charles  Walker,  they  were  deter- 
mined to  enforce  the  regulations  respecting  christian  education  of  the 
children.  They  spent  first-day  at  the  Friends'  school  at  Ackworth,  and 
were  cordially  received  by  the  superintendent  and  his  wife,  Robert  and 
Hannah  Whittaker,  who  are  mentioned  as  singularly  qualified  for  the 
situation  which  they  held.  On  being  introduced  to  their  daughter 
Mary,  he  says — 

"I  was  much  aflfected  ;  it  reminded  me  strongly  of  what  I  had  lost. 
0,  my  blessed  and  ever-beloved  child !  though  thy  father  bows  in  rev- 
erent submission  to  the  dispensation  which  has  deprived  him  of  thy 
bodily  presence,  he  must  continue  to  sorrow  for  thee,  until  he  arrive 
at  the  confines  of  his  grave  ! 

I  was  engaged  in  ministry,  both  in  the  morning  and  afternoon  meet- 
ing, and  felt  peace.  The  children  presented  a  fine  sight,  and  conducted 
themselves  remarkably  well.  In  a  time  of  religious  retirement  after 
dinner,  I  was  led  to  address  the  officers  of  this  large  institution  in  an 
encouraging  manner.  The  reading  of  the  Scriptures  in  the  evening  was 
conducted  very  agreeably,  and  in  the  pause  afterwards,  I  addressed  the 
children." 

The  next  day,  William  Allen  and  Joseph  Foster  proceeded  to  Dar- 
lington, where  they  attended  the  Quarterly  Meeting.  W.  A.  mentions 
being  kindly  received  by  his  friends;  though  at  times  much  depressed, 
he  was  enabled  to  advocate  the  cause  of  his  Divine  Master,  both  in 
the  meeting  and  in  private  companies,  and  also  enjoyed  some  social 
intercourse.  Fifth-day,  they  went  to  Joseph  Head's,  at  Carlisle,  where 
they  again  met  with  much  kindness,  and  the  following  day,  in  com- 
pany with  George  Head  and  his  sister  Ann  Crosfield,  they  paid  an 
interesting  visit  to  the  Friends'  school  at  Wigton.  First-day,  the  11th, 
they  attended  Glasgow  meeting,  where  W.  A.  says — 

"  I  was  helped,  I  trust,  to  preach  the  gospel." 

After  arriving  at  New  Lanark,  they  went  over  the  concern,  and  found 
things  in  good  order,  excepting  in  the  schools,  where  there  was  great 
want  of  subordination  and  proper  instruction.  The  London  proprietors 
had,  however,  provided  a  well-trained  master  from  the  Borough  Road, 
and  completely  carried  their  point  on  the  very  important  subject  of 
the  education  of  the  children,  as  well  as  with  regard  to  some  other 
arrangements  calculated  to  benefit  the  population,  and  to  promote  the 
religious  improvement  of  all  classes.  When  this  was  accomplished, 
W.  A.  says — 

"  My  mind  was  much  relieved ;  I  believe  that  through  the  whole 
of  this  deeply  trying  and  exercising  business,  divine  support  has  been 
near." 


142 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1824. 


He  lamented  the  waste  of  time  spent  in  conversation  with  R.  0., 
which  generally  proved  very  unsatisfactory,  and  he  observes — "  Though 
the  family  are  very  kind,  yet  the  one  thing  is  wanting."  In  parting 
with  the  two  young  Owens,  he  reminded  them  that  the  time  would 
come  to  each  of  them,  when  they  would  find  that  religion  was  no  fiction, 
but  a  solemn  reality.  There  was  a  public  meeting  with  the  work- 
people, which  proved  satisfactory,  and  was  felt  to  be  a  solemn  time. 
They  afterwards  presented  an  address  expressive  of  their  attachment, 
and  when  W.  A.  had  taken  leave  of  them,  and  of  the  family  at  Brax- 
field,  he  says — 

"  I  now  feel  peaceful.  Robert  Owen  once  more  pressed  me  to  sub- 
scribe to  Motherwell,  but  I  finally  declined." 

In  returning  home  he  staid  first-day  at  Edinburgh,  where  he  was  at 
the  morning  and  afternoon  meetings,  and  spent  a  satisfactory  evening 
at  John  T.  Wigham's,  in  company  with  several  of  the  young  students. 

Second-day,  the  26th,  he  visited  the  Friends  at  Hawick,  with  whom 
he  had  a  religious  opportunity,  in  which  his  mind  was  much  relieved. 
Proceeding  from  thence  to  Liverpool,  he  attended  meeting  there  on  fifth- 
day,  and  was  engaged  in  ministry,  under  a  humble  trust  that  he  was 
graciously  helped  to  preach  the  truth.  He  reached  Stoke  Newington 
late  on  sixth-day  night,  and  on  seventh-day,  the  31st,  writes — 

'<  I  went  over  to  Edward  Harris's  to  see  the  precious  child.  Dear 
Isabella  and  her  husband  have  acted  the  part  of  parents  to  him. 

Second  Month  1th. — To  Downing  Street  to  wait  upon  G.  Canning 
by  appointment ;  my  business  was  the  case  of  the  Greek  captives,  and 
to  know  whether  our  government  would  try  to  negotiate  with  the  Turk- 
ish government  for  their  release.  Canning  listened  very  attentively  to 
what  I  said,  and  desired  me  to  write  a  letter  to  him  upon  the  subject, 
which  he  promises  to  despatch  to  Constantinople,  and  inform  me  of  the 
result.  He  agrees  with  me  that  no  public  subscription  ouglit  to  be 
raised  expressly  for  the  captives,  lest  a  knowledge  of  it  by  the  Turks 
should  enhance  their  demands.  He  seemed  interested  about  Lanark, 
and  I  told  him  how  we  had  arranged  respecting  Owen. 

11th. — Called  at  the  Foreign  Office,  Downing  Street,  in  consequence 
of  a  note  from  Lord  Francis  Conyngham,  stating  that  G.  Canning  wished 
me  to  see  some  communications  which  had  been  made  to  government ; 
I  found  that  it  was  on  the  subject  of  the  Waldenses,  and  that  leave  was 
obtained  from  the  Sardinian  government  for  them  to  build  an  hospital. 

13th — The  School  Committee  at  the  Borough  Road  is  to  be  held 
to-day,  and  I  rarely  am  absent,  but  really  I  cannot  get  through  what 
it  is  my  duty  to  do  without  staying  here  all  day.  I  have  to  write 
the  letter  to  Canning  about  the  Greeks,  to  finisli  the  letter  to  Peel  about 
the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society,  also  to  write  a  note  to  Earl 
Bathurst,  a  letter  to  Turin,  and  to  consider  about  the  Greek  report. 


1824. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


143 


I9th. — Went  up  to'Earl  Bathurst's  office,  and  had  a  conference  with 
him.  He  says,  that  Sir  Frederick  Adam  is  appointed  Lord  High  Com- 
missioner instead  of  Sir  Thomas  Maitland,  deceased,  and  he  added, 
smiling,  '  I  have  appointed  your  friend  Sir  Patrick  Ross  in  the  place  of 
Sir  Frederick.'  We  spoke  of  Hannah  Kilham,  and  of  schools  in  the 
Ionian  Islands,  and  he  quite  promises  to  support  me  in  the  attempt  to 
introduce  them.  I  must  now  correspond  with  Sir  F.  Adam,  Politi,  &c. 

21sf. — The  second  series  of  my  morning  lectures  began  to-day.  At- 
tended a  committee  at  the  Duke  of  Gloucester's  on  the  subject  of 
Slavery.  The  present  is  a  momentous  crisis.  My  wish  is  that  we 
should  not  concede  too  much,  as  I  believe  we  have  the  country 
strongly  with  us,  but,  at  the  same  time,  I  am  desirous  that  we  should 
go  hand  in  hand  with  ministers,  if  possible." 

About  this  time,  his  brother,  Joseph  Allen,  was  engaged  in  having 
meetings  appointed  for  divine  worship,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Lon- 
don. On  some  of  these  occasions  William  Allen  accompanied  him, 
and  he  says  — 

<'I  feel  in  my  place  in  thus  endeavouring  to  hold  up  my  dear  bro- 
ther's hands. 

Third  Month  1st. — J.  Bowring  and  the  two  Greek  deputies,  Luri- 
ottis  and  Orlando,  of  Hydra,  dined  with  me ;  it  was  a  very  interesting 
visit,  and  we  conversed  on  some  important  points.  I  must  obtain  for 
them  the  Scripture  Lessons  in  modern  Greek,  and  also  send  some  seeds 
of  useful  vegetables,  with  agricultural  information. 

2nd. — My  mind  was  turned  to  the  Lord,  during  the  intervals  of 
waking  in  the  night,  with  prayers  that  He  would  make  me  thoroughly 
His,  and  bless  those  who  are  dearest  to  me. 

Ath. — Was  at  a  meeting  at  the  City  of  London  Tavern,  to  form  a 
society  for  attending  to  cases  of  shipwreck  on  our  coasts,  &c. 

5ih. — Attended  the  committee  of  the  African  Instruction  Society,  at 
John  Sanderson's  ;  it  was  large  and  satisfactory.  A  beginning  is  made 
at  Bathurst,  in  a  school  for  about  thirty  children. 

16th. — Rose  at  six ;  my  mind  comforted  in  the  Lord,  and  these 
words  of  the  Psalmist  were  brought  to  my  remembrance,  '  O  Lord, 
truly  I  am  thy  servant;  I  am  thy  servant  and  the  son  of  thine  hand- 
maid :  thou  hast  loosed  ray  bonds.' 

23rd — To  the  Committee  of  the  African  Institution  ;  heard  that  our 
Secretary,  Thomas  Harrison,  died  on  first-day,  of  gout  in  his  stomach. 
He  is  a  great  loss  to  the  cause." 

After  mentioning  the  Quarterly  Meeting  on  the  30tb,  and  the  ad- 
journment on  the  31st,  W.  A.  writes — 

'<  I  was  sensible  of  the  sweet  influence  of  the  love  of  God  in  the 
meeting,  and  it  abode  with  me  during  the  day  ;  blessed  be  the  name  of 


144 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1824. 


the  Lord.  I  felt  peace  in  liavlng  endeavoured  to  advocate  His  cause 
in  the  great  congregation." 

He  often  alludes  to  the  state  of  his  family  circle  at  this  time,  as  being 
very  depressing  to  his  spirits.  His  sister-in-law,  Anna  Hanbury,  who 
resided  with  him,  was  very  much  deprived  of  the  use  of  her  faculties 
by  paralysis,  and  his  dear  aged  mother  was  suffering  under  the  same 
malady.  On  the  23rd  of  Fourth  Month,  he  thus  writes  to  John  Ven- 
ning, then  residing  at  Petersburg : — 

<<  I  have  to  acknowledge,  with  reverent  thankfulness,  that  my  mind 
continues  to  be  mercifully  supported  by  the  sweet  feeling,  at  times,  of 
the  love  and  presence  of  my  Saviour,  though  I  have  lost  that  which 
constituted  my  greatest  outward  comfort,  and  other  props  are  failing. 
My  constant  prayer  is,  that  my  dear  Lord  and  Master  would,  from  day 
to  day,  grant  me  a  knowledge  of  His  will,  and  by  His  grace  and  good 
spirit,  enable  me  to  perform  it." 

In  addressing  the  Princess  Sophia  Mestchersky,  whose  sympathy  in 
his  late  deep  affliction  William  Allen  had  sensibly  felt,  he  says — 
"  My  Dear  Friend, 

"  I  take  advantage  of  the  return  of  my  friend  John  Venning's  son,  to 
assure  thee  of  the  continuance  of  that  christian  love  and  regard  which 
I  felt  for  thee  when  at  Petersburg,  and  which  I  trust  will  continue  un- 
diminished to  the  end  of  my  days.  It  is  a  very  consoling  reflection, 
that  if  we  keep  near  to  our  Divine  Master,  striving  to  abide  in  Him,  we 
shall,  in  Him,  have  fellowship  one  with  another,  however  widely  sepa- 
rated we  may  be,  and  we  shall  also  feel  unity  of  spirit  with  those  who 
are  gone  before,  and  are  asleep  in  Jesus.  These  are  great  privileges, 
my  friend  ;  may  we  become  more  and  more  sensible  of  them.  0,  how 
does  a  little  of  the  Saviour's  presence  strengthen  us  to  bear  all  that  He 
permits  to  befall  us!  this  it  is  which  has  enabled  me  to  say,  'Thy  will 
be  done,'  when  enduring  privations  the  most  trying  to  human  nature. 
The  last  affliction  was  like  drinking  the  dregs  of  the  cup  ;  in  my  be- 
loved child,  I  seem,  at  times,  to  have  lost  all ;  but  why  should  I  dwell 
upon  ray  loss,  when  I  have  the  fullest  conviction  that  her  dear  spirit  is 
beholding,  and  will  for  ever  behold,  the  face  of  our  Redeemer?  Yet  a 
few  more  struggles — yet  a  little  more  suffering,  and  I  trust  that,  through 
the  merits  of  Him  who  died  for  us,  we  shall  meet,  never  more  to  be 
separated." 

In  alluding  to  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  &c.,  W.  A.  says — 
"  Surely,  mercy  and  goodness  have  followed  him  ;  and  0,  saith  my 
soul,  that  they  may  continue  to  follow  him  to  the  end !  the  dangers 
which  any  person  in  his  situation  has  to  encounter,  are  such,  that  every 
part  of  the  spiritual  armour  is  needed. 

On  my  return  from  the  journey  to  Vienna  and  Verona,  I  visited 


1824. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


145 


several  pious  persons  in  Switzerland,  and  had  religious  meetings  in 
divers  places,  and  I  could  say  with  Peter,  '  Of  a  truth,  I  perceive  that 
God  is  no  respecter  of  persons:  but  in  every  nation,  he  that  feareth 
Him,  and  worketh  righteousness,  is  accepted  with  Him.'  Some  of 
these  occasions  were  times  of  refreshing  from  a  sense  of  the  love  and 
presence  of  the  Lord,  and  truly  there  is  nothing  that  unites  our  hearts 
more  strongly  to  each  other,  than  a  feeling  of  the  love  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus ;  this  is  <  the  brook  in  the  way,'  which,  when  we  are  favoured  to 
drink  of  it,  enables  us  to  'lift  up  the  head.' 

I  am  desirous  for  thee,  my  dear  friend,  and  for  myself,  that  we  may 
guard  against  too  much  anxiety  about  the  future,  either  as  regards  our- 
selves, or  those  with  whom  we  are  connected.  Let  us  endeavour,  in 
humility,  to  follow  the  leadings  of  divine  grace  from  day  to  day,  and 
endeavour  to  avoid  those  things  which,  we  find  by  experience,  rob  us 
of  our  peace." 

"  Fifth  Month  5th. — Attended  the  great  annual  meeting  of  the  Bible 
Society.  Earl  Roden,  an  Irish  peer,  made  a  very  impressive  speech. 
Dr.  Morrison,  who  had  been  seventeen  years  in  translating  the  Bible 
into  the  Chinese  language,  now  exhibited  a  complete  copy.  There 
were  many  speakers,  and  it  was  one  of  the  most  satisfactory  Bible  meet- 
ings I  ever  attended. 

6th. — Engaged  about  Lecesne,  EscofTery,  and  Nonville,  three  men 
of  colour,  arbitrarily  sent  out  of  Jamaica. 

nth. — On  this  day  twelve  months  I  lost  my  tenderly  beloved  child, 
and  my  prospects  of  earthly  comfort  were  thus  covered  with  a  thick 
cloud;  but  who  shall  say  to  Omniscience,  'What  doest  thou?'  May 
humble  submission  be  granted  me,  and  0  that  I  may  experience  resigna- 
tion, until  my  release  come! 

Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders.  In  the  afternoon  Thomas 
Shillitoe  mentioned  his  concern  to  pay  a  religious  visit  to  Berlin,  Peters- 
burg, &c.    A  certificate  was  ordered, 

Fi/th  Month  18th. — Elizabeth  Robson's  prospect  of  religious  service 
in  North  America  was  brought  before  the  meeting,  and  after  a  time  of 
deep  feeling  and  consideration,  much  unity  and  sympathy  were  ex- 
pressed. The  meeting  was  closed  with  solemn  prayer,  which  seemed 
as  a  seal  to  the  whole." 

The  preceding  week,  William  Allen  received  the  intelligence  of  the 
decease  of  his  valued  friend,  John  Walker,  of  Arno's  Grove,  and,  on 
this  day,  went  to  join  the  family  in  attending  (he  interment  at  Winchmore 
Hill.  He  mentions  feeling  very  low  in  going  to  this  spot,  where  the 
remains  of  what"  had  constituted  his  greatest  earthly  comfort  were 
deposited,  but  he  was  mercifully  sustained,  and,  with  some  other 
Friends,  was  engaged  in  ministry. 

"20th. — My  spirits  low.  I  feel  inclined  to  draw  in,  and  spare  my- 
VoL.  IL  10 


146 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1824. 


self  more  ;  to  work  In  private  instead  of  in  public.  I  have  been  stripped 
and  left  in  a  remarkable  manner. 

Yearly  meeting  at  ten.  This  sitting  was  a  very  remarkable  one. 
The  testimony  on  behalf  of  my  dear  child  was  read,  and  had  a  baptizing 
effect  upon  the  meeting ;  very  many  were  adected  as  well  as  myself, 
but  amidst  all  my  sorrow  there  was  a  heavenly  feeling.  The  testimonies 
respecting  Frederick  Smith  and  Mary  Dudley  were  also  read,  and  were 
very  impressive. 

In  the  afternoon  the  answers  to  the  queries  were  finished,  and  a 
solemn  pause  ensued,  that  Friends  might  have  an  opportunity  to  speak 
on  the  state  of  society.  Some  subjects  were  weightily  before  me,  but 
having  been  so  much  broken  down  in  the  morning,  I  was  doubtful  how 
I  should  get  through ;  however,  after  several  had  spoken,  I  rose,  and 
was  favoured  pretty  much  to  relieve  my  mind.  I  urged  Friends  to 
encourage  religious  sensibility  wherever  it  appeared,  particularly  in  the 
youth,  whom  I  addressed,  entreating  them  to  feel  after  the  Lord  in  re- 
tirement, and  to  read  the  Holy  Scriptures,  also  the  journals  of  our 
Friends ;  observing,  that  when  these  \yritings  were  read  in  a  proper 
disposition,  there  was  an  unction  in  them  which  would  preserve  from  a 
dry,  formal  state.  I  understand,  that  when  the  testimony  was  read  in 
the  women's  meeting,  it  produced  a  great  effect.  M.  F.  said  it  re- 
minded her  of  the  text,  '  And  the  house  was  filled  with  the  odour  of  the 
ointment.' " 

After  noticing  the  proceedings  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  W.  A.  says  at 
the  conclusion — 

"  There  was  a  precious  and  holy  feeling,  under  which  the  meeting 
closed. 

Sixth  Montli  2nd  Meeting ;  several  present  besides  our  own  Mem- 
bers ;  I  was  contrited  with  the  communication  of  the  dear  Friend  who 
sat  next  to  me.  He  spoke  of  a  state  in  the  prison  house,  and  alluded 
to  the  deliverance  of  Peter,  saying,  'When  the  light  shinelh  about  thee, 
and  thou  art  smitten  on  the  side,  then  arise,  thy  chains  will  fall  off; 
gird  thyself  and  bind  on  thy  sandals,  cast  thy  garment  about  thee,  and 
follow  where  thou  art  led.'  There  was  unction  in  the  words,  and  they 
felt  inwardly  applied  to  my  state.  This  is  the  sixth  meeting  in  succes- 
sion at  which  I  have  been  quite  silent. 

Gth. — My  spirits  are  better.  The  watch-word  with  me  must  be  to 
endeavour  constantly  to  keep  as  near  the  Source  of  good  as  possible  ;  if 
no  sensible  enjoyment  can  be  felt,  then  to  lie  prostrate  at  the  footstool 
of  my  God,  to  avoid  every  thing  which  tends  to  alienate,  and  to  em- 
brace all  seasonable  opportunities  for  bringing  others  nearer  to  Him. 

Meeting.  I  spoke  for  a  short  time  on  these  words,  '  Wait  on  the 
Lord,  be  of  good  courage,  and  He  shall  strengthen  thine  heart ;  wait,  I 
say,  on  the  Lord.'  I  had  also  to  offer  a  little  comfort  to  the  mourners 
in  IZion.    Lr  the  evening  I  went  with  my  brother  Joseph  to  attend  a 


1824. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


147 


meeting  appointed  at  his  request  at  Enfield.  It  was  a  quiet,  satisfac- 
tory meeting.  No  one  spoke  in  ministry  but  my  brother,  except  thaf, 
at  the  close,  I  gave  a  parting  salutation. 

Sixth  Month  llh  I  went  to  the  Freemason's  Tavern  to  attend  the 

first  meeting  of  the  Infant  School  Society. 

llth. — Went  up  to  the  horticultural  rooms,  Regent  Street,  to  attend 
a  committee  of  the  British  and  Irish  Ladies' Society,  and  a  most  gratify- 
ing meeting  it  was  ;  only  five  or  six  gentlemen  were  present.  It  seems 
that  much  good  has  been  done,  and  thousands  of  families  have  been 
relieved,  by  having  work  supplied  by  this  society.  The  plan  is  to  assist 
the  poor  to  help  themselves ;  loans  with  security  have  proved  very  use- 
ful, and  there  are  cases  in  which  whole  families  have  been  supported 
by  means  of  the  sources  of  industry  furnished  to  the  females  :  the  men, 
though  willing  to  work,  have  no  employment.  What  an  opening  for 
my  plan  of  Colonies  at  Home.  Tiie  report  was  a  very  good  one,  and 
contained  some  excellent  remarks. 

lii-A.— Called  at  Sir  George  Rose's,  Old  Palace  Yard,  about  a  sub- 
scription for  a  building  to  accommodate  three  thousand  persons  at  pub- 
lic meetings.    I  engaged  to  subscribe  in  order  to  promote  the  object. 

l3//i. — Meeting.  Feeling  much  for  the  state  of  some  present,  I  was 
led  to  speak  on  the  words,  'By  grace  are  ye  saved,  through  fiiith ;  and 
that  not  of  yourselves;  it  is  the  gift  of  God.'  I  had  to  show  the 
difference  between  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  and  the  kingdom  of  this 
world,  and  also  to  encourage  those  young  people  who  had  given  proof 
that  they  were  on  the  Lord's  side.  The  meeting  was  concluded  with 
supplication. 

2\st. — Went  up  to  Stratton  Street,  to  wait  upon  the  Earl  of  Chi- 
chester ;  he  received  me  very  kindly,  antl  I  mentioned  to  him  my 
prospect  of  procuring  some  land  at  Lindfield,  for  the  establishment  of 
a  School  of  Industry.  I  also  explained  to  him  the  nature  of  the  British 
system,  and  our  plans  with  regard  to  religious  instruction.  He  pro- 
mised to  assist  in  the  undertaking,  and  consented  to  become  the  patron." 

Some  time  previous  to  this  period,  rumours  had  reached  England  of 
the  death  of  Sir  Charles  Macarthy,  and  William  Allen  writes — 

"  This  day  I  received  letters  from  Sierra  Leone  with  the  confirmation 
of  the  afnicting  intelligence  respecting  Governor  Macarthy,  who  was 
cruelly  killed  by  the  Ashantees,  near  the  Gold  Coast,  on  the  21st  of 
First  Month  last ;  poor  T.  S.  Buckle  also  fell  beside  him,  and  several 
other  distinguished  Europeans.  What  a  loss  for  Africa  !  The  letters 
are  from  Gabbidon,  H.  Weston,  and  D.  M.  Hamilton,  now  acting 
governor  till  another  can  be  sent  out.  The  former  says,  '  It  is  with  deep 
regret,  and  very  sincere  sorrow,  that  I  announce  the  most  lamentable 
and  melancholy  occurrence  which  has  befallen  this  unfortunate  colony 
— the  death  of  our  well-beloved  and  esteemed  governor,  Sir  Charles 
Macarthy.    The  loss  of  this  valuable  man,  I  am  afraid,  can  never  be 


148 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1824. 


replaced  in  Africa.  England  has  lost  a  son  ;  Africa  has  lost  a  father. 
The  name  of  Macarthy  will  be  remembered  as  long  as  Sierra  Leone 
endures ;  the  prop  of  the  colony  is  now  gone,  and  what  will  become  of 
us,  heaven  only  knows!'  " 

The  other  letters  are  in  the  same  strain  of  deep  sorrow. 

"  Sixth  Month  2'6rd. — Anti-Slavery  Committee. — A  capital  report. 

2bth. — Attended  the  first  public  meeting  of  the  Anti-Slavery  Society. 
The  report  was  well  read  by  Wilberforce's  son.  Elliot  moved  the  first 
resolution,  which  was  seconded  by  James  Stephen.  Baptist  Noel,  a 
fine  young  man,  moved  the  second  resolution,  and  this  was  seconded 
by  Thomas  B.  Macaulay,  son  of  Zachary  Macaulay,  who  made  one  of 
the  most  splendid  and  eloquent  speeches  that  I  ever  heard.  What 
cause  of  thankfulness,  to  see  such  young  men  raised  up  to  supply  the 
places  of  those  who  are  going  off  the  stage  !  He  finished  amidst  great 
applause.    There  were  some  other  good  and  impressive  speeches." 

28i/(. — William  Allen,  in  company  with  Peter  Bedford,  went  into 
Northamptonshire,  under  an  appointment  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and, 
together  with  other  Friends  who  met  them  at  Wellingborough,  visited 
some  of  the  meetings  in  that  quarter,  and  also  many  families.  The 
services  in  which  the  committee  were  engaged  were  arduous,  and  at 
times  W.  A.  mentions  being  under  much  exercise  of  mind  ;  he  was, 
however,  comforted  in  the  humble  hope,  and  indeed  confidence,  that 
he  was  engaged  in  his  Divine  Master's  work  ;  and  in  speaking  of  the 
Quarterly  Meeting,  held  at  Northampton,  he  says — 

«'  It  would  have  been  well  worth  while  to  have  taken  the  journey,  if 
it  had  only  been  to  attend  this  meeting.  The  power  of  the  Lord  was 
felt  to  be  over  all.  In  the  second  meeting  we  were  favoured  to  be  of 
some  use,  and  it  was  very  satisfactory.  We  felt  the  sweet  reward  of 
peace  in  our  efforts  to  promote  the  cause  of  truth,  and  Friends  seemed 
pleased  and  comforted  with  our  visit." 

In  passing  through  Olney,  he  went  to  see  the  former  residence  of  the 
Poet  Cowper,  which,  he  says,  is  a  good  deal  dilapidated.  He  reached 
home  the  2nd  of  Seventh  Month,  and  the  following  first-day  attended 
Tottenham  meeting,  where  he  mentions  speaking  in  ministry  on  the 
occupation  of  the  talenis,  querying  of  each  individual,  what  he  could 
say  at  the  great  day  when  called  to  give  an  account  of  his  Lord's 
money. 

"  Seventh  Month  9th. — My  mind  was  stayed  upon  the  Lord,  and 
humbly  thankful  for  a  cessation  from  some  mental  conflicts.  My  prayer 
is,  that  He  would  be  pleased  to  refine  me  more  fully  for  his  work  and 
service,  and  preserve  me  to  the  end. 

10^//. — Interview  with  Earl  Balhurst  about  schools  in  Corfu,  and  the 
Greek  Scripture  Lessons.  He  seems  quite  disposed  to  promote  the 
printing  of  them,  and  will  authorize  Sir  Frederick  Adam  to  order  and 
pay  for  a  certain  number. 


1824. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


149 


12th  Committee  on  Slave  Trade  at  three  o'clock.    Josiah  Forster 

gave  an  interesting  account  of  his  late  journey  to  Paris  and  Nantes.  Tea 
at  my  cousin  G.  Birkbeck's.  District  committee  afterwards.  Agreed  to 
supply  the  poor  with  medicines  and  advice. 

13th. — Skeyne,  a  teacher  of  German,  on  the  Hamiltonian  plan,  came 
for  the  first  time,  and  we  formed  a  class,  to  meet  here  at  seven  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  twice  a  week. 

Seventh  Month  lAth. — Comforted  in  the  feeling  of  good  desires,  and, 
as  they  do  not  arise  from  ourselves,  I  humbly  take  them  as  an  evidence 
of  divine  regard.  Meeting  ;  I  spoke  of  the  importance  of  perseverance 
in  prayer. 

20th  Major  General  Turner,  who  is  going  out  Governor  to  Sierra 

Leone,  dined  with  me  ;  he  entered  into  all  my  views  respecting  the 
civilization  of  Africa — deems  it  impolitic  to  fight  with  the  natives,  and 
is  earnest  that  they  should  be  brought  to  cultivate  land.  A  very  satis- 
factory visit." 

On  the  22nd,  after  lodging  at  Brighton,  William  Allen  went  over  to 
Lindfield,  to  procure  some  land  for  the  establishment  of  a  School  of 
Industry.  He  called  upon  several  of  the  inhabitants  to  explain  his 
views  to  them;  he  says  he  was  generally  well  received,  but  adds — 
"The  people  here  are  half  a  century  behind  some  other  places  in  intel- 
ligence." He  met  with  what  he  thought  would  be  an  eligible  piece  of 
ground  for  his  undertaking,  and  was  helped  in  his  arrangements  by  an 
excellent  old  man,  Stephen  Wood,  who  warmly  entered  into  plans  for 
promoting  the  welfare  of  the  labouring  classes,  and  subsequently  proved 
a  very  efficient  co-adjutor.  The  following  day  W.  A.  returned  to 
Brighton,  and  attended  a  meeting  which  was  appointed  through  the 
influence  of  Elizabeth  Joseph  Fry,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  District 
Visiting  Society,  and  dividing  the  town  into  districts.  After  returning 
home  the  next  day,  he  writes — "  A  very  satisfactory  and  important 
journey." 

Whilst  William  Allen  devoted  so  much  time  and  energy  to  the  great 
object  of  his  benevolent  interest, — the  instruction  of  poor  children  of 
all  countries,  and  of  all  creeds ;  he  was  deeply  impressed  with  a  sense 
of  the  importance  of  giving  also  to  the  youth,  whose  circumstances  in 
life  rendered  their  access  to  the  paths  of  learning  comparatively  easy,  a 
liberal  and  religious  education.  He  was  particularly  solicitous  that  the 
members  of  the  Society  of  Friends  might  be  encouraged  to  place  their 
children  within  the  sphere  of  an  enlarged  and  enlightened  system  of 
study.  He  dwelt,  with  christian  solicitude,  on  the  desirableness,  not 
only  of  giving  to  the  rising  generation  a  competent  knowledge  of  scien- 
tific and  classical  literature,  but  more  especially  of  endeavouring  to 
prepare  their  tender  and  susceptible  minds  for  the  reception  of  those 
principles  of  divine  truth,  by  which  the  humble  spirit  is  imbued  with 
the  wisdom  that  cometh  from  above.    A  female  Friend,  w-ho  had  for 


150  LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  1824 

many  years  been  anxious  that  these  important  objects  should  be  com- 
bined in  the  education  of  youth,  opened  a  boarding  school  for  girls  at 
Stoke  Newington,  in  the  autumn  of  this  year.  Another  object  con- 
nected with  such  an  institution,  had  for  a  considerable  time  been  much 
desired  by  William  Allen,  viz.,  that  young  persons  whose^talents  might 
indicate  a  fitness  for  instructing  and  directing  the  minds  of  children,  as 
teachers,  ehher  in  private  families,  or  in  schools,  should  have  an  oppor- 
tunity of  acquiring,  at  moderate  expense,  a  competent  knowledge  of 
the  ancient  and  modern  languages,  and  of  the  other  branches  of  a  liberal 
education.  Several  young  persons  were,  from  time  to  time,  admitted 
into  the  school  at  Stoke  Newington,  who  were  prepared  to  become 
teachers. 

William  Allen  gave  to  this  institution  the  most  cordial  and  efficient 
support ;  and  several  other  Friends,  who  were  religiously  concerned 
for  the  right  training  of  youth,  co-operated  with  his  fatherly  efforts  to 
patronize  the  establishment,  and  to  promote  the  temporal  and  spiritual 
welfare  of  its  inmates. 

Notwithstanding  that  William  Allen  was  pursuing,  with  sceal,  that 
course  of  active  benevolence  which  characterized  his  life,  and  was  still 
engaged  in  delivering  lectures  to  the  medical  students  at  Guy's  Hospi- 
tal, at  least  twice  in  the  week;  he  generally  contrived,  in  addition  to 
the  family  Scripture  reading  on  first-days,  to  devote,  at  least,  two  even- 
ings in  the  week  to  the  improvement  of  the  pupils  of  this  school.  On 
one  of  them  he  gave  the  encouragement  and  stimulus,  which  his  com- 
pany and  his  deep  religious  interest  afforded,  to  a  reading  meeting, 
regularly  held  for  the  christian  instruction  of  all  branches  of  the  house- 
hold, and  on  another  he  went  through  a  course  of  lectures,  which  he 
annually  repeated,  on  mechanics,  chemistry,  and  natural  and  experi- 
mental philosophy.  He  spared  no  pains  to  make  these  lectures  an 
efficient  channel  of  conveying  information  to  the  minds  of  his  juvenile 
auditors,  always  endeavouring  to  bring  the  subjects  of  his  discourse 
within  the  sphere  of  their  comprehension,  by  familiar  explanations,  and 
by  a  variety  of  experiments  with  his  extensive  and  valuable  apparatus. 
Very  earnest  were  his  desires  that  the  inmates  of  this  institution  might 
prosper  in  every  good  word  and  work,  and  that  the  blessing  of  divine 
peace  might  rest  upon  them  ;  they,  in  return,  cherished  towards  him  a 
grateful  attachment,  and  many  who  have  passed  the  boundaries  of 
youth,  and  some  who  have  attained  the  meridian  of  life,  can  recur  to 
the  deeply  interesting  lessons  which  he  imparted — to  his  christian 
admonitions  and  fatherly  care, — as  among  the  special  privileges  of  their 
eailier  days. 

Eighth  Month  Ath. — William  Allen  records  attendance  of  the  com- 
mittee for  the  relief  of  the  suffering  and  captive  Greeks,  and  the  re- 
mittance of  the  sum  of  six  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  for  the  assistance 
of  those  then  located  at  Constantinople,  Smyrna,  Ancona,  Odessa,  &c.; 


\ 


1824.  OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN.  151 

and,  on  Ihe  12th,  he  mentions,  that  the  committee  received,  from  Jean 
Vlasto,  of  Trieste,  a  letter  of  acknowledgment  of  three  hundred  pounds, 
which  had  been  sent  for  distribution  amongst  the  destitute  inhabitants 
of  those  islands  of  the  Archipelago,  which  had  been  wasted  by  the 
Turks. 

18///. — W.  A.  alludes  to  the  return  of  Hannah  Kilham  from  Africa, 
accompanied  by  Ann  Thompson  ;  but  says — 

<«  The  committee  who  met  on  H.  Kilham's  concern  at  Plough  Court, 
were  much  affected  at  the  circumstance  of  John  Thompson's  decease, 
which  occurred  on  his  passage  home.  A  very  able  statement  of  the 
proceedings  of  these  Friends,  during  their  late  visit  to  Africa,  which 
had  been  drawn  up  by  Ann  Thompson,  was  read  and  put  upon  the 
minutes." 

19th. — W.  A.  proceeds  with  the  details  of  the  persecution,  com- 
menced by  the  ruling  ecclesiastics,  in  Russia,  against  the  supporters  of 
the  Bible  Society,  particularly  against  Lindell,  Gossner,  Prince  Alexan- 
der Galitzin,  and  Papof : — 

"The  two  latter,"  he  says,  "have  both  resigned  their  places  ;  and 
the  society  is  now  in  the  hands  of  the  clergy,  with  Seraphin,  the  Me- 
tropolitan, at  the  head.  Thus  the  clouds  are  there  very  dense  ;  but  I 
expected  it,  even  when  I  was  in  Russia. 

Eighth  Month  26th.—  I  yesterday  received  an  important  letter  from 
Daniel  Wheeler,  from  Petersburg,  which  speaks  volumes.  It  appears 
that  the  high  church  party  there  triumph,  and  are  even  stronger  than 
the  Emperor ;  that  he  was,  with  reluctance,  made  to  sign  the  order  for 
the  banishment  of  Gossner.  D.  W.  has  been  interrogated  about  me, 
but  the  ruling  party  seem  satisfied  that  my  object  was  improvement  in 
prisons,  &c.;  but  they  are  very  suspicious  of  dear  Stephen  Grellet,  in- 
quiring whether  he  taliped  of  politics,  &c. 

JYlnth  Month  3rd. — H.  Kilham's  committee :  she  afterwards  dined 
with  me,  and  we  had  much  interesting  conversation  about  Africa." 

On  the  30th,  a  further  entry  occurs  of  various  remittances  for  the  op- 
pressed Greeks,  scattered  in  difTerent  parts  of  Turkey,  Italy,  and  France, 
and  it  concludes  with  the  notice  of  the  report. 

W.  A.  alludes  again  to  the  relief  still  dispensed  at  several  succeed- 
ing meetings  of  the  committee,  the  labours  of  which  continued  to  occupy 
much  of  his  time  and  exertions. 

On  Tenth  Month  3rd,  W.  A.  says— 

<'I  dined  at  P.  Bedford's  with  Samuel  Seebohm,  who  is  about  to 
settle  at  Magdeburg,  as  a  physician.  I  was  preciously  sensible  of  the 
Lord's  good  presence,  in  a  time  of  silence  ;  and  I  felt  drawn  to  address 
him  on  that  text,  'When  Thou  saidst,  seek  ye  my  face,  my  heart  said, 
Thy  face.  Lord,  will  I  seek.'  When  under  temptation  from  the  enemy 
within,  and  from  causes  for  anxiety  without,  it  is  sweet  to  feel  that  the 


152 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1824. 


mind  can  repose  upon  the  Lord  ;  a  degree  of  this  was  experienced  on 
awaking  in  the  night. 

Self-denial, — that  great  duty  of  a  christian, — I  have  been  a  little  com- 
forted in  believing  that  I  do,  to  a  considerable  extent,  practise  it. 

Tenth  Month  llh. — D.  B.  Hanbury's  marriage,— a  memorable  day. 
My  prayer  was  put  up  that  the  great  Master  would  condescend  to  be 
with  us.  The  meeting  began  at  eleven  ;  it  had  not  commenced  many 
minutes  before  I  felt  that  the  Lord,  by  His  good  presence,  was  with  us 
indeed  ;  and  a  solemn  meeting  we  had.  I  was  engaged,  in  testimony, 
to  set  forth  the  love  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  E.  J.  Fry  supplicated 
sweetly ;  my  spirit  was  greatly  tendered,  blessed  for  ever  be  the 
adorable  name  of  Him  whom  we  love,  and  desire,  more  and  more 
perfectly,  to  serve.  Dear  Daniel  and  Rachel  spoke  with  much  propriety 
and  solemnity  ;  every  thing  during  the  day,  was  well  conducted,  and 
after  tea  we  had  a  religious  opportunity  :  our  beloved  friends  E.  J.  Fry 
and  R.  Christy  were  engaged  in  testimony,  and  Cornelius  Hanbury  in 
prayer,  and  last  of  all  I  addressed  the  company. 

9th. — A  letter  was  brought  to  me  which  had  been  addressed  to  Han- 
nah Kilham,  from  the  Gambia,  conveying  the  sorrowful  intelligence  of 
the  decease  of  Richard  Smith,  after  an  illness  of  eight  days,  occasioned, 
as  it  appears,  from  too  great  exertion  in  ploughing  during  the  periodical 
rains.    This  is  a  great  loss  to  Africa." 

On  the  27th  of  Eleventh  Month,  W.  A.  notices  the  distress  of  the  in- 
habitants of  some  parts  of  Germany,  in  consequence  of  the  inundations 
of  the  Rhine,  and  that  he  was  engaged,  with  some  other  benevolent 
^persons,  in  raising  a  subscription  for  their  relief,  which  proved  very 
helpful. 

Twelfth  Month  16th. — Finished  the  first  course  of  his  hospital  lec- 
tures for  this  season — the  second  was  immediately  commenced. 
On  the  20th,  W.  A.  says— 

"At  the  committee  of  the  Bible  Society,  at  Earl  Street,  Dr.  Thorp 
proposed,  and  Henry  Drummond  seconded  the  proposition,  that  the 
society  should  not  advance  any  money  towards  assisting  in  printing  the 
Bible,  whenever  the  Apocrypha  was  included  :  this,  however,  was  put 
aside,  by  introducing  another  motion,  that  none  of  the  funds  of  the 
society  should  be  expended  in  printing  the  Apocrypha.  I  set  off  at 
half-past  six  the  same  evening  for  Ipswich,  to  attend  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  there.  Our  dear  friends,  Mary  Marriage,  of  Chelmsford,  and 
Joseph  John  Gurney,  of  Norwich,  were  also  there ;  the  latter  on  a 
religious  visit.  The  Lord  gave  us  a  comfortable  time.  J.  J.  Gurney 
was  engaged  first,  in  supplication,  with,  I  thought,  a  good  savour  of 
life  ;  then,  feeling  that  which  appeared  safe  to  venture  upon,  I  stood  up 
with  this  subject,  '  No  man  can  come  unto  me,  except  the  Father  who 
hath  sent  me  draw  him,  and  I  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day it  felt 


1825. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


153 


to  me  as  if  the  life  accompanied.  After  this,  M.  Marriage  was  accept- 
ably engaged  in  testimony.  I  made  some  remarks  in  the  second 
meeting,  which  brought  peace.  Dined  at  R.  D.  Alexander's.  In  the 
evening,  R.  D.  A.  took  J.  J.  Gurney  and  me  to  Thomas  Clarkson's, 
where  we  unexpectedly  had  a  religious  opportunity,  in  which  I  had  to 
express  my  feelings  of  christian  interest  on  behalf  of  those  present.  I 
lodged  at  Dykes  Alexander's,  where  I  was  most  kindly  entertained." 

On  the  following  day,  the  22nd,  W.  A.  proceeded,  in  company  with 
several  Friends,  to  Needham,  in  order  to  attend  the  interment  of  Samuel 
Alexander.  After  describing,  at  some  length,  the  different  engage- 
ments of  Friends  in  the  ministry,  he  adds — 

"  There  was  a  precious  degree  of  solemnity  to  be  felt,  both  in  the 
meeting  and  at  the  grave.  The  crowd  was  great,  but  good  order  was 
preserved.  The  shops  in  the  town  were  shut  up ;  our  dear  deceased 
friend  had  been  much  respected,  and  considered  as  the  father  of  the 
place.    I  feel  peaceful  in  mind  in  the  retrospect  of  this  day." 

Twelfth  Month  23rd  W.  A.  attended  the  week-day  meeting  at 

Ipswich,  and  a  public  meeting  held  in  the  evening,  at  the  request  of 
Joseph  John  Gurney,  in  which  he  says,  "  A  heavenly  solemnity  pre- 
vailed."   On  returning  home  next  day,  he  writes — 

"  I  feel  that  I  have  been  in  the  way  of  my  duty,  and  have  abundant 
cause  to  be  thankful  that  I  took  this  journey. 

Twelfth  Month  29th. — We  had  a  committee  at  Plough  Court,  to 
provide  a  fund  for  educating,  at  the  Borough  Road  School,  some  Greek 
lads,  brought  over  to  this  country  by  Captain  Blaquiere.  I  afterwards 
accompanied  Robert  Forster  to  the  Anti-Slavery  Committee." 

On  the  last  day  of  the  year  W.  A.  says — 

"  Rose  at  five  ;  my  mind  was  contrited  before  the  Lord,  in  fervent 
prayer  for  his  blessing  and  preservation.  In  reviewing  the  year,  I  can 
perceive  that  my  dear  mother's  faculties  gradually  decline,  yet  she  still 
enjoys  my  visits,  which  are  almost  daily.  My  dear  sister  Anna  Han- 
bury  is  also  declining,  but  she  is  sweet  and  tranquil  in  spirit." 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1825 — 1S26. — Schools  for  the  Poor  at  Stoke  Newington — African  Institution — Return  of  D. 
Wheeler  and  T.  Shillitoe  from  Russia — Cottage  Society — British  and  Irish  Ladies'  Society 
— Death  of  Professor  Pictet — African  Concerns — Anniversaries — Yearly  Meeting — Cor- 
respondence— Establishment  of  the  Schools,  &c.  at  Lindtield — Death  of  the  Emperor  of 
Russia — Visit  to  several  Quarterly  Meetings — Conclusion  of  Hospital  Lectures — Visit  to 
Ireland — Correspondence,  &c. — His  Marriage — Letter  from  Prince  A.  Galitzin — From 
Contineas. 

Ah:  this  part  of  the  journal,  frequent  mention  is  made  of  an  interesting 
young  man  from  Germany,  named  Holtzapfel,  who  had  been  recom- 
mended to  William  Allen's  kind  notice,  and  who,  during  his  residence 
in  London  for  the  purpose  of  attending  to  mercantile  business,  generally 


4 


154 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1825. 


spent  some  days  in  each  week  at  Stoke  Newington,  with  his  fatherly 
friend. 

First  Month  \Ath,  1825. — H.  Brougham  dined  with  me  at  Plough 
Court,  and  we  went  over  all  our  plans  for  the  poor. 

15^/i. — Thomas  Spring  Rice,  M.  P.  for  Limerick,  dined  with  me  at 
Stoke  Newington,  and  we  had  much  conversation  about  plans  for 
bettering  the  condition  of  the  poor.  Surely  something  may  be  done 
for  Ireland." 

W.  Allen's  engagements  at  Lindfield  often  required  his  attention 
there,  and  sometimes  led  him  to  visit  Brighton ;  whilst  at  this  place, 
on  the  19th,  he  says — 

<'I  took  tea  with  Agatha  and  Elizabeth  Barclay,  at  Regency  Square, 
where  I  met  dear  E.  J.  Fry  and  a  large  company  ;  the  evening  was 
spent  profitably  in  conversation  on  subjects  interesting  to  humanity. 

20i/i. — Accompanied  by  John  Glaisyer,  I  called  on  the  Dean  of 
Salisbury,  and  found  him  an  agreeable  man.  We  met  E.  J.  Fry,  and 
A.  Barclay  there,  and  we  had  some  free  communication  on  important 
subjects.  I  then  went  with  E.  J.  F.  and  A.  B.  to  call  on  Judge  Bajley, 
who  is  interested  in  our  plans  for  ameliorating  the  condition  of  the  poor. 
Afterwards  I  rode  to  Stanmer,  and  had  a  very  satisfactory  interview 
with  the  Earl  of  Chichester,  and  explained  to  him  my  views  about 
Lindfield. 

Spent  the  evening  at  Regency  Square,  where  a  large  company 
assembled  to  meet  E.  J.  Fry.  After  a  good  deal  of  interesting  con- 
versation, silence  was  requested  ;  E.  J.  F.  read  the  103rd  Psalm,  after 
which  I  had  to  offer  a  short  exhortation  ;  dear  E.  J.  F.  concluded  in 
a  sweet  supplication  ;  it  was  a  solemn  and  instructive  opportunity,  and 
we  had  reason  to  believe  it  had  a  good  effect. 

First  Month  2 Is^.— Attended  the  Monthly  Meeting  at  Brighton  ; 
many  females  of  rank,  and  other  strangers,  were  at  the  meeting  for 
worship.  I  was  low  and  fearful,  but  the  Lord  gave  us  a  blessed  time. 
E.  J.  Fry  was  engaged  in  ministry  and  prayer,  and  I  was  more  than 
usually  enlarged  in  doctrine. 

22nd. — The  retrospect  of  the  meeting  yesterday  was  peaceful.  I 
breakfasted  at  A.  and  E.  Barclay's  with  E.  J.  Fry.  Lord  Rocksavage, 
a  serious  young  man,  and  several  ladies  of  rank,  were  there.  We  had 
a  solid  religious  opportunity,  for  reading  the  Scriptures;  prayer  was 
afterwards  offered  ;  we  had  also  some  interesting  conversation. 

22rd. — First-day.  At  the  meeting  at  Brighton,  E.  J.  Fry  sat  be- 
side me  in  the  gallery ;  I  felt  a  solemn  covering  over  the  meeting, 
under  which  I  stood  up  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  ;  doctrine  flowed 
freely  to  those  not  in  religious  profession  with  us  ;  after  this  E.  J.  Fry 
had  to  administer  sweet  counsel  and  consolation  to  the  afflicted,  and 
the  meeting  concluded  with  supplication.    The  afternoon  meeting  was 


1825. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


155 


very  large  ;  many  not  of  our  Society  attended  it.  E.  J.  Fry  and  I 
were  engaged  in  ministry  ;  the  unction  of  the  Holy  Spirit  accompanied, 
and  we  had  great  cause  for  thankfulness  for  this  day's  favour." 

On  his  return  to  London,  \V.  A.  mentions  that  Count  Lieven  sent 
for  him  desiring  his  assistance  in  procuring  some  suitable  persons  to 
send  to  Russia,  who  might  be  engaged  there  as  miners  and  agricul- 
turists, and  W.  A.  adds — 

Whilst  with  the  Count,  Prince  Esterhazy  came  in,  and  I  reminded 
him  of  the  importance  of  building  cottages,  and  of  making  allotments 
of  land  for  the  poor,  upon  his  extensive  estates.  He  received  my  hints 
kindl-y." 

William  Allen's  time  continued  to  be  closely  occupied  by  engage- 
ments in  the  service  of  his  fellow  creatures,  both  in  distant  parts  of  the 
world,  and  in  his  own  neighbourhood  ;  his  correspondence  was  exten- 
sive, and  he  was  diligent  in  his  attendance  of  meetings  for  worship, 
and  for  transacting  the  discipline  of  his  own  religious  community,  as 
well  as  for  the  various  benevolent  associations  widi  which  he  was  con- 
nected. The  poor  of  Stoke  Newington  shared  much  of  his  care.  He 
devoted  a  considerable  portion  of  time  and  money  to  a  school  on  the 
British  system,  which  he  had  established  in  that  village,  building  a  good 
school-house,  &c.,  on  his  own  land  in  Lordship  Road.  He  also  was 
an  efficient  supporter  of  the  infant  school  in  the  same  parish.  He  fre- 
quently mentions  the  injustice  exercised  towards  several  individuals  in 
Jamaica,  by  the  slave-holding  party,  and  he  was  often  engaged  in 
efforts  to  procure  redress  for  Lescense,  Escoffery,  and  others,  who  had 
been  treated  with  great  cruelty.  United  with  that  eminent  philan- 
thropist T.  F.  Buxton,  and  assisted  by  his  indefatigable  coadjutor, 
Thomas  Clarkson,  he  was  unwearied  in  his  eff()rts  to  induce  the  mem- 
bers of  the  government  to  afford  protection  to  the  black  population  of 
the  W^est  Indies,  and  to  promote  the  extinction  of  slavery.  In  refer- 
ence to  this  subject,  he  says — 

"  Third  Month  1th. — I  accompanied  T.  F.  Buxton,  Z.  Macaulay, 
Lord  Calthorpe,  W.  Evans,  M.  P.,  and  several  others,  as  a  deputation 
from  the  African  Institution,  to  wait  on  G.  Canning,  and  to  lay  before 
him  many  important  points,  as  to  the  present  state  of  slavery  in  the 
West  Indies,  Brazil,  and  Albreda.  Buxton  was  spokesman,  and  our 
representations  were  very  respectfully  listened  to." 

He  now  gave  lectures  at  the  hospital  twice  in  the  week,  and  each 
second-day  evening  at  the  girls'  school  at  Stoke  Newington  ;  to  the 
latter  he  kindly  admitted  many  young  Friends  of  the  vicinity,  who  highly 
valued  these  opportunities  of  acquiring  much  interesting  and  important 
information. 

"  Third  Month  loth.— I  went  with  Z.  Macaulay  and  H.  Way- 
mouth,  to  a  meeting  of  the  African  Institution  at  the  Thatched  House 


156 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1825. 


Tavern,  and  also  spent  some  time  with  J.  Cropper  and  others,  confer- 
ring on  the  importance  of  free  labour  in  the  West  Indies. 

17//i. — After  giving  the  hospital  lecture  No.  10,  I  hastened  to  meet 
Lord  Alihorp,  in  Piccadilly,  taking  up  John  Eliott  by  the  way.  He 
received  us  very  kindly,  and  agreed  to  except  Friends,  as  jurors,  in  his 
bill.  I  requested  him  to  take  the  chair  at  our  examination  at  the  Bo- 
rough Road  School,  and  he  agreed  to  do  so.  I  also  explained  to  him 
the  plan  of  the  Cottage  Society,  that  of  Colonies  at  Home,  and  the 
subscription  for  Greek  education.    This  was  an  important  opportunity. 

iSfh. — Rose,  as  usual,  at  five.  My  poor  mind  is  a  little  calmed  and 
comforted,  and  hopes  are  raised  that  the  good  hand  of  the  Lord  will 
yet  preserve  and  guide  me.  I  have  received  an  account  of  the  arrival 
of  our  dear  friends  Daniel  Wheeler  and  Thomas  Shillitoe  from  Russia. 
— Afternoon,  D.  W.  and  T.  S.  called  ;  the  latter  brought  me  a  kind 
message  from  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  with  whom  he  has  had  two  inter- 
views of  an  hour  each.  He  brings  a  most  comforting  account  of  the 
state  of  the  Emperor's  mind,  but  says  that  he  is  surrounded  with  great 
and  sore  difficulties,  but  seems  supported,  and  needs  the  prayers  of  all 
who  can  rightly  pray  for  him.  The  Emperor  sends  his  love  to  Stephen 
Grellet ;  also  says  he  has  us  in  his  heart,  and  in  his  prayers,  every  day. 
He  desires  me  to  send  him  an  account  of  the  success  of  my  cottage 
plans.  I  find  that  D.  Wheeler  has  succeeded  well  in  draining  the  mo- 
rasses, near  Petersburg.  It  appears  that  the  check  experienced  by  the 
Bible  cause  in  Russia,  is  attributed  to  the  injudicious  proselyting  zeal 
of  some  of  the  agents  there,  w-ho  mixed  up  with  it  missionary  schemes. 

Daniel  and  Thomas  have  brought  with  them  Alexander  D'Junkovsky, 
a  young  man  about  twenty  years  old,  son  of  General  D'Junkovsky,  who 
■was  very  kind  to  Stephen  and  me  when  we  were  at  Petersburg.  His 
father  wishes  him  to  receive  instruction  in  the  English  language,  and 
in  the  mathematics,  algebra,  &c.,  also  in  agriculture  and  things  useful. 
T.  S.  gave  me  a  hint  that  the  Emperor  wished  me  to  notice  him  ;  and 
as  the  young  man,  if  he  lives,  may  have  great  influence  in  Russia,  and 
may  become  the  instrument  of  extensive  good,  I  intend  to  take  him 
under  my  own  care,  and  superintend  his  education.  He  is  to  come  to 
me  in  a  few  days.  He  speaks  French  and  German.  In  the  evening  I 
visited  my  mother,  and  afterwards  attended  the  infant  school  commit- 
tee.   We  have  now  twenty  visitors. 

Third  Month  19th. — First  meeting  of  the  Cottage  Society.  Earl  of 
Chichester,  president ;  Samuel  Gurney,  treasurer.  We  made  a  good 
beginning. 

227id. — Awoke  before  four.  My  spirits  exceedingly  depressed. 
Prayed  fervently  for  preservation  for  myself  and  others.  In  the  forenoon, 
gave  the  hospital  lecture.  No.  12  ;  got  through  very  satisfactorily.  In 
the  evening  lectured  again  on  electricity  and  galvanism  ;  the  experi- 
ments succeeded  well,  but  I  had  a  hard  fag. 


1S25. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


157 


24th  After  giving  my  morning  lecture  at  the  hospital,  I  hastened 

to  attend  the  examination  at  the  Borough  Road.  Lord  Althorp  pre- 
sided. The  children  answered  very  satisfactorily  ;  their  knowledge  of 
Scripture  is  quite  extraordinary  ;  and  the  Greek  boys,  who  have  only 
been  about  four  months  in  the  school,  read  the  Bible  in  a  manner  that 
was  truly  astonishing.  It  was  the  most  satisfactory  examination  that  we 
have  ever  had.  In  the  evening,  lectured  at  the  hospital,  on  electricity 
and  magnetism. 

26th  Greek  education  committee.    Lord  John  Russell  called  on 

me  at  Plough  Court ;  we  had  some  useful  conversation. 

21th. — Alexander  D'Junkovsky  came  to-day  to  reside  in  my  family. 
Holtzapfel  is  also  here. 

28th  and  29th. — Quarterly  Meeting,  in  London  ;  one  of  the  most 
satisfactory  that  I  have  known.  Ann  Alexander,  of  York,  attended  it, 
and  was  instructively  and  impressively  engaged  both  in  ministry  and 
prayer.  I  was  led  to  speak  of  the  love  of  God  ia  Christ,  I  trust,  in  a 
strength  not  my  own. 

30th. — By  appointment  with  Lord  John  Russell,  I  waited  upon  him, 
at  South  Audley  Street ;  a  very  satisfactory  interview.  He  joins  our 
Cottage  Society,  and  promises  to  attend  our  committee  once  a  month. 

Fourth  Month  2nd. — Finished  my  second  course  of  morning  lectures, 
at  the  hospital  ;  got  through  agreeably. 

3rd. — Much  depressed  on  waking.  This  language  of  David  was 
•with  me,  <  Be  not  silent  unto  me,  oh  God  !  lest  I  become  like  those 
that  go  down  into  the  pit.'  At  a  public  meeting,  in  the  evening,  held 
by  the  request  of  W.  and  R.  Byrd,  I  was  mercifully  helped  to  declare 
the  word  of  truth.  A  solemn  covering  was  over  the  meeting,  and  my 
spirit  was  refreshed. 

4.ih. — Reflections  on  the  gracious  condescension  of  yesterday  evening 
were  consoling,  and  lead  to  the  hope  that  I  am  not  forsaken. 

10th  First-day.  Attended  the  funeral  of  Robert  Barry,  at  White- 
chapel  ;  a  solemn  time.  I  believe  we  might  say,  that  the  Lord  was 
with  us. 

2Dth. — Met  some  excellent  and  benevolent  females  at  Lord  Bexley's, 
to  consult  about  the  distress  in  Ireland.  Sophia  Vansittart  and  Ann 
Sullivan  requested  my  assistance  in  the  British  and  Irish  Ladies'  Society, 
particularly  in  reference  to  their  correspondence.  Although  my  own 
work,  in  this  way,  is  so  heavy  as  almost  to  overwhelm  me,  I  cannot 
refuse  to  give  them  such  help  as  it  may  be  in  my  power  to  aflord. 

26th. — At  Lord  Bexley's,  met  the  British  and  Irish  Ladies'  Commit- 
tee ;  twenty  or  thirty  present;  I  read  their  letters,  &c.  Afterwards  I 
conferred  on  their  business  with  H.  Hobhouse  at  the  Home  Department, 
and  hope  that  government  will  take  up  the  subject,  and  see  what  can 
be  done  as  a  remedy  for  the  suffering  in  Ireland. 


158 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1825. 


21th. — Called  on  Dr.  Liishington,  about  Lescesne,  EscofTery,  &c. 
So  great  is  tlie  difliculty  in  getting  at  the  government  papers  on  their 
case,  that  justice  cannot  be  obtained.  I  afterwards  had  a  conference 
with  S.  Hoare,  respecting  female  education  in  India. 

28th. — Tliis  evening  Charles  Yemet,  of  Geneva,  arrived  ;  he  brings 
the  account  of  the  decease  of  my  old  friend,  his  grandfather,  Professor 
Pictet,  after  an  illness  of  about  seventeen  days.  His  pious  and  affec- 
tionate daughter,  M.  A.  Vernet,  will  deeply  feel  it. 

Fourth  Montli  30th. — Great  Anti-Slavery  meeting  at  the  Freemason's 
Hall ;  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  in  the  chair.  Impressive  speeches  from 
Lord  Calthorp,  T.  F.  Buxton,  H.  Brougham,  Dr.  Lushington,  and  D. 
O'Connell,  the  Irish  Deputy.  It  was  a  useful  meeting ;  upwards  of  two 
thousand  present. 

Fifth  Month  4th. — A.  D'Junkovsky  and  I  walked  to  the  Freemasons' 
Hall,  to  attend  the  anniversary  of  the  Bible  Society. 

1th. — Committee  of  the  Cottage  Society.  We  agreed  to  alter  the 
title  to  '  Society  for  Improving  the  Condition  of  the  Labouring  Classes.' 

9;/;. — Annual  meeting  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society. 
An  exciting  time,  from  an  attack,  made  by  O'Connell  on  the  Hibernian 
Society,  which  was  met  by  severe  recrimination. 

10th. — I  longed  for  repose,  but  public  matters  called  me  out;  viz. 
the  British  and  Irish  Ladies'  Society,  African  Institution,  and  Female 
Education  in  India.  Dined  at  Samuel  Hoare's,  at  Hampstead ;  met 
there,  Drs.  Morrison  and  Townley,  and  Robert  Hankinson,  of  Lynn,  a 
very  nice  man,  who  will  help  us  in  the  Cottage  Society.  Francis  Cun- 
ningham and  Charles  Vernet  were  also  there.  We  agreed  on  the  prin- 
ciples upon  which  a  society  can  be  formed,  to  promote  female  educa- 
tion, in  India  and  China. 

13^/i. — Anniversary  of  the  African  Institution. 

14th. — Attended  the  British  and  Irish  Ladies'  Committee,  at  Lord 
Bexley's.    We  got  on  well. 

16th. — Yearly  Meeting  commenced. 

11th. — A  considerable  number  of  Friends  met  on  African  concerns 
with  H.  Kilham  ;  it  was  a  very  satisfactory  time,  and  it  was  clearly  the 
judgment  of  Friends,  that  a  seed  had  been  sown  in  that  part  of  the 
world  which  ought  to  be  cherished,  and  that  we  must  not  be  too  much 
discouraged  by  the  decease  of  our  friends  Richard  Smith  and  John 
•  Thompson. 

Thomas  Clarkson  lodges  at  my  house,  also  H.  Kilham  ;  I  conferred 
with  her  on  the  plan  for  educating  some  African  youths  in  this  country, 
through  whom  we  may  afterwards  instruct  many  of  the  children  in  that 
part  of  the  world." 

During  the  succeeding  fen  days,  the  journal  records  little,  save  the 
proceedings  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  which  appeared  to  have  been  con- 


1825. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


159 


ducted  wilh  much  weight,  and  to  have  been  of  a  cliaractcr  remarkably 
calculated  to  promote  the  spreading  of  the  truth.  The  subject  of  Slavery 
occupied  a  prominent  place  in  the  deliberations  of  the  meeting ;  and 
the  civilization  of  the  Indians  in  North  America,  and  of  the  natives  of 
Western  Africa,  was  promoted  by  liberal  subscriptions  amongst  Friends 
generally. 

Fifth  Month  28fh. — Attended  a  meeting  consisting  only  of  members 
of  our  own  Religious  Society,  on  the  concern  of  li.  Kilham,  about 
Africa.  Was  called  out  to  take  leave  of  Charles  Vernet,  who  is  suddenly 
summoned  home,  by  the  awful  death  of  his  brother  Henry." 

In  writing  to  S.  Grellet,  William  Allen  mentions  the  very  affecting 
circumstances  under  which  this  amiable  young  man  lost  his  life :  whilst 
assisting  to  extinguish  a  large  fire  at  Geneva,  the  building  gave  way, 
and  he  was  precipitated  into  the  midst  of  the  burning  ruins. 

"29M, — First-day.  Attended  Plaistow  meeting  to  my  comfort.' 
Thomas  Shillitoe,  J.  J.  Gurney,  Samuel  Capper,  and  E.  J.  Fry  were 
engaged  in  ministry ;  and  I  added  my  testimony  on  the  words,  '  Our 
fathers  worshipped  in  this  mountain,  &c.'  Dear  E.  J.  Fry  was  after- 
wards sweetly  engaged  in  supplication. 

SOth. — On  waking,  I  was  deeply  impressed  with  the  importance  of 
self-denial.  This  great  lesson,  well  learned,  will  do  much  towards  keep- 
ing us  near  to  the  Divine  Master ;  .but  it  must  be  carried  to  the  very 
thoughts  of  the  heart,  none  of  which  are  to  be  indulged  which  tend  to 
alienate  us  from,  and  weaken  our  hold  upon,  Him.  I  again  prayed 
earnestly  for  preservation.  Daniel  W^heeler  came  ;  we  conferred  about 
the  cottage  plan,  as  applicable  to  Russia. 

31st. — Awoke  at  four.  My  mind  continues  to  be  deeply  impressed 
with  the  necessity  of  keeping  under  the  divine  fear,  in  order  that  every 
thing  that  tends  to  draw  me  away  from  the  pure  spiritual  life,  may  be 
successfully  resisted. 

Sixth  Month  3rd. — Meeting  for  sufferings.  Minutes  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  satisfactory.  I  was  appointed  on  the  new  committee  for  the 
Abolition  of  the  Slave  Trade  and  Slavery,  and  the  Civilization  of  Africa. 

7th. — Dined  at  Samuel  Hoare's,  at  Hampstead  ;  Drs.  Morrison  and 
Townley,  R.  Hankinson  and  his  family,  and  a  gentleman  named  Gar- 
rett were  likewise  there.  We  agreed  upon  the  substance  of  an  address 
to  the  public  respecting  female  education  in  pagan  and  Mahommedan 
countries,  and  to  the  formation  of  a  provisional  committee  ;  names  were 
also  proposed  for  a  ladies'  committee. 

10th. — I  pant,  at  times,  after  greater  purity  of  heart,  and  to  be  de- 
livered from  all  self-seeking.  0  this  egotism  ?  it  has  its  root  in  pride  ; 
Lord  help  me  to  subdue  it." 

Under  this  date  William  Allen  thus  wrote 


160 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1825. 


TO  M.  A.  VERNET. 

««Thy  very  affecting  letter,  dated  the  20th  of  May,  while  it  detailed 
the  subjects  of  agonizing  affliction,  gave  strong  proof,  that  He,  whose 
ways  are  past  finding  out, — whose  wisdom  is  unsearchable,  was  very 
near  for  thy  support,  under  the  close  trials  which  he  has  permitted  to 
befall  thee.  Yes, — to  be  able  to  write  such  a  letter,  under  such  circum- 
stances, caused  thanksgiving  to  rise  in  my  heart  on  thy  account.  O, 
what  an  unspeakable  privilege  in  all  our  tribulations,  to  be  able  to  re- 
chne  as  upon  the  breast  of  our  Beloved ! 

Tell  thy  dear  husband,  that  I  pray  the  Lord  to  bless  you  indeed,'and 
to  sanctify  this,  and  every  future  dispensation  of  His  providence  to  you, 
that  so  they  may  work  for  you,  <  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory,'  and  be  instrumental  in  leading  you  more  steadily 
to  fix  your  views  upon  those  things  which  are  not  seen,  but  which  are 
eternal. 

I  had  heard  of  the  decease  of  my  old  friend,  thy  dear  father,  and 
sympathized  with  thee  in  the  feelings,  which  this  event  must  have  pro- 
duced in  thy  tender  mind.  These  losses  are  calculated  to  loosen  us 
from  the  earth,  and  to  raise  still  stronger  desires  after  the  eyerlasting 
habitations,  where,  with  the  spirits  of  those  whom  we  have  so  dearly 
loved  below,  we  may  join  in  the  song  of  '  Holy  !  Holy !  Holy !  the 
Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth.'  Then  \jill  our  faculties  be  exalted, 
and  the  things  which  we  here  see  as  through  a  glass  darkly,  will  be 
there  seen  in  the  light  of  the  Lord,  beaming  with  love  and  mercy. 

Mayst  thou,  my  dear  friend,  press  through  the  crowd  of  surrounding 
difficulties  and  obstacles,  'looking  unto  Jesus,  the  Author  and  Finisher 
of  our  faiih.'  I  feel  persuaded  that  He  loves  thee,  that  He  is  seek- 
ing to  wean  thee  from  the  things  of  earth  ;  trust  to  Him  entirely,  in 
silence  and  abstractedness  of  mind,  seek  Him  in  the  inmost  recesses 
of  thy  soul,  and  He  will  assuredly  be  found  of  thee  to  thy  everlasting 
consolation." 

In  writing  to  Stephen  Grellet,  about  this  period,  William  Allei^ 
says — 

"  My  dear  sister  continues  very  gradually  to  decline ;  her  mind 
retains  its  usual  tranquillity,  and  she  seems  to  suflTer  little  or  no  pain,  but 
she  is  incapable  of  conversation.  My  dear  mother  is  much  the  same 
as  she  has  been  for  a  long  time  past  ;  she  loves  the  truth  and  the  friends 
of  it,  as  ardently  as  ever.  I  generally  spend  an  hour  with  her  every 
day,  reading  to  her  in  Friends'  journals,  or  in  other  religious  books, 
which  she  seems  to  understand  and  enjoy.  I  esteem  it  a  privilege, 
while  the  care  of  these  dear  invalids  rests  wholly  upon  me,  that  my 
place  of  duty  is  near  home.  I  had  a  letter  from  .J.  Venning  lately  ;  his 
stranger's  school  flourishes  through  all  the  storms,  and  he  is  still  per- 
mitted to  do  something  in  the  prisons.    Thou  hast  doubtless  heard, 


1825. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


161 


through  the  papers,  of  the  dreadful  inundation  at  Petersburg  ;  the 
efTects  were  more  desolating  than  the  government  will  allow  to  be  pub- 
lished ;  the  water  rose  several  feet  in  Sarah  Kilham's  house,  but  she 
and  her  family  were  mercifully  preserved  ;  her  school  goes  on  well  at 
present,  but  things  are  in  a  sad  state  in  Russia." 

In  the  course  of  this  year,  W.  Allen's  energies  were  much  directed 
towards  the  prosecution  of  plans  which  he  had  long  had  in  contemplation, 
for  the  benefit  of  the  agricultural  population  of  this  country.  His  view 
was  to  improve  their  temporal,  moral,  and  social  state,  by  inducing 
habits  of  industry  and  independence  ;  but,  in  the  firm  belief  that  Chris- 
tianity is  the  only  solid  basis  of  happiness,  he  was  also  desirous  that  its 
spirit  might  pervade  every  attempt  to  better  their  condition. 

Regarding  the  education  of  the  children  as  very  essential  to  the 
attainment  of  his  object,  he  was  at  considerable  expense  in  the  erection 
of  commodious  school  rooms  at  Lindfield,  with  workshops  adjoining. 
He  formed  one  for  boys,  one  for  girls,  and  one  for  infants,  for  each  of 
which  he  obtained  a  teacher  ;  a  small  lending  library,  which  he  gener- 
ously furnished,  was  attached  to  them  ;  reading,  writing,  and  arithmetic, 
with  other  branches  of  useful  knowledge,  were  taught  on  the  liberal 
principles  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society;  the  children  were 
daily  instructed  in  their  duties  to  God  and  man,  from  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, no  catechism  of  any  peculiar  sect  being  admitted. 

"Thus,"  he  says,  <<no  child  is  excluded  on  account  of  the  religious 
opinions  of  its  parents,  and  the  schools  are  open  to  all ;  it  is,  however, 
expected  that  every  child,  on  the  sabbath,  shall  attend  the  place  of 
worship  to  which  its  parents  belong." 

Some  of  the  elder  boys  were  employed  a  portion  of  the  day  on  the 
school  farm,  under  a  skilful  husbandman,  some  in  a  printing  office,  and 
others  in  different  works  of  manual  labour;  whilst  the  girls  were  taught 
needlework,  knitting,  &c.,  and  even  the  infants  learnt  to  make  patch- 
work, and  to  plait  straw.  W.  Allen  gratefully  alludes  to  the  help  he 
received  in  the  girls'  department,  from  his  '<  dear  friend,  Anna  Brad- 
shaw,  whose  kindness,"  he  says,  "  in  devoting  her  time  and  talents  to 
this  good  cause,  I  sensibly  feel." 

Soon  after  the  establishment  of  the  schools,  his  highly  respected  and 
valued  friend  John  Smith,  M.  P.,  (late  of  Dale  Park,  Sussex,)  a  man 
abounding  in  those  feelings  of  benevolence  and  christian  charity  which 
actuated  the  mind  of  William  Allen,  visited  the  place,  and  approving 
highly  of  the  object,  purchased  the  estate  of  Gravely,  consisting  of  about 
one  hundred  acres,  in  the  immediate  neighbourhood  of  Lindfield  ;  and 
subsequently  built  upon  it  eighteen  cottages  for  labourers,  with  an 
acre  and  a  quarter  of  land  to  each.  Seven  other  cottages,  with  from 
five  to  six  acres  each,  were  also  erected,  and  a  small  house  as  an 
occasional  residence  for  William  Allen.    Every  cottage  has  three  or 

Vol.  n.  11 


162 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1825. 


more  chambers,  in  order  to  afford  suitable  accommodation  to  the  fami- 
lies ;  they  have  also  a  living  room,  and  a  small  washhouse  or  kitchen, 
with  an  oven  and  boiler  ;  and  convenient  little  out-houses,  including  a 
pig-sty,  were  attached  to  each.  The  labourer  usually  cuUivates  one 
half  of  his  acre  in  potatoes,  or  some  other  green  crop,  and  one  half  in 
corn,  thus  providing  for  the  alternate  changes  requisite  for  the  land  ; 
the  quarter  of  an  acre  is  laid  out  in  a  garden,  and  being  often  very  pro- 
ductive in  fruit  and  vegetables,  contributes  materially  to  the  support  of 
the  family. 

W.  A.  says,  that  in  the  small  parish  where  these  plans  were  adopted, 
the  necessity  of  such  a  system  was  strikingly  evinced  by  the  fact,  that 
the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds  had  been  expended  out  of  the  poor's 
rates  in  one  year,  upon  able-bodied  persons  and  their  families.  He 
considered  that  the  allotment  system  was  not  only  a  means  of  rendering 
the  labouring  poor  less  chargeable  to  their  parishes,  but  of  greatly  in- 
creasing their  comforts  and  improving  their  moral  habits,  the  land  and 
garden  always  affording  some  employment,  and  inviting  to  industry. 

The  manner  of  cultivating  different  articles,  with  directions  for  the 
rotation  of  crops,  is  given  in  a  pamphlet  written  by  William  Allen,  and 
entitled  "  Colonies  at  Home."  This  useful  httle  work  has  passed 
through  several  editions,  and,  as  well  as  another,  «'  On  the  Means  of 
Diminishing  the  Poor's  Rates,"  has  been  found  to  contain  many  valu- 
able hints. 

His  correspondence,  in  reference  to  the  agricultural  information  he 
was  desirous  of  obtaining,  was  very  extensive,  and  much  of  his  time 
was  also  occupied  with  the  society  for  promoting  the  comfort  and  im- 
provement of  the  cottager.  In  the  course  of  inquiries  connected  with 
this  object,  he  learnt  much  respecting  the  state  of  Ireland,  and  his  sym- 
pathies were  powerfully  awakened  on  behalf  of  the  suffering  poor  of 
that  country.  The  British  and  Irish  Ladies'  Society,  then  in  the  full 
vigour  of  its  usefulness,  afforded  a  striking  illustration  of  the  benefit  of 
combining  the  encouragement  of  industry,  with  the  mitigation  of  dis- 
tress, and  its  operations  were  brought  under  his  immediate  notice,  by  the 
assistance  which  he  rendered  in  the  arrangement  of  the  correspondence, 
&c.  The  late  excellent  Sophia  Vansittart,  the  sister  of  Lord  Bexley, 
who  devoted  a  large  share  of  her  time  to  the  direction  of  its  concerns, 
says,  in  a  note  soliciting  his  aid — 

I  am  very  anxious  to  have  some  conversation  with  you  about  the 
business  of  the  society,  which  is  of  so  much  importance,  that  I  deeply 
feel  it  wants  an  abler  head  to  conduct  it." 

Notwithstanding  his  numerous  engagements,  William  Allen  exerted 
himself  in  this  interesting  cause,  and  rendered  important  assistance  in 
various  ways.  Neither  the  claims  of  philanthropy,  however,  nor  the 
pursuits  of  science,  were  permitted  to  interfere  with  any  religious  duty, 


1825. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN'. 


163 


to  which  he  believed  his  Divine  Master  called  him,  and  he  accordingly 
made  some  of  these  objects  give  way,  in  order  to  attend  several  meet- 
ings for  public  worship,  appointed  at  the  request  of  ministers  travelling 
in  the  service  of  the  gospel.  He  observed,  that  he  was  "  most  easy  to 
give  the  Lord's  work  the  preference,"  and  on  various  occasions  was 
engaged  in  endeavouring  to  hold  up  the  hands  of  a  brother  or  a  sister, 
and  to  bear  his  part  in  the  labour. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  Tenth  Month,  in  conjunction  with  other 
Friends  appointed  by  the  Yearly  Meeting,  he  again  attended  the  Quar- 
terly Meeting  of  Northamptonshire,  where  it  appears  that,  both  in  public 
and  private,  he  was  enabled  to  minister  to  the  comfort  and  edification 
of  his  friends  ;  his  own  memoranda,  however,  exhibit  the  very  humble 
views  he  entertained  of  himself,  and  he  says — 

Surely  I  am  one  of  the  least  and  most  unworthy  ever  employed  in 
such  service." 

He  was  nevertheless  favoured  with  a  peaceful  retrospect  of  this 
engagement.  In  returning  home  he  paid  an  agreeable  social  visit  to 
his  brother  and  sister,  at  West  Mill,  near  Hitchin. 

His  sister-in-law,  Anna  Hanbury,  continued  gradually  to  decline, 
until  the  2nd  of  Eleventh  Month,  when,  he  says,  she  very  quietly  passed 
away,  and  adds — 

"  We  were  in  solemn  silence,  but  my  mind  was  exercised  deeply 
before  the  Lord,  and  favoured  to  feel  a  degree  of  tranquillity  and  peace, 
which  I  believe  was,  previous  to  her  departure,  the  covering  of  my 
dear  sister's  precious  spirit." 

Soon  after  this  period,  the  almost  unparalleled  difficulties  which  then 
prevailed  in  the  commercial  world,  much  depressed  his  mind,  and,  on 
the  14th  of  Twelfth  Month,  he  writes— 

"  On  going  through  Lombard  street,  and  past  the  Mansion  House, 
ray  heart  was  wrung  with  anguish  to  see  the  run  upon  the  bankers." 

Shortly  afterwards,  he  says — 

The  storm  is  subsiding  in  the  city,  but  the  accounts  from  the  country 
are  distressing." 

After  having  been  awake  one  night  for  hours,  he  mentions  on 
rising — 

"  Engaged  in  fervent  prayer  ;  my  trust  and  confidence  are  in  the 
Lord  alone,  and  there  seems  a  little  best  help  underneath." 

"  Tivelflh  Month  Idth. — Edward  Harris  came  in,  and  brought  very 
bad  news  indeed.  He  said,  that  a  second  edition  of  the  Courier  had 
come  out  with  the  statement  from  Berlin,  that  the  Emperor  of  Russia 
was  dead.  In  a  little  time  I  retired  to  my  room  to  weep,  and  to  pour 
forth  my  soul  before  the  Lord,  0,  what  a  stroke  this  is!  I  am  re- 
minded of  Job's  messengers, — successive  tidings  of  woe. 

Twelflh  Month  20th. — Awoke  before  four  to  sorrow  again.    I  broke 


164 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1826. 


the  subject  of  the  death  of  tlie  Emperor,  to  D'Junkovsky,  who  was 
much  affected, 

2lst. — The  great  meeting  of  the  Anti-Slavery  Society  took  place  at 
the  Freemasons'  Hall,  to-day.  It  seemed  best  for  me  to  go,  though  I 
was  under  great  conflict  of  mind,  and  these  meetings  are  always  a 
close  trial  to  me.  Everything,  however,  went  off  admirably  ;  there 
seemed  scarcely  anything  said,  that  one  could  wish  not  said,  and  the 
company  was  large  and  very  respectable. 

2btli. — There  had  been  a  rumour,  that  the  dear  Emperor  was  cer- 
tainly assassinated,  and  my  soul  was  overwhelmed  with  anguish  ;  but 
when  I  was  at  Plough  Court,  Alexander  D'Junkovsky,  who  had  been 
sent  for  by  the  Russian  Embassy,  came  in  and  told  me,  that  a  messen- 
ger had  arrived  from  Petersburg,  bringing  an  official  account,  which 
stated,  that  the  Emperor  had  died  of  fever  and  inflammation  of  the 
throat,  at  Taganrog,  on  the  1st  of  this  month.  It  appears,  he  had  written 
to  his  mother  that  he  was  unwell,  in  the  forepart  of  the  Eleventh  Month  ; 
but  he  made  light  of  his  illness.  He,  however,  became  worse  and 
worse ;  and,  during  the  last  few  days,  when  Baron  Wylie,  who  was 
with  him,  urged  him  to  take  something,  he  said,  it  would  be  of  no  use, 
— he  should  not  recover.  He  always  had  an  aversion  to  taking  m.edi- 
cine.  The  Emperor  frequently  had  the  Scriptures  read  to  him  ;  but 
chose  to  be  much  alone.  He  was  in  a  quiet,  resigned  frame  of  mind, 
and  retained  his  faculties  clear  to  the  last.  He  had  spent  much  more 
time  with  the  Empress  Elizabeth  latterly  than  was  his  practice,  and, 
just  before  he  expired,  he  clasped  her  hand — pressed  it  to  his  lips, 
then  placed  it  on  his  side,  and  looked  very  significantly  at  his  aid-de- 
camp, who  was  standing  by  him. 

O,  how  thankful  I  am,  that  I  gave  up  to  what  I  believed  to  be  ray 
duty,  and  went  to  Vienna  and  Verona!  It  will  be  a  source  of  consola- 
tion to  me  as  long  as  I  live. 

In  reflecting  upon  the  death  of  the  Emperor,  I  considered  that  had 
he  lived,  he  might,  in  the  conflicts  which  were  evidently  preparing  for 
him,  have  been  led  to  do  some  things  which  would  have  caused  regret. 
I  believe  he  is  taken  in  mercy  from  the  evil  to  come,  and  I  trust  his 
precious  spirit  is  now  admitted  into  the  joy  of  his  Lord, 

The  year  1826  op'ens  with  deep  trials  both  inwardly  and  outwardly, 
0,  that  the  shield  of  faith  may  protect  me  from  the  fiery  darts  of  the 
enemy  !    Lord,  bruise  him  under  thy  feet  shortly  ! 

First  Month  6th,  1826, — Dined  at  my  cousin  G.  Birkbeck's,  with 
Sir  Patrick  and  Lady  Ross  and  two  of  their  daughters.  We  had  much 
interesting  conversation  ;  I  find  that  Captain  Mac  Phail,  the  Resident 
at  Cerigo,  is  a  very  useful  man,  and  is  zealous  to  promote  education. 
This  was  a  most  satisfactory  visit, 

9th. — Went  over  to  Bruce  Grove,  and  dined  at  Ann  Dale's,  where 


1826. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


165 


I  met  Col.  Mac  Gregor,  who  wrote  the  account  of  the  Loss  of  the  Kent, 
and  several  interesting  persons,  but  my  heart  was  heavy. 

Ibth. — My  mind  was  afTccted  this  morning  in  reading  a  hymn  in  a 
small  collection  of  sacred  poetry,  '  On  the  Death  of  a  Christian.'  Oh! 
how  strongly  it  brought  ray  dear  child  before  me !  as  leaving  earth  and 
entering  the  society  of  the  blessed. 

'  And  the  sound  wliicli  tliou  lieard'st  was  the  seraphim's  song.' 

16th. — Special  Meeting  for  Sufferings ;  agreed  to  a  memorial  to  the 
King  of  Prussia  on  behalf  of  some  young  men  professing  with  us  at 
Minden,  who  have  suffered  severely  for  refusing  to  bear  arms.  It  was 
signed  by  all  present.    A  satisfactory  meeting." 

William  Allen  was  cheered  by  receiving  encouraging  accounts  of 
the  progress  of  education  in  different  countries,  and,  in  writing  to 
Stephen  Grellet,  says — 

Our  school  plans,  which  we  were  so  anxious  to  promote  when  in 
Sweden,  are  now  patronized  by  the  government,  and  are  spreading 
through  the  country.  The  seed  sown  in  our  long  journey  has  not  been 
all  lost. 

Ife  The  Friends'  girls'  school  at  Newington,  under  the  care  of  Susanna 
Corder,  prospers.  I  generally  attend  the  readings  there  on  first  and 
fourth-day  evenings,  and  they  are  often  times  of  spiritual  refresh- 
ment." 

This  school  continued  to  be  a  source  of  pleasing  interest  to  William 
Allen.  His  efforts  to  promote  the  improvement  and  gratification  of  the 
pupils  were  unremitting,  and  he  occasionally  enjoyed  exhibiting  to  them 
the  beauties  of  the  heavens  through  his  excellent  telescope.  Many  of 
his  friends  were  also  permitted  to  share  in  the  privilege  of  these  in- 
structions, and  his  animated  and  interesting  explanations,  \mited  with 
a  peculiar  benignity  of  manner,  rendered  such  occasions  particularly 
delightful. 

Second  Month  13th. — He  writes,  "Morning  Meeting.  My  mind  was 
tendered  with  a  feeling  of  good.  Some  of  the  MS.  prepared  for  a  new 
volume  of  '  Piety  Promoted,'  was  read  by  Josiah  Forster." 

He  had,  for  some  time,  felt  a  desire  to  visit  the  Quarterly  Meeting  of 
Cambridge  and  Huntingdon,  and  this  spring,  in  company  with  Peter 
Bedford,  he  was  enabled  to  accomplish  his  purpose.  He  afterwards, 
in  conjunction  with  some  other  Friends,  attended,  by  appointment  of 
the  Yearly  Meeting,  the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Northamptonshire  ;  thence, 
they  proceeded  to  that  for  Bedfordshire  and  Hertfordshire,  which,  he 
says,  was  satisfactory.  In  speaking  of  the  meeting  at  Earith,  he  ob- 
serves— 

"I  was  comforted  in  feeling  that  the  life  prevailed,  and  truly  such  a 
company  of  dear  young  people  I  have  not  often  met  with  in  so  small  a 
compass.    Rebecca  Christy  was  engaged  in  solemn  sui)plication  ;  this 


1G6 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1826. 


opened  the  way  for  me,  and  I  was  led  to  speak  at  considerable  length 
in  ministry.  We  had,  afterwards,  farther  communication  in  this  line, 
and  I  was  comforted  in  the  belief  that  the  Lord  gave  us  a  good  time. 
The  business  of  the  second  meeting  was  agreeably  conducted.  We 
dined  at  our  kind  friend  John  Brown's,  and  in  the  afternoon  proceeded 
on  our  way  towards  Wellingborough." 

Third  Month  2bth. — He  mentions  having  a  satisfactory  religious 
opportunity  with  the  pupils  at  Thomas  Christraas's  school  at  Godman- 
chester,  twenty-five  in  number.  First-day  was  spent  at  Welling- 
borough. 

"  A  low  time  to  me,"  he  says,  "  though  I  had  to  engage  in  some 
gospel  service.  The  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  was  held  in  the 
evening. 

Third  Month  2101. — Quarterly  Meeting  for  Northamptonshire  ;  pretty 
comfortable. 

28^//. — We  went  to  the  Monthly  Meeting  held  at  Finedon,  and  had 
a  precious  meeting;  several  present  were  contrited,  under,  I  trust,  the 
influence  of  the  anointing ;  it  was  a  blessed  time,  and  we  afterwards 
went  on  our  way  rejoicing." 

After  attending  the  Monthly  Meeting  at  Northampton,  the  following 
day,  the  committee  met,  and  prepared  a  report  for  the  Yearly  Meeting, 
and,  on  separating,  felt  that  they  were  returning  home  "  with  the  penny 
of  peace." 

William  Allen's  engagements  at  Lindfield  were  becoming  increas- 
ingly important.  He  was  constantly  devising  plans  for  the  benefit  and 
improvement  of  his  fellow  creatures,  and,  with  the  aid  of  his  friends, 
had  established  a  benevolent  society,  which  proved  highly  useful. 
Both  the  agricultural  and  school  department  requiring  personal  atten- 
tion, he  frequently  spent  some  days  at  this  place. 

Fourth  Month  4th . — He  says,  "  Attended  Southwark  meeting:  the 
remains  of  the  late  Anthony  Sterry  were  brought  in.  The  meeting 
•was  large,  as  he  was  much  beloved,  and  was  particularly  endeared  to 
the  poor,  many  of  whom  were  present.  Martha  Smith  was  there,  and 
spoke  acceptably  in  ministry,  as  did  also  several  other  Friends.  There 
was  a  great  solemnity  towards  the  close,  and  these  words  were  brought 
to  ray  mind,  'Not  by  works  of  righteousness  which  we  have  done, 
but  according  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  regeneration 
and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost.'  So  much  had  been  said  previously, 
that  I  was  almost  discouraged  from  repeating  them,  but  while  I  was 
musing,  and  just  ready  to  stand  up,  a  young  woman,  in  the  body  of 
the  meeting,  rose  and  quoted  this  very  text.  There  was  such  a  solem- 
nity, and  the  silence  afterwards  was  so  impressive,  that  I  feared  to 
break  it.  I,  however,  had  much  peace  in  making  a  short  addition  to 
what  she  had  expressed. 


1826. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


167 


Fourth  Month  6th. — The  distress  in  Spitalfields  is  very  great.  I 
called  at  the  soup-house,  and  found  P.  Bedford  (here.  They  have 
sold  above  six  thousand  quarts  to-day.  On  our  way  back,  we  went  to 
see  Simon  Bailey;  he  is  in  the  eightieth  year  of  his  age,  is  confined  to 
his  bed,  and  in  a  very  loving  frame  of  mind.  I  have  known  him  as 
an  exemplary  member  of  our  Religious  Society  for  upwards  of  fifty 
years. 

16/^. — I  accompanied  some  Friends  to  Uxbridge,  to  attend  the 
interment  of  Ann  Crowley's  remains.  A  large  company  followed  from 
the  house.  It  was  a  solemn  meeting ;  and  will  long  be  remembered 
by  some  of  us. 

11th. — Adjourned  Morning  Meeting.  A  memorial  was  brought  in, 
from  Essex  Quarterly  Meeting,  on  behalf  of  our  late  valued  friend, 
William  Grover.  It  is  a  precious  document,  containing  much  of  the 
unction.  Certificates  for  Ann  Alexander,  and  Hannah  and  Maria 
Middleton,  (about  to  engage  in  gospel  service,  on  the  continent,)  were 
brought  in  and  signed  by  the  clerk.  My  mind  had  been  a  little  im- 
pressed, during  the  meeting,  with  a  belief,  that  it  might  be  right  for 
Cornelius  Hanbury  to  accompany  them.  When  a  consultation  was 
held  on  the  subject  of  providing  a  guide  or  care-taker,  he  offered  him- 
self, and  I  felt  that  I  might  encourage  him.  Several  other  Friends  had" 
unity  with  his  proposal. 

— Meeting.  My  faith  was  renewed.  I  was  engaged  in  sup- 
plication for  the  tried  and  afflicted,  and  also  for  our  dear  Friends  now 
going  out  upon  religious  service.  In  the  second  meeting,  Cornelius 
proposed  his  concern  to  go  as  a  care-taker  to  the  Friends,  which  was 
agreed  to,  and  a  minute  made  accordingly. 

Fifth  Month  3rd  The  Lord's  people  formerly,  when  they  under- 
took any  important  concern,  '  inquired  of  Him  ;'  that  is,  they  applied 
for  direction  and  guidance.  But  there  is  too  little  of  this  in  the  present 
day.  We  are  too  apt  to  rush  into  things  without  calmly  silting  down 
to  inquire  of  the  Lord,  and  hence  we  often  sufTer  serious  loss. 

Fifth  Movth  7</;.— First-day.  At  Lindfield.  I  have  thought  it 
right  to  institute  a  Reading  Meeting,  to  be  held  at  the  schools,  on 
first-day  evening,  for  about  an  hour,  and  had  the  first  this  evening. 
There  were  several  persons  present,  and  I  introduced  the  subject  with 
a  few  observations,  under  something  of  a  precious  covering  of  good. 
I  read  some  parts  of  the  '  Guide  to  True  Peace,'  and  the  eighth  chapter 
of  Romans.  We  sat  a  short  time  in  silence,  when  I  again  addressed 
the  company,  and  we  broke  up." 

Alexander  D'Junkovsky  having  remained  at  Lindfield  after  William 
Allen's  departure  for  London,  thus  expresses  his  grateful  sense  of  the 
various  obligations  conferred  upon  him  by  W.  A. 


168 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1826. 


"  My  VERY  DEAR  AND  MUCH  ESTEEMED  FRIEND, 

"  The  reading  of  your  very  agreeable  letter  caused  me  a  great  deal 
of  joy  ;  it  was  for  me  a  real  present.  This  was  the  first  note  which  I 
ever  received  from  you,  my  very  dear  friend,  but  it  was  not  the  first 
proof  of  your  friendship  towards  me,  for  I  experience  daily  your  kind- 
ness and  benevolence  during  more  than  thirteen  months.  Permit  me 
to  express  my  sincere  thanks  and  gratitude  for  the  truly  paternal  advice 
which  you  had  the  goodness  to  give  me  in  your  dear  letter.  I  said, 
'  express,'  but  words  cannot  express  my  thanks  and  gratitude  to  you, 
I  can  only  feel  them  in  my  heart,  and  pray  the  Almighty  Creator  to 
repay  you  for  all  your  kind  attention  and  care,  which  you  have  shown 
rae,  during  so  long  a  time;  I,  who  was  quite  a  stranger  to  you,  and 
who  had  no  right  to  expect  any  regard  from  you,  was  received  into 
your  house,  as  if  I  were  one  of  your  own  family." 

On  another  occasion  he  writes — 

"  The  present  separation  from  you,  my  dearly  beloved  friend,  has 
created  in  my  mind  a  feeling  as  if  I  were  anew  separated  from  a  dear 
father,  and  has  put  me  in  mind  of  a  longer  separation,  which  I  must 
one  day  experience,  in  returning  to  my  country;  these  thoughts  de- 
pressed me  very  much,  but  I  hope  that  through  the  grace  of  our 
merciful  Redeemer,  I  may  prove  worthy  of  your  paternal  instructions, 
in  being  a  little  useful  to  some  of  my  countrymen,  which  is  my  ardent 
desire. 

With  due  respect,  and  filial  love,  if  I  may  use  this  expression, 

I  remain, 
My  very  dear,  respected  friend. 

Your  most  affectionate 

A.  D'JUNKOVSKY." 

Fifth  Month  10//?. — Monthly  Meeting.  At  the  close  of  the  meeting 
for  worship,  women  Friends  were  requested  to  remain,  and  M.  Savory 
returned  the  certificate  granted  to  her;  she  gave  an  account  of  her  late 
journey  through  Holland,  to  Pyrmont  and  Minden,  then  along  the 
Rhine,  to  Switzerland,  and  from  thence  to  Congenies.  She  seemed  to 
have  been  mercifully  supported  through  all  with  best  help,  and  met 
with  many  pious  persons  in  different  places.  She  says,  '  the  fields  are 
white  already  to  harvest.' 

About  five  o'clock,  attended  the  committee  of  the  Infant  School, 
held  at  the  Row  ;  very  satisfactory.  In  the  evening,  as  usual,  at  the 
reading  at  S.  Corder's. 

l8//i. — At  Downing  Street,  where  I  had  a  conference  with  Earl 
Bathurst,  who  was  very  kind  and  attentive.  Sir  Neil  Campbell  is 
appointed  the  new  Governor  of  Sierra  Leone,  in  the  room  of  General 
Turner.  With  regard  to  education  in  the  Ionian  Isles,  EarlB.  referred 
rae  to  Sir  F.  Adam,  who  is  just  arrived  in  England. 


1826. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


169 


At  the  hospital  in  the  evening.  My  lectures  there  are  now  ended 
for  the  season.    Shall  I  be  obliged  to  resume  them  ?"* 

Fifth  Month  After  some  short  notices  of  the  Yearly  Meeting 

W.  A.  writes,  "My  mind  was  a  little  refreshed  and  encouraged." 
He  mentions  the  concern  of  Isaac  Hammer,  a  Friend  in  the  station  of 
minister,  from  Tennessee,  North  America,  and  says — 

"  He  is  about  to  proceed  to  Germany,  with  a  view  of  travelling  on 
foot  to  endeavour  to  find  out  pious  persons,  and  have  intercourse  with 
them  in  their  families ;  there  was  a  sweet  feeling  over  the  meeting 
when  he  stated  his  prospect. 

Sixth  Month  bth. — Elizabeth  Hoyland  left  us  to-day  ;  she  has  been 
a  real  comfort  to  me  by  the  sweetness  and  weightiness  of  her  spirit." 

William  Allen  had  a  little  Norwegian  horse,  to  which  he  was  very 
partial ;  it  had  been  ill  for  some  days,  and,  after  going  to  see  it,  he 
writes — 

"Poor  Pony  came  up  to  me  to  be  caressed;  I  had  hopes  of  his 
recovery,  but  in  the  evening  my  dear  little  grandson  brought  me  word 
that  he  was  dead.  I  felt  low  at  the  loss  of  this  poor  animal ;  it  was  a 
beautiful,  affectionate,  and  useful  creature;  I  never  had  occasion  to 
strike  it  with  the  whip  in  my  life.  I  hope  not  to  repine,  but  really  the 
things  which  I  set  my  affections  upon  are  taken  from  me  in  a  remark- 
able way. 

Sixth  Month  16th. — My  dear  Cornelius  returned  from  the  continent 
to-day,  and  thankful  we  were  to  meet  one  another  again  in  peace. 

23rd  I  called  upon  Sir  Neil  Campbell  to-day — found  him  at  home, 

and  quite  willing  to  co-operate  and  to  correspond.  I  then  went  on  to 
Sir  Frederick  Adam,  with  whom  I  had  a  most  interesting  conversation 
about  Malta  and  the  Ionian  Isles.  He  gives  a  good  account  of  the 
.schools,  especially  those  in  Cerigo  and  Cephalonia,  but  says  they  are 
wanted  at  Corfu." 

In  a  letter  to  Marianne  Vernet,  written  for  the  purpose  of  intro- 
ducing some  friends  of  his,  who  were  about  to  set  out  for  Geneva, 
William  Allen  says — 

TO  M.  VERNET. 
Near  London,  29th  of  Seventh  Month,  {July,)  1826. 
<'  It  is  a  long  time  since  I  have  heard  from  thee  ;  but  I  always  inquire 
after  thee  from  every  person  who  comes  to  me  from  your  city  ;  for,  in- 
deed, I  feel  a  brotherly  solicitude,- that  our  dear  Lord  and  Saviour  may 

*  For  twenty  five  years  William  Allen  had  been  engaged  in  giving  lectures  on  Chemistry 
and  Natural  Philosophy,  to  the  medical  and  other  students,  at  Guy's  Hospital.  In  these 
lectures  the  subject  of  Astronomy  came  last;  and  when  the  solar  system,  and  what  is 
known  respecting  the  fixed  stars,  had  been  described,  he  concluded  the  course  with  an 
Address  to  the  Students,  the  substance  of  which  was  afterwards  printed,  and  is  now  given 
in  the  Appendix  to  this  volume. 


170 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1826. 


continue  to  sustain  and  support  thee,  under  all  thy  trials  and  afflictions, 
even  unto  the  aid. 

My  own  afflictions,  both  inwardly  and  outwardly,  during  the  past 
year,  have  been  very  great ;  and  the  depression  of  my  spirit  has,  at 
times,  been  such,  that  I  have  been  ready  to  long  for  a  release  from  this 
earthly  tabernacle  ;  but  yet.  He,  whose  faithfulness  fails  not, — whom  I 
desire  to  love  above  all,  and  to  serve  in  the  way  He  may  be  pleased  to 
appoint,  has  graciously  condescended  to  show  Himself  a  God  mighty  to 
save,  and  to  cheer  his  poor  dependent  servant,  at  seasons,  with  the 
sweet  influences  of  his  love,  in  the  secret  of  the  soul.  Yea, — even  in 
the  stormy  time.  He  has  appeared,  as  He  did  to  the  disciples  of  old, 
when  He  addressed  them  with  the  cheering:  lan^^uasje, — <  It  is  I ;  be  not 
afraid.'  O,  that  He  may  be  ever  near  to  thee,  my  dear  friend !  Cast 
all  thy  care  upon  Him,  for  He  careth  for  thee.  Go  to  Him  in  faith,  and 
with  the  simplicity  of  a  little  child,  with  fervent  prayer,  that  He  would, 
from  time  to  time,  show  thee  the  right  way,  and  enable  thee  to  walk 
before  Him  with  acceptance.  Do  read  that  passage  in  the  Gospel, 
Matt.  vi.  26,  Be  faithful  to  all  that  the  Saviour  is  pleased  to  manifest 
to  thee  as  thy  duty  to  Him,  and  He  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake 
thee ;  but  He  will  acknowledge  thee  as  His,  not  only  in  the  sight  of 
men,  but  before  the  Father  and  the  holy  angels. 

Sweet  is  that  peace,  which  is,  at  seasons,  experienced  by  those  who 
trust  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  stay  upon  their  God.  Yea,  it  is  a 
blessed  state  to  know  such  a  conformity  to  the  divine  will,  as  to  be 
careful  for  nothing;  but,  in  every  thing,  to  give  thanks." 

<«  Eighth  Month  2nd. — Meeting.  Isabella  Harris,  of  Ackworth, 
was  there,  and  spoke  in  ministry.  I  felt  that  I  had  to  take  up  the 
words  with  which  she  concluded,  viz.  'Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but 
thee,'  &c.  Showing  that  it  was  only  as  we  could,  in  sincerity,  make 
this  appeal,  that  we  could  pursue  the  path  of  true  peace ;  and  also 
quoting  the  language  addressed  to  Peter,  <  If  I  wash  thee  not,  thou 
hast  no  part  with  me.'    I.  H.  acceptably  concluded  in  supplication. 

Eighth  Month  6th. — Contrited  in  prayer;  I  ask  neither  for  riches, 
nor  honours,  but  to  be  shown  what  was  acceptable  in  the  divine  sight, 
and  to  be  relieved  from  the  foes  of  my  household, — my  internal  and 
spiritual  enemies,  and  to  be  employed  during  the  remainder  of  ray 
days,  as  an  instrument  in  drawing  souls  to  the  Supreme  Source  of  all 
good. 

loth. — I  have  now  concluded  to  give  up  my  hospital  lectures  to 
Alexander  Barry,  whom  I  have  brought  forward  for  that  purpose. 

20th. — First-day.  Visited  my  mother,  and  read  to  her  in  James 
Cough's  Journal ;  then  went  to  the  girls'  school,  and  staid  their  read- 
ing, which  was  in  John's  Gospel.  We  had  a  solemn  pause  after- 
wards, and  I  made  some  remarks  on  what  had  been  read.    Came  back 


1826. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


171 


to  our  own  fiimily  reading,  which  was  closed  wilh  the  third  cliapter  of 
the  Revelations.  I  afterwards  addressed  the  servants  on  the  importance 
of  witnessing  a  growth  in  vital  religion,  referring  them  to  the  '  grace  of 
God  which  bringeth  salvation.' 

2Qth. — In  the  night,  during  my  waking  hours,  my  mind  was  im- 
pressed with  the  necessity  of  endeavouring  to  keep  up  the  watch,  hour 
by  hour,  and  day  by  day,  in  order  to  maintain  a  constant  humble  walk 
before  the  Lord. 

29th. — I  am  fifty-six  years  old  this  day.  May  the  residue  of  my 
time  be  devoted  to  the  service  of  my  great  Master! 

JYinth  Month  2nd. — Count  St.  Priest,  the  late  Governor  of  Cherson, 
called;  he  is  now  a  Peer  of  France,  and  resides  in  this  country;  he 
wishes  to  see  the  Borough  Road  school.  I  wrote  to  our  Consul  at 
Constantinople  on  behalf  of  Stephen  Mavrogordato,  one  of  the  young 
men  whom  we  have  had  educated  at  Colne ;  gave  him  some  religious 
advice  on  parting,  which  he  received  well." 

William  Allen  believed  it  to  be  his  religious  duty,  under  a  feeling  of 
gospel  love,  to  pay  a  visit  to  Ireland.  After  obtaining  the  sanction  of 
his  friends,  who  expressed  their  unity  with  his  prospect,  he  set  out  on 
the  7th  of  Ninth  Month,  and  writes— 

"Alexander  D'Junkovsky  and  I  went  to  Islington,  where  we  met 
dear  Joseph  Foster  in  the  Manchester  mail,  and  joined  him. 

My  mind  was  turned  to  the  Lord  in  humble  prayer,  that  He  would 
have  me  in  His  holy  keeping,  and  that  none  of  my  steps  may  slide." 

They  proceeded  by  way  of  Kendal  and  Carlisle  to  New  Lanark. — 
First-day  was  spent  at  Kendal,  with  their  kind  friends  Isaac  and  Anna 
Braithwaite.  W,  A.  mentions  a  large  company  of  young  persons  be- 
ing present  at  the  reading  of  the  Scriptures  in  the  evening,  and  that, 
in  a  solemn  time  of  religious  retirement  afterwards,  he  was  led  to 
address  them,  adding — 

"  My  mind,  which  had  previously  been  much  burdened,  felt  relieved 
and  peaceful. 

llth. — After  the  reading  this  morning  at  I.  Braithwaite's,  there  was 
a  precious  sense  of  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  though  nothing  was 
expressed,  these  words  occurred  sweetly  to  my  mind,  <  We  know  that 
we  have  passed  from  death  unto  life,  because  we  love  the  brethren.'  " 

On  reaching  Lanark,  and,  together  with  Joseph  Foster,  entering  a 
little  into  the  state  of  the  schools,  &c.,  he  remarks  that  a  great  im- 
provement had  taken  place  since  their  last  visit.  From  thence  they 
went  to  Glasgow,  where  W.  A.  took  leave  of  his  companion,  in  order 
to  proceed  to  Ireland.    When  about  to  embark,  he  writes — 

"  I  feel  a  little  secret  support  and  comfort  in  looking  forward  to  my 
solemn  engagement." 

The  day  after  his  arrival  at  Belfast,  a  Friend  drove  him  to  Antrim, 


172 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1826. 


the  town  where  William  Edmundson  first  settled ;  and  after  attending 
the  small  meeting  there  to  some  comfort,  and  visiting  two  invaUds, 
they  returned  in  the  evening. 

Al)ith  Month  2lst. — He  writes — 

"  Opened  my  Bible,  and  was  comforted  in  reading  the  23rd  Psalm. 
Attended  the  meeting  here  at  ten  o'clock.  For  the  first  hour  I  waded 
through  much  mental  conflict,  even  to  anguish  of  mind,  and  thought  of 
the  Lord's  prophet,  who,  in  his  journey,  sat  down  and  begged  to  die. 
But  the  clouds  in  degree  broke  away,  and  I  was  strengthened  to  bear 
testimony  to  the  Truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  I  was,  however,  very  low; 
there  is  a  great  pressure  here. 

22nd. — I  was  accompanied  by  two  Friends  to  Lisburn  ;  the  country 
is  really  fine,  and  the  people  are  altogether  a  diflTerent  race  from  those 
in  the  south.  I  was  most  kindly  and  hospitably  received  by  James  N. 
Richardson  and  his  wife,  and  at  eleven  o'clock  attended  the  meeting 
which  had  been  put  otT  till  to-day  to  accommodate  me.  It  was  a  time 
of  searching  of  heart  with  respect  to  myself,  but  I  was  mercifully  helped 
to  perform  the  work  which  I  believed  was  required  of  me,  to  the  relief 
.of  my  own  mind.  We  visited  an  excellent  girls'  school  on  the  British 
system,  and  also  the  provincial  school  for  Friends'  children,  which  is 
delightfully  situated. 

23rd. — James  N.  Richardson  kindly  took  me  to  Hillsborough  meet- 
ing, where  the  presence  of  the  Lord  was  with  us  during  the  silence, 
more  than  in  any  of  the  other  meetings.  We  also  had  satisfactory  reli- 
gious opportunities  in  some  of  the  families  of  Friends  residing  there, 
and  were  favoured  with  a  fresh  feeling  of  divine  love  and  life,  I  believe 
to  our  mutual  comfort. 

24ih. — First-day.  Attended  the  meeting  at  Ballinderry,  where,  I 
think,  about  one  hundred  persons  were  present.  I  believe  that  expec- 
tation ran  high  ;  but,  alas!  I  had  little  to  say;  and  frankly  told  them 
that  really  I  had  it  not  in  commission  to  utter  many  words.  This  was 
a  discouragement  to  myself,  but  I  pray  earnestly  to  be  preserved  from 
speaking  in  the  name  of  my  great  and  good  Master  without  His  com- 
mission. At  the  close,  however,  I  was  enabled  to  supplicate  for  those 
present.  Jacob  Green,  an  acknowledged  minister,  who  resides  here, 
was  from  home  ;  but  we  visited  his  wife  in  their  neat  and  plain  dwell- 
ing.   He  is  a  farmer,  and  has  a  family  of  seven  children." 

In  proceeding  to  Moyallen,  W.  Allen  mentions  being  much  pleased 
to  see  a  number  of  new  buildings,  designed  for  school-houses,  ema- 
nating from  the  Kildare  Street  Society,  Dublin,  and  adds — 

"  The  Marquis  of  Downshire  is  a  great  promoter  of  schools  upon 
this  plan.  We  came  to  Thomas  Christy  Wakefield's,  where  John 
Conran  resides,  and  I  was  comforted  in  meeting  the  dear  old  man  ; 
T.  C.  W.  was  absent,  but  wished  us  to  come  to  his  house. 


1826. 


OF  WILLI^I  ALLEN. 


173 


25/A. — Favoured  with  a  precious  calm  this  morning,  and  at  meeting, 
which  was  appointed  at  eleven  o'clock,  my  mind  was  sensible  of  best 
help.  Dear  aged  John  Conran  sat  by  me,  and  his  spirit  was  cheering. 
The  great  Master,  in  infinite  condescension,  was  graciously  pleased  to 
be  with  us,  and  it  was  a  blessed  time. 

We  dined  at  T.  C.  Wakefield's,  jun.,  where  there  was  a  mixed  com- 
pany, among  whom  was  a  plain-looking  man  who  had  been  disowned 
on  account  of  holding  Ifew  Light*  principles  ;  there  was  also  a  Pres- 
byterian minister  present,  and  a  gentleman  who  is  a  magistrate,  and 
resides  in  the  neighbourhood.  When  I  went  into  the  room  the  Bible 
was  open  upon  the  table,  and  I  found  that  a  discussion  was  going  for- 
ward on  the  subject  of  the  Trinity.  The  minister  evidently  looked 
towards  me  to  give  an  opinion  ;  I  felt  that  great  caution  was  necessary, 
but  did  not  then  know  the  circumstances  of  the  individual  above  alluded 
to.  In  reply  to  their  inquiries,  I  said,  that  we  did  not  use  the  word 
Trinity,  because  we  did  not  find  it  in  the  Holy  Scriptures  ;  but  that  we 
firmly  believed  in  all  that  was  written  in  the  Scriptures,  respecting  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost.  This  I  afterwards  found  was 
very  satisfactory  to  Friends,  but  the  person  first  alluded  to  was  much 
chagrined,  and  did  not  wish  those,  who  were  not  of  our  Society,  to 
hear  so  full  a  declaration  of  our  belief.  The  evening  was  spent  in 
useful  conversation  ;  my  mind  was  clothed  with  a  precious  degree  of 
divine  sweetness,  and,  I  think,  the  time  was  profitably  employed." 

After  visitin<!:  the  meetin'rs  of  Friends  at  Rathfriland,  Lursran,  and 
Richhill,  at  which  latter  place,  John  Conran,  within  a  few  days  of 
eighty-seven  years  of  age,  feeble  in  body,  but  strong  in  the  faith,  was 
bright  and  clear  in  the  ministry.  William  Allen  took  leave  of  his  kind 
friends  at  Moyallen,  arid  proceeded  to  Grange  and  Cootehill,  which 
finished  his  visit  to  the  province  of  Ulster. 

He  mentions  being  much  cast  down  in  some  places,  from  finding  but 
little  of  the  life  of  religion,  and  that  he  was  constrained,  though  in  the 
spirit  of  love,  to  warn  the  careless  and  the  disobedient,  reminding  them, 
that  "  Without  holiness  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord  ;"  and,  that  '<  It  is 
appointed  unto  all  men  once  to  die,  but  after  this  the  judgment."  He 
however  also  felt  comforted  in  meeting  with  several  valuable  and  excel- 
lent characters,  "  whose  company,"  he  says,  "  did  my  heart  good." 
In  the  course  of  his  journey  to  Dublin,  he  was  struck  with  the  apparent 
ignorance  and  destitution  of  the  peasantry.  On  his  arrival  in  that  city, 
he  was  kindly  met  by  Joseph  Bewley,  and  two  days  afterwards  went  to 
attend  the  meeting  at  Wicklow. 

<«  The  ride  was  beautiful,"  he  says, — <<  totally  different  from  the  other 
side  of  Dublin.    The  Dublin  and  Wicklow  mountains  are  fine  objects, 

*  A  name  given,  in  the  North  of  Ireland,  to  the  principles  of  persons  who  seceded  from 
Friends,  and  denied  some  of  the  doctrines  of  the  New  Testament. 


174 


LIFE  AND  CoitllESPONDENCE 


1826, 


and  the  country  is  rich  and  well  cultivated  ;  here  are  few  hovels,  the 
cottages  are  neater,  and  the  people  better  dressed.  Wicklow  is  a  poor 
place  ;  the  meeting  was  small,  but  a  precious  sense  of  the  Lord's  power 
was  mercifully  granted.  I  was  engaged  in  ministry,  and  felt  thankful 
to  my  Divine  Master  for  His  gracious  help." 
On  the  following  morning  he  writes — 

'■'■Tenth  Month  bth. — Met  the  Carlow  coach  in  Dawson  Street,  and, 
accompanied  by  Jonathan  Pirn,  went  to  Ballitore,  to  the  house  of  Eliza- 
beth Barrington,  a  valuable  Friend,  a  minister,  who  keeps  a  nice  little 
shop,  and  lives  in  that  neat,  simple,  comfortable  way  which  I  enjoy ;  I 
feel  quite  at  home  here.  Ballitore  is  a  delightful  village,  the  country 
is  beautiful,  the  tops  of  the  distant  mountains  rise  above  the  neat  white- 
washed houses,  and  an  air  of  quiet  reigns  throughout. 

E.  B.  went  with  me  to  call  upon  several  Friends ;  one,  between 
seventy  and  eighty  years  of  age,  quite  confined  to  his  bed,  was  waited 
upon  by  his  daughter,  an  only  child,  and  was  receiving  from  her  those 
kind  attentions,  which  my  beloved  child  would  have  given  me  when 
nature  failed,  if  she  had  lived,  but  she  is  better  off!  We  had  a  religious 
opportunity,  in  which  I  was  led  to  address  him,  and,  on  parting,  he 
expressed  his  comfort.  We  took  tea  at  James  White's,  at  the  school. 
They  are  very  nice  premises.  This  school  was  established  for  Friends 
and  others,  by  Abraham  Shackleton,  in  the  year  1726.  Richard 
Shackleton  was  his  son.  There  was  a  large  company,  amongst  whom 
were  Mary  Lecky  and  her  daughter.  I  was  present  at  the  evening 
reading  of  the  Scriptures,  and,  in  the  pause  afterwards,  addressed  the 
pupils.    James  W^hite  read  with  due  solemnity  and  feeling. 

Tenth  Month  6th  Meeting  at  ten  ;  Monthly  Meeting.    I  had  to 

warn  some  of  too  eager  an  attachment  to  the  world,  to  show  that  our 
own  righteousness  was  good  for  nothing,  that  the  fearful  and  the  unbe- 
lieving, as  well  as  the  heinously  wicked,  were  excluded  from  the  holy 
city  ;  and  to  remark,  that,  in  the  description  of  the  last  great  day,  those 
who  were  set  on  the  left  hand  were  not  charged  with  gross  sins  of  com- 
mission, but  with  sins  of  omission.  '  I  was  an  hungered  and  ye  gave 
me  no  meat,'  &c. 

1th  M.  L.  and  her  daughter  brought  me  to  Carlow,  where  a  meet- 
ing was  appointed  at  ten  o'clock.  I  was  enabled  to  speak  in  ministry, 
to  the  relief  of  my  own  mind,  though  I  felt  that  preaching  the  Son  and 
Sent  of  the  Father,  was  not  acceptable  to  all.  An  aged  man,  whom  I 
afterwards  called  upon,  was  of  this  class ;  he  brought  forward  argu- 
ments on  the  subject,  all  of  which  I  replied  to,  and  entreated  him  to 
refrain  from  speculation,  and  to  turn  to  Him,  who  could  alone  support 
him,  when  flesh  and  heart  failed.  He  afterwards  came  and  dined  with  us." 

William  Allen  paid  an  agreeable  visit  to  his  kind  friends  at  Kilnock, 
and  from  thence  went  to  Kilconner  meeting,  where  he  was  for  some 


1826. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


175 


time  under  great  discouragement,  but  was  at  length  enabled  to  declare 
the  truths  of  the  gospel ;  and  he  writes — 

'<  Ah  !  I  feel  that  /  am  not/ihg,  but  the  dear  Master  is  all.  May 
He  condescend  to  lead  and  guide  me  to  the  end  !" 

John  J.  Lecky  accompanied  him  to  Ferns  and  Enniscorthy,  at  which 
latter  place  the  Friends  of  Cooladine  met  him.  He  lodged  at  Anne 
Thompson's,  where,  he  says — 

"  Her  father,  Thomas  Thompson,  called  ;  he  is  a  dear  fine  old  man 

 he  spent  the  evening  with  us.    We  had  much  conversation  about 

Africa." 

Tenth  Month  llih. — W.  A.  attended  the  meeting  of  Forest,  and,  on 
his  way  to  Ross,  visited  the  agricultural  school  at  Bannow.  He  was 
much  pleased  with  a  school  at  Ross,  connected  wuh  the  Kildare  Street 
Society,  and  says — 

"  It  has  been  established  for  many  years,  and  divers  of  the  children 
are  occupying  respectable  places  in  society.  Samuel  Elly  told  me  of 
the  case  of  a  little  lame  beggar  boy,  who  was  very  troublesome  in  the 
streets  ;  he  was  placed  in  this  school,  and  soon  made  great  proficiency  ; 
at  length  he  went  to  America,  where  he  settled  as  a  school-master,  is 
now  respectably  married,  and  is  doing  well." 

William  Allen  lodged  at  Samuel  Elly's,  which,  he  says,  is  a  beautiful 
situation;  and,  in  speaking  of  the  meeting  at  Ross,  writes — 

<<  I  felt  comforted  in  the  Lord,  and  after  meeting,  went  to  call  upon 
an  invalid,  to  whom  I  had  to  impart  counsel  and  encouragement.  The 
afternoon  was  fine,  and  Jacob  Poole  accompanied  me  on  a  car  to 
Waterford,  where  I  went  to  John  Strangman's ;  his  house  is  a  little 
distance  from  the  town,  and  is  called  Summerland.  There  was  a  large 
company  assembled  to  attend  the  Quarterly  Meeting. 

Tenth  Month  lAth. — Attended  the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Ministers 
and  Elders.  My  spirit  was  a  little  refreshed  by  the  divine  presence. 
Dined  at  our  dear  friend,  Mary  W^atson's ;  she  is  blind,  as  is  Sarah 
Shackleton,  who  also  dined  there,  and  they  were  both  very  cheerful. 
Took  tea  with  Margaret  Hoyland,  a  precious  Friend,  who  keeps  an 
apothecary's  shop,  and  is  very  useful  in  prescribing.  I  was  present  at 
the  general  meeting  of  the  provincial  school  in  the  evening." 

During  the  three  succeeding  days,  William  Allen  was  much  occupied 
with  engagements  consequent  upon  the  Quarterly  Meeting.  He  was 
frequently  called  into  the  field  of  labour ;  and  in  the  meetings  for 
worship  and  discipline,  as  well  as  in  the  social  circle,  and  with  indi- 
viduals in  private,  he  was  diligent  in  advocating  his  Master's  cause. 
On  one  occasion,  when  difficulties  arose  respecting  the  appointment  of 
a  committee  for  some  service,  he  says — 

"  I  encouraged  Friends  not  to  look  for  great  things,  but  rather  to 
make  the  most  of  the  little  strength  they  possessed." 


176 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1826. 


He  often  gratefully  acknowledges  the  kindness  he  experienced,  and 
mentions  paying  comforting  visits  to  several  Friends  in  Waterford, 
particularly  to  Joseph  White  who  was  blind  and  lame,  but  who,  W. 
Allen  says — "  is  amongst  the  living  in  that  meeting,'' 

Fourth-day,  he  had  a  fine  ride  by  David  Malcomson's  cotton  mills 
at  Mayfield,  to  Clonmel,  stopping  in  his  way  at  Anner  Mills,  where  he 
much  enjoyed  the  society  of  Sarah  Grubb,  and  the  various  members  of 
her  large  family.  He  lodged  at  David  Malcomson's,  and  on  the  fol- 
lowing day  attended  meeting  at  Clonmel,  where,  as  well  as  in  some 
families,  he  was  engaged  in  ministry.  He  mentions  his  visit  to  the 
School  at  Suir  Island  with  much  interest.  After  attending  the  meeting 
at  Garryroan,  near  Cahir,  he  proceeded  to  Cork,  Youghal,  and  Limerick. 
A  public  meeting  for  worship  was  appointed  by  his  request,  at  the 
latter  place  ;  a  large  number  of  persons  were  present,  who  were  very 
quiet  and  attentive ;  and  William  Allen  was  engaged  both  in  ministry 
and  prayer.  In  referring  to  the  week-day  meeting  at  Limerick,  he 
says — "  The  Lord  gave  us  a  blessed  time." 

Whilst  desiring  that  the  excellent  discipline  of  our  Religious  Society 
should  ever  be  faithfully  exercised,  he  was  peculiarly  alive  to  the 
importance  of  its  being  done  in  a  Christian  spirit ;  and,  in  writing  to  a 
friend  with  whom  he  had  had  some  conversation  on  the  subject,  he 
says— 

"  Far,  very  far,  be  it  from  me,  to  wish  to  see  the  discipline  of  our 
society  relaxed  in  favour  of  any  one  improperly ;  but  I  do  long  to  see 
it  administered  in  the  spirit  of  love,  even  in  that  which  tends  to  heal 
and  to  restore. 

I  felt  much  for  Friends  as  I  sat  in  their  small  monthly  meeting  at 

 ,  and  for  thee  in  particular,  with  desires  that  the  great  Head  of 

the  Church  might,  by  the  operation  of  His  love  and  power  in  thy  heart, 
fit  and  qualify  thee  for  service.  The  harvest  is  great,  but  few  indeed 
are  the  faithful  labourers." 

He  lodged  at  Joseph  Massey  Harvey's,  at  Limerick,  and  on  the 
26th,  his  host  and  John  Abel  accompanied  him  to  the  county  gaol, 
which  was  built  in  consequence  of  the  exertions  of  Thomas  Spring 
Rice,  now  Lord  Monteagle,  and  of  the  cleanliness  of  this  prison, 
together  with  the  excellent  regulations  which  are  observed  in  it,  he 
speaks  very  highly.  He  thought  it  right  to  address  the  prisoners,  and 
they  gratefully  received  what  he  had  to  communicate. 

On  leaving  Limerick,  he  attended  the  meetings  between  that  city 
and  Mountmellick,  where  he  spent  first-day,  and,  at  the  meeting  in  the 
morning,  had  some  close  doctrine  to  deliver.  He  notices  that  Samuel 
Neale  and  Mary  Peisley  were  married  here.  At  two  o'clock,  he  had  a 
meeting  with  the  officers  and  children  of  the  Provincial  School,  and  in 


1826. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


177 


the  evening  a  public  meeting  for  worship  was  held,  which  proved  large 
and  satisfactory.    He  says — 

"  It  was  remarked,  that  there  was  a  visible  solemnity  over  the  people 
as  they  passed  through  the  streets  ;  my  spirit  was  bowed  in  thankful- 
ness to  my  Divine  Master,  whose  doing  alone  it  was." 

ti  Tenth  Month  2,0th. — Breakfasted  with  Anne  Shannon,  who  keeps 
a  girl's  school,  and  has  about  fourteen  pupils.  We  had  a  religious 
opportunity  with  the  dear  children,  and  were  favoured  with  the  over- 
shadowing of  that  Power,  which  brings  into  solemnity  and  contrition  of 
heart.  It  was  a  sweet  time ;  I  was  led  to  encourage  the  head  of  the 
family,  and  to  counsel  the  teachers.  In  the  afternoon,  Samuel  Pirn 
and  William  Thacker  accompanied  me  to  Samuel  Boardman's  at 
Colderry.  We  passed  Rosenallis,  and  saw  the  spot  close  to  the  road, 
where  William  Edmundson's  house  stood,  also  Friends'  burying 
ground,  where  his  remains  are  deposited." 

The  following  day,  William  Allen  attended  the  meeting  at  Birr,  and 
in  the  afternoon,  on  his  way  to  James  Clibborn's,  at  Hall,  rode  over 
part  of  the  Bog  of  Allen,  which,  he  says,  reminded  him  of  the  Steppes 
of  Russia.  He  speaks  with  interest  and  affection  of  his  host,  and  men- 
tions spending  an  agreeable  evening  in  the  family. 

Eleventh  Month  1st. — He  writes — 

'<  Went  to  meeting  at  Moate  ;  my  mind  very  low  under  a  sense  of 
the  state  of  things  here,  and  I  thought  that  the  meeting  would  probably 
be  a  silent  one ;  but  it  proved  otherwise :  and  I  had  to  deliver  close 
doctrine,  I  trust  in  much  love,  and  to  counsel  and  encourage  the  young." 

Though  rather  cautioned  against  going  into  Connaught,  on  account 
of  the  irritation  of  the  public  mind,  he  was  not  easy  to  omit  visiting 
the  small  meeting  at  Ballymurry,  which,  he  says,  '  several  besides 
Friends  attended,  and  the  Lord  gave  us  a  good  time.'  He  proceeded 
by  Edenderry  and  Rathangan  to  Dublin,  where  he  was  again  cordially 
welcomed  by  Joseph  Bewley,  and  met  Alexander  D'Junkovsky. 

(^Eleventh  Month  blh. — Meeting  at  ten.  Pretty  largely  engaged  in 
ministry  on  the  text,  '  Be  watchful,  and  strengthen  the  things  which 
remain,  that  are  ready  to  die :  for  I  have  not  found  thy  works  perfect 
before  God.'  I  had,  however,  to  divide  the  word,  and  comfort 
another  state.  Attended  the  afternoon  meeting  at  two  o'clock,  and  a 
public  meeting  for  worship  which  was  appointed  at  six  in  the  evening. 
I  went  under  depression,  but  was  preciously  supported  by  the  power 
of  the  Lord ;  and  after  speaking  for  a  considerable  time  in  ministry, 
was  engaged  in  supplication.  Several  Friends  expressed  their  satisfac- 
tion, blessed  be  my  gracious  Master,  to  whom  alone  the  praise  is  due! 

Qlh. — Visited  the  school  at  Kildare  Street.  Met  Samuel  Bewley, 
and  went  over  the  whole  educational  establishment;  great  additions 
have  been  made.     It  is  now  very  complete,  and  a  noble  concern. 

12 


178 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1826. 


Two  hundred  masters  were  sent  out  last  year,  and  one  hundred  mis- 
tresses." 

After  paying  a  few  other  visits  to  benevolent  institutions,  as  well  as 
some  of  a  social  or  religious  character,  William  Allen  embarked  at 
Howth,  and  reached  home  on  the  10th.  In  writing  to  a  Friend  on  the 
subject  of  his  visit  to  Ireland,  he  says — 

"  I  gave  in  the  certificate  granted  me  by  our  Monthly  Meeting, 
under  very  precious  and  peaceful  feelings,  having  been  carried  through 
my  arduous  engagement  beyond  any  thing  that  I  could  have  hoped  for. 
I  had  many  deep  plunges  and  baptisms  ;  but  I  have  humbly  to  acknow- 
ledge that  my  dear  Lord  and  Master  was  ever  near  to  support  and  sus- 
tain in  the  hour  of  need,  and  marvellously  led  me  along.  I  visited 
every  place  where  meetings  are  held,  except  two,  where  there  were 
only  two  or  three  members.  Several  of  the  meetings  were  blessed 
seasons.  The  young  people  were  watered,  and  truly  there  is  a  hopeful 
prospect  among  them.  The  Lord  is  obviously  laying  His  hand  upon 
one  here  and  another  there,  one  of  a  city  and  two  of  a  family.  '  The 
fields  are  white  already  to  harvest.'  " 

In  writing  to  Stephen  Grellet,  soon  after  this  period,  WiUiam  Allen 
says— 

'<I  have  lately  had  a  sweet  letter  from  M.  Vernet ;  she  still  retains 
fast  hold  of  '  that  better  part,'  which,  I  trust,  will  never  be  taken  away 
from  her.  A  letter  from  her  son  Charles,  written  more  recently,  informs 
me  that  his  sister  Adele  is  about  to  be  married  to  the  Baron  de  Stael, 
our  excellent  friend  in  the  Abolition  cause." 

Marianne  Vernet's  letter  presents  an  interesting  and  instructive  evi- 
dence of  the  strength  and  comfort,  at  times  afforded  by  Christian  inter- 
course.   She  writes — 

"  I  have,  for  many  months,  been  wishing  to  write  to  you,  my  very  dear 
friend,  but  I  was  very  ill  on  my  way  from  Plombieres  (Department  des 
Vosges  in  France);  and  since  my  return  home  have  had  two  severe 
attacks  of  indisposition.  I  am  now  better,  and  believe  that  it  is  not 
yet  the  will  of  God  to  withdraw  me  from  the  world.  I  have  no^anxiety 
on  the  subject.  He  has  long,  by  His  grace,  granted  me  a  feeling  of 
sweet  peace,  and  of  submission  to  His  will,  full  of  consolation  and 
delight.  I  experience  so  little  disquietude  with  regard  to  every  thing 
relating  to  this  world,  that  I  am  sometimes  astonished  ;  but  I  pray  to 
be  preserved  from  that  false  peace,  which  arises  from  indifference  ;  and 
when  I  search  into  the  inmost  recesses  of  my  heart,  it  seems  to  me  that 
my  confidence  rests  alone  upon  the  mercy  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ,  my 
adorable  Saviour :  and  although  proud  thoughts  and  inward  conflicts 
still,  at  times,  arise  to  disturb  this  peace,  and  show  the  prevalence  of 
sin,  yet  I  trust  that,  through  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  we 
earnestly  implore,  we  shall  be  purified  and  sanctified.    I  felt  so  strongly 


1826. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


179 


and  so  visibly  the  presence  of  the  Comforter,  in  my  poignant  aflliction 
of  the  19th  of  May,  1825,  that  I  should  be  very  ungrateful  were  I  to 
doubt  that  He  who  then  cared  for  me,  would  still  continue  to  be  with 
me  and  my  children — '«  God  mighty  to  save^  and  to  cheer  his  poor 
dependent  servants,  at  seasons,  with  the  sweet  influence  of  his  love,' 
I  borrow  your  own  words,*  and  have  read  and  re-read  them.  My 
dear  and  worthy  friend,  Thomas  Erskine,  now  at  Geneva,  has  read 
them  with  me,  and  I  have  had  great  consolation  in  introducing  to  his 
knowledge,  my  dear  and  precious  friend,  William  Allen.  Yes — I  de- 
pend upon  your  friendship,  because  I  am  the  daughter  of  my  beloved 
father, — because  we  have  sacred  tics  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  because 
grief  and  sympathy  have  contributed  to  strengthen  those  ties.  When 
I  pray,  the  remembrance  of  you  is  often  present  with  me,  and  I  implore 
the  best  blessing  of  God  upon  you;  when  I  sutler,  I  also  think  of  you, 
and  I  desire  to  bear  afflictions  as  I  have  seen  you  bear  them.  What  a 
blessing  to  reflect  upon  the  happiness  of  those  we  have  lost !  it  dries 
my  tears  when  I  think  that  my  beloved  Henri  will  sin  no  more,  that  my 
child  is  sheltered  from  temptation ;  he  can  never  more  offend  his  God, 
never  more  neglect  that  great  salvation  which  has  been  offered  to  him, 
but  will  enjoy  it  to  all  eternity.  What  a  thought,  my  dear  and  worthy 
friend  !  How  can  we  weep  for  our  departed  ones!  I  have  found  some 
papers  of  my  beloved  child's  which  have  much  comforted  me ;  he 
reproaches  himself  for  not  having  loved  his  Saviour  as  he  ought,  and 
this  leads  me  to  hope  that  he  loved  Him  more  than  we  were  aware  of. 
It  is  difficult  to  me  to  reconcile  not  having  closed  his  eyes ;  and  the 
thoughts  of  the  sufferings  he  must  have  endured,  always  open  my 
wounds  afresh :  but  God  permitted  the  stroke,  surely  for  some  wise 
purpose.    May  He  grant  us  grace  to  profit  by  it." 

In  alluding  to  a  person  respecting  whom  they  both  felt  an  interest, 
she  says — 

"  It  seems  to  me  that  God  has  spoken  more  to  him  of  late,  or  rather 
that  he  has  hearkened  more,  for  God  always  speaks  to  us,  and  it  is  we 
who  are  guilty,  when  we  hear  Him  not.  Alas!  if  we  lived  more  in 
retirement  and  silence,  waiting  upon  the  Lord,  we  should  better  under- 
stand that  divine,  celestial  voice,  which  speaks  to  us  words  of  spirit 
and  of  life.  The  soul,  which  has  known  communion  with  its  God,  is 
guilty,  if  it  does  not  seek  opportunities  of  retiring  to  listen  to  Him  in 
silence,  seeking,  with  reverent  attention,  for  that  greatest  privilege 
which  is  permitted  to  mortals.  Ah!  how  often  am  I  that  guilty  soul! 
pray  for  me,  my  dear  friend,  that  God  may  grant  me  grace  to  seek  Him 
more  and  more  in  silence  and  retirement. 

It  is  a  great  comfort  to  me  to  hear  from  you  ;  all  your  christian 


*See  page  170. 


180 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1826. 


words  which  come  from  your  heart,  reach  mine, — they  edify,  fortify, 
and  console  me.  Adieu !  May  God,  by  His  grace,  spread  His  most 
precious  blessings  over  you,  by  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  My  husband 
and  all  my  children  desire  that  I  would  present  to  you  their  sincere  re- 
spects. Do  not  forget  us  in  your  prayers,  and  believe  in  the  sincere 
attachment  of  your  friend, 

M.  Vernet,  nee  Pictet. 

^' Eleve7ith  Month  llih. — Dr.  Lushington  has  proved,  incontestably, 
the  innocence  of  Lecesne  and  Escoffery,  and  the  gross  conspiracy  that 
has  been  formed  against  them. 

12ih. — Meeting.  Hannah  and  Maria  Middleton,  who  are  performing 
a  religious  visit  to  the  families  of  Friends  in  Gracechurch  Street  quar- 
ter, were  there.  M.  M.  was  very  clear  and  beautiful  on  the  passage  of 
the  ark  through  Jordan. 

13th. — Morning  Meetinof.  The  tendering  influence  of  divine  love 
was  to  be  felt;  Isaac  Hammer  was  there,  and  gave  a  plain  and  simple 
account  of  his  late  religious  engagement  in  Germany.  He  had  tra- 
velled much  on  foot,  going  from  village  to  village,  and  from  town  to 
town,  visiting  pious  persons  in  their  houses;  some  of  them  accom- 
panied him  as  guides,  and  he  found  many  more  of  this  description 
than  he  at  all  expected.  It  seems  that  a  great  work  is  going  forward 
in  the  hearts  of  numbers  in  that  country. 

2lst. — Dear  Cornelius  was  married  to-day  at  Bristol,  to  Elizabeth 
Sanderson ;  I  approve  of  the  connexion. 

25th. — At  Lindfield.  Engaged  in  prayer  in  the  night  watches ; 
renewed  my  covenant  with  the  Lord. 

— We  concluded  to  hold  our  meeting  in  Anna  Bradshaw's 
parlour.  Even  before  we  were  all  assembled,  a  solemnity  was  felt, 
which  increased  to  a  precious  degree  of  sweetness,  for  which  I  felt 
reverently  thankful.  It  seemed  as  if  our  blessed  Master  owned  us 
together,  with  the  lifting  up  of  the  light  of  His  countenance.  At  length 
I  had  to  address  the  company,  under  a  fresh  feeling  of  the  anointing. 
I  believe  most  were  contrited  ;  there  was  afterwards  a  solemn  pause, 
and,  towards  the  conclusion,  I  was  engaged  in  supplication  and  thanks- 
giving. I  hardly  ever  was  sensible,  on  any  similar  occasion,  of  more 
openness,  and  a  greater  degree  of  evidence  that  it  was  <  with  the 
spirit.'  Amongst  other  petitions,  I  was  led  to  pray  for  a  blessing  upon 
our  endeavours  to  promote  the  good  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  place. 
0,  that  many  souls  may  be  gathered !  This  was  a  sweet  meeting, 
which,  I  trust,  I  shall  long  remember.  Went  over  to  the  schools,  and 
about  six  o'clock  held  our  reading  meeting.  I  was  glad  to  see  such 
an  attendance,  and  had  solid  peace  in  this  evening's  engagement,  as 
well  as  in  the  meeting  in  the  morning. 


1827. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


181 


Twelflh  Month  13i/i. — Meeting  at  Gracechurch  street.  The  marriage 
of  John  Yeardley  and  Martha  Savory.  There  was  a  holy  solemnity  in 
the  time  of  silence,  for  which  I  felt  reverently  thankful  ;  there  were 
some  acceptable  communications  in  ministry,  and  we  had  a  good 
meeting. 

loth — British  and  Foreign  School  Committee;  took  in  an  Armenian 
to  train. 

16th. — General  Macaulay  dined  with  me,  and  we  spent  the  afternoon 
very  pleasantly  together.  In  the  evening,  I  went  to  a  meeting  of  my 
neighbours  at  the  infant  school-room,  on  the  subject  of  a  savings'  bank. 
It  was  established,  and  I  was  made  one  of  the  trustees. 

19th. — Attended  Ratcliff  Monthly  Meeting,  which  was  to  me  a  time 
of  comfort ;  E.  J.  Fry  appeared  in  suppUcation,  and  several  Friends 
spoke  in  ministry.  I  rose  with  these  words  of  our  blessed  Redeemer, 
'  My  meat  is  to  do  the  will  of  him  that  sent  me,  and  to  finish  his  work,' 
afterwards  adding,  <  He  that  reapeth  receiveth  wages,  and  gathereth 
fruit  unto  life  eternal,'  (Sec.  At  the  close  of  the  first  meeting,  women 
Friends  being  desired  to  remain,  E.  J.  F.  opened  her  prospect  of  pay- 
ing a  religious  visit  to  Ireland,  and  her  sister-in-law,  Elizabeth  Fry, 
also  expressed  her  concern  to  join  her.  They  were  encouraged  to  pro- 
ceed, and  were  furnished  with  certificates. 

22nd — An  important  conference  with  H.  Brougham,  about  his  book 
society,  in  which  he  wishes  me  to  take  a  part. 

Twelfth  Month  26th  Quarterly  Meeting  ;  a  signally  favoured  time. 

In  the  second  meeting  there  was  a  precious  solemnity.  The  queries 
were  answered  in  course.  I  returned  my  certificate  ;  soon  after  which 
E.  J.  Fry  and  her  sister  came  in,  and  laid  their  concern  before  the 
meeting  to  visit  Ireland.  I  believe  many  felt  that  Divine  Goodness 
overshadowed  us.  Several  Friends,  and  I  among  the  rest,  bore  public 
testimony  to  the  unity  felt  with  them. 

First  Month  18th,  1827.— Met  the  book  committee  at  Furnival's 
Inn.*  The  rules  were  read,  and  the  great  point  with  some  of  us  was, 
to  guard  against  admitting  any  thing  which  might  be  opposed  to 
revealed  religion  ;  a  sketch  was  at  length  agreed  to,  which  is  to  be  sent 
round  to  the  members  for  improvements  and  suggestions. 

23rd. — Received  a  letter  from  Captain  Blaquiere,  giving  a  good 
account  of  Lord  Guildford's  university,  and  of  the  progress  of  schools 
upon  the  British  and  Foreign  system,  in  the  Ionian  Islands. 

26th. — Went  up  to  Count  Mandelsloh,  the  Wurtemberg  Ambassador, 
and  left  with  him  a  letter,  which  I  have  written  to  the  King  of  Wur- 
temberg, together  with  a  copy  of  '  Colonies  at  Home,'  and  the  Address 
to  the  Students  at  Guy's  Hospital.  He  seemed  quite  pleased,  and 
promised  to  send  them  off  to-morrow." 

*  From  which  originated  the  "  Society  for  the  Diffusion  of  Useful  Knowledge." 


182 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1827. 


In  this  letter,  W.  A.  says — 

"  I  have  often  remembered,  with  pleasure,  what  passed  in  the  inter- 
view, with  which  thou  and  thy  consort  were  pleased  to  favour  me, 
when  at  Stuttgard.  Thou  maycst  recollect,  that,  among  other  subjects, 
the  conversation  turned  upon  establishments  for  the  poor,  in  which 
they  might  subsist, — partly  by  cultivating  a  small  portion  of  land,  and 
partly  by  some  handicraft  business.  Since  my  return  to  England,  I 
have  been  showing,  by  actual  experiment,  what  may  be  done  in  this 
way.  I  have  fully  stated  my  plans  in  a  pamphlet,  entitled,  '  Colonies 
at  Home,'  of  which  I  beg  thy  acceptance." 

After  entering  a  little  into  this  subject,  W.  A.  alludes  to  the  decease 
of  the  late  Emperor,  Alexander  of  Russia,  which,  he  says,  "  affected 
me  deeply,"  and  adds — 

"  I  send  thee  a  copy  of  a  letter,  which  I  wrote  to  him,  shortly  before 
his  lamented  death,  and  I  send  it,  because  I  wish  to  impress  upon  thy 
mind  also,  the  sentiments  contained  in  it. 

During  his  life,  I  used  great  reserve  in  communicating  what  passed 
in  the  different  interviews,  with  which  he  was  pleased  to  favour  me ; 
but  that  restraint  is  now,  in  some  measure,  removed. 

In  thus  bringing  myself  to  thy  notice,  my  sole  desire  is,  to  promote, 
as  far  as  I  can,  the  comfort  and  happiness  of  the  whole  family  of  man. 
I  deeply  felt,  when  with  thee,  thy  paternal  interest  in  the  welfare  of  thy 
people ;  and  it  will  afford  me  much  satisfaction  if  any  suggestions  of 
mine  should  prove  of  the  least  assistance  to  thee. 

I  beg  thy  acceptance  also  of  the  model  of  a  cottage,  made  at  our  works 
at  Lanark,  in  Scotland. 

With  desires  that  thou  and  thy  dear  consort  may  long  be  preserved 
a  blessing  to  your  people,  and  a  bright  example  to  other  princes, 

I  remain,  in  christian  affection. 

Your  very  respectful  friend, 

William  Allen." 

During  his  visit  to  Ireland,  and  subsequently  by  corresponding  with 
persons  in  different  parts  of  the  country,  William  Allen  was  earnest 
to  promote  plans  for  the  improvement  of  the  peasantry,  and  to  intro- 
duce the  system  of  agriculture  detailed  in  his  "  Colonies  at  Home." 
Amongst  the  letters  which  he  received  in  reference  to  this  subject,  was 
one  from  Maria  Edgeworth,  containing  the  follovk'ing  spirited  observa- 
tions : — 

^^EdgeworlJi's  Tuwn,  January  l^lh,  1827. 

'<  Dear  Sir, 

"I  am  gratified  and  honoured  by  your  sending  me  an  account  of 
your  benevolent  plans  for  Ireland,  and  I  heartily  wish  you  and  them 
success. 


1827. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


183 


There  can  be  no  doubt  that  what  you  call  colonization  at  home, 
would  be  preferable  to  colonization  abroad,  if  it  can  be  carried  into 
effect,  because  it  would,  in  the  first  place,  save  all  the  risk,  expense, 
and  suffering  of  emigration,  and  would,  in  the  next  place,  secure  to  the 
home  country  the  benefits  of  increased  and  improved  cultivation  and 
civilization.  Your  plans  of  improved  agriculture  and  economy,  appear 
most  feasible  and  most  promising  on  paper ;  but  I  fear  that  in  attempt- 
ing to  carry  them  into  execution  in  this  country,  there  would  be  found 
obstacles  of  which  you  can  form  no  estimate,  without  a  more  intimate 
knowledge  of  the  habits  of  the  peasantry  of  Ireland,  than  a  first  visit  to 
this  country  could  afford,  or,  in  short,  anything  but  long  residence  could 
give.  Their  want  of  habits  of  punctuality  and  order,  would  embarrass 
you  at  every  step,  and  prevent  your  carrying  into  effect  those  regular 
plans  in  which  it  is  essential  that  they  must  join,  for  their  own  advantage. 
Your  dairy  plans  {oT  instance,  which  have  succeeded  so  well  in  Switzer- 
land, would  not  do  in  this  country,  at  least  not  without  a  century's 
experiments.  Paddy  would  fall  to  disputing  with  the  dairyman,  would 
go  to  law  with  him  for  his  share  of  the  common  cow's  milk,  or  for  her 
trespassing,  or  he  would  pledge  his  eighth  or  sixteenth  part  of  her  for 
his  rent,  or  his  bottle  of  whiskey,  and  the  cow  would  be  pounded  and 
re-pledged,  and  re-pounded  and  bailed  and  carited  ;  and  things  impos- 
sible for  you  to  foresee,  perhaps  impossible  for  your  English  imagination 
to  conceive,  would  happen  to  the  cow  and  the  dairyman.  In  all  your 
attempts  to  serve  my  poor  dear  countrymen,  you  would  find,  that  whilst 
you  were  demonstrating  to  them  what  would  be  their  greatest  advantage, 
they  would  be  always  making  out  a  short  cut,  not  a  royal  road,  but 
a  bog-road  to  their  own  by-ohjects.  Paddy  would  be  most  grateful, 
most  sincerely,  warmly  grateful  to  you,  and  would  bless  your  honour, 
and  your  honour's  honour,  with  all  his  heart ;  but  he  would,  neverthe- 
less, not  scruple  on  every  practicable  occasion,  to  to  to  cheat, 

I  will  not  say, — that  is  a  coarse  word, — but  to  circumvent  you  ;  at 
every  turn  you  would  find  Paddy  trying  to  walk  round  you,  begging 
your  honour's  pardon — hat  oflT,  bowing  to  the  ground  to  you — all  the 
while  laughing  in  your  face  if  you  found  him  out,  and,  if  he  outwitted 
you,  loving  you  all  the  better  for  being  such  an  innocent. 

Seriously,  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  Irish  people  would,  like  all 
other  people,  learn  honesty,  punctuality,  order,  and  economy,  with 
proper  motives  and  proper  training,  and  in  due  time,  but  do  not  leave 
time  out  of  your  account.  Very  sorry  should  I  be,  either  in  jest  or 
earnest,  to  discourage  any  of  that  enthusiasm  of  benevolence  which 
animates  you  in  their  favour.  But,  as  Paddy  himself  would  say,  'Sure 
it  is  better  to  be  disappointed  in  the  beginning,  than  the  end.'  Each 
failure  in  attempts  to  do  good  in  this  country,  discourages  the  friends 
of  humanity,  and  encourages  the  railers,  scoffers,  and  croakers,  and 


184 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1827. 


puts  us  back  in  hope,  perhaps  half  a  century :  therefore,  think  well 
before  you  begin,  and,  begin  upon  a  small  scale,  which  you  may  ex- 
tend as  you  please  afterwards. 

You  may,  in  some  happy  instances,  find  generous,  rich,  and  judicious 
landlords,  who  will  assist  you ;  but  do  not  depend  upon  it,  that  this 
will  be  general,  else  you  will  be  cruelly  disappointed,  not  in  promises, 
but  in  performance. 

The  mixture  of  agriculture  and  manufactures,  I  have  no  doubt  makes 
the  happiest  system  for  the  people,  and  whether  this  tended  most  to  the 
riches  of  a  state  or  not,  the  balance  of  comfort  and  happiness  would 
decide  a  friend  of  humanity  in  its  favour." 

"  Second  Month  1st. — Jean  Gaspard  Zellweger,  a  Swiss,  dined  with 
me,  and  staid  the  night.  He  had  a  letter  of  introduction  from  M.  Vernet, 
who  says,  '  I  take  the  liberty  of  recommending  to  you  a  young  man, 
from  the  Canton  of  Appenzel.  He  is  the  son  of  an  eminent  philan- 
thropist, Mr.  Jean  Gaspard  Zellweger,  who  devotes  the  principal  part 
of  his  fortune  to  the  good  of  his  country;  he  is  a  deeply  religious 
character.  He  had  a  beloved  wife  and  nine  children,  five  of  whom  he 
has  lost,  and  also  his  wife,  but  his  trials  have  brought  him  nearer  to  his 
God,  and  he  much  desires  for  his  only  remaining  son,  that  he  may  be 
altogether  a  christian.  The  simplicity  of  this  family  resembles  that  of 
the  Society  of  Friends.  I  feel  a  great  regard  for  the  young  man,  who 
has  been  much  with  us.  Pray  give  him  some  paternal  counsel.  He 
is  very  desirous  of  avoiding  temptation,  and  earnestly  begs  for  an  intro- 
duction to  you.'  " 

In  this  letter,  Marianne  Vernet  also  says — 

<«  Charles  has  written  to  inform  you  of  the  intended  marriage  of  my 
Adfele,  and  to  beg  your  prayers  for  her.  I  have  been  very  poorly 
lately,  and  am  not  yet  well,  but  we  have  had  a  far  greater  source  of 
anxiety  in  the  illness  of  M.  de  Stael,  which  has  much  affected  us  all. 
For  some  days  we  were  doubtful  whether  we  should  not  again  have 
our  tenderest  feelings  called  forth  ;  thanks  be  to  the  God  of  mercy, 
however,  our  dear  friend  is  now  much  better ;  indeed  he  has  made  so 
much  progress  towards  convalescence,  that  we  look  forward  to  his 
being  well  enough  to  accomplish  the  marriage  towards  the  end  of 
February.  I  would  entreat  you,  as  a  father,  to  pray  to  God  that  He 
would  preserve  this  dear  young  couple,  that  He  would  keep  them 
amidst  the  temptations  of  the  world,  and  draw  them  more  and  more 
unto  Himself,  that  thus  they  may  go  steadily  forward  in  the  christian 
course,  in  that  way  which  our  blessed  Lord  calls  them  into.  Ask  for 
them  an  abundant  measure  of  His  Holy  Spirit,  by  which  alone  they 
can  be  strengthened  to  resist  evil,  and  experience  regeneration  of  heart." 

Under  this  date,  W.  A.  mentions  writing  the  following  letter: — 


1827. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


185 


TO  PRINCE  ALEXANDER  GALITZIN. 
"  Sloke  NewingtuJi,  near  London,  \st  of  Second  Month,  1827. 
"  My  dear  and  highly  respected  Friend, 

"  For  a  long  time  past  I  have  very  often  wished  to  address  thee,  and 
our  beloved  friend  in  the  Lord,  B.  Papof,  with  a  few  lines  expressive  of 
that  love  and  sympathy  which  flows  in  my  heart  towards  you;  but 
whenever  I  think  of  you,  the  image  or  idea  of  one  inexpressibly  dear  to 
us  all,  impresses  my  mind  so  forcibly,  that  I  know  not  how  to  begin. 
Never,  except  in  the  loss  of  those  most  nearly  connected  with  me  by 
the  ties  of  nature,  have  I  felt  anguish  of  heart,  equal  to  that  which  I 
experienced  when  I  first  heard  the  news  of  the  illness  and  death  of  the 
beloved  Alexander;  but,  after  a  time,  it  seemed  as  if  I  felt  sympathy 
with  his  redeemed  and  glorified  spirit,  and  I  could  only  contemplate 
him  as  one  of  the  just  made  perfect^  and  for  ever  centered  in  his 
Heavenly  Father's  rest. 

I  shall  be  thankful  to  my  Divine  Master  as  long  as  I  live,  that  I 
yielded  to  the  impression  of  duty,  which  I  felt  in  my  own  mind,  to  go 
to  Vienna  and  confer  with  the  dear  Emperor.  The  interviews  with 
him  there  and  at  Verona,  were  most  satisfactory.  In  the  last  I  had  with 
him,  he  embraced  me  affectionately,  and,  fixing  his  eyes  upon  me, 
said,  with  much  solemnity,  '  When  and  where  shall  we  meet  again  ?' 
Ah  !  may  we,  my  beloved  friend,  when  our  day  of  trial  is  over,  through 
the  merits  of  a  crucified  Redeemer,  meet  him  again  in  that  blessed 
company  «  which  came  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have  washed  their 
robes  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  Therefore  are 
they  before  the  throne  of  God,  and  serve  Him  day  and  night  in  his 
temple ;  and  he  that  sitteth  on  the  throne  shall  dwell  among  them. 
They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more  ;  neither  shall  the 
sun  light  on  them,  nor  any  heat.  For  the  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst 
of  the  throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead  them  unto  living  fountains 
of  waters:  and  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes.' 

The  humble  disciple  of  a  crucified  Lord  has  this  comfort  under  all 
his  trials,  whether  public  or  private,  that  his  Divine  Master  has  promised 
to  be  with  him  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world,  and  if  He  be  with 
us,  what  have  we  to  fear  ? 

If  thou  shouldest  judge  it  suitable,  please  to  present  the  enclosed  to 
the  Emperor  Nicholas,  with  my  very  sincere  respects.  It  is  what  his 
beloved  brother  wished  me  to  send  to  him,  when  I  had  finished  it. 
The  title  is  '  Colonies  at  Home,'  and  it  contains  those  plans  for  pro- 
moting the  comfort  and  happiness  of  the  agricultural  poor,  which  I  am 
now  carrying  on  at  Lindfield,  in  Sussex.  The  late  Emperor  wished 
me  to  send  him  details. 

May  we,  my  dear  and  highly  respected  friend,  be  favoured  to  keep 


186 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1827. 


under  the  influence  of  divine  grace,  knowing  Christ  to  dwell  in  our 
hearts  by  feith ;  then  shall  we  experience  preservation  through  all  the 
storms  of  time,  and  at  length  an  entrance  will  be  administered  to  us 
into  the  everlastinsr  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

I  remain,  with  great  respect. 

Thy  ever  affectionate  friend, 

William  Allen." 

"  Second  Month  13i!/i.— We  held  the  Infant  School  Committee  at 
the  Row ;  an  excellent  report  has  been  drawn  up ;  one  hundred  and 
eight  children  on  the  books  ;  between  eighty  and  ninety  attend. 

14:th. — Walked  up  to  the  Colonial  Office,  Downing  Street,  by 
appointment  of  R.  W.  Hay  ;  the  object  was  to  try  to  obtain  a  free 
passage  to  Corfu  for  one  of  the  Greek  lads.  I  left  him  Jenkins's  (the 
school  master's)  letter  from  the  Mauritius,  and  spoke  to  him  about 
Sierra  Leone.  He  was  very  kind,  and  said  he  must  inquire  about 
vessels  going  to  Greece. 

Ibth. — Daniel  Schlatter,  of  St.  Gallen,  came  to  stay  with  us;  he  is 
a  pious  young  man  who  has  been  living  amongst  the  Nogaye  Tartars. 

Third  Month. — Count  Mandelsloh  has  transmitted  me  the  following 
letter  from  the  King  of  Wurtemberg :  — 

<  I  have  received,  with  particular  satisfaction,  your  letter  dated  26th 
of  January,  also  the  little  publication  entitled  '  Colonies  at  Home,' 
with  the  Address  to  the  Students  at  Guy's  Hospital,  and  a  copy  of  the 
letter  to  his  late  Majesty  the  Emperor  Alexander.  Accept  my  warmest 
thanks  for  all  these  interesting  communications,  which  you  have  had 
the  kindness  to  send  me.  I  shall  attentively  examine  in  what  way  I 
can  make  the  best  use  of  your  philanthropic  suggestions. 

Adieu,  Sir  :  may  you  always  continue  your  benevolent  occupations 
with  the  same  zeal,  and  may  your  excellent  plans  to  promote  the  cause 
of  humanity,  be  crowned  with  the  success  which  the  good  intentions  of 
their  author  so  justly  merit.  I  feel  a  real  interest  in  them,  and  shall 
always  value  the  sentiments  you  entertain  towards  myself.  I  pray  God 
that  He  may  always  have  Mr.  WilUam  Allen  in  His  holy  keeping. 

WiLHELM.' 

3rd. — My  mind  turned  to  the  Lord  in  reverent  thanksgiving,  and 
prayer  to  be  more  completely  His  servant  in  all  things.  0,  for  more 
faith  !    In  my  study,  writing  to  President  Boyer." 

In  this  letter  William  Allen  says — 

"  Permit  me  to  introduce  myself  to  thy  notice,  as  one  who  has 
laboured  in  the  cause  of  the  descendants  of  Africa,  for  more  than  forty 
years,  and  who  is  desirous  of  doing  all  in  his  power  to  assist  in  the 
Abolition  of  Slavery  all  over  the  world. 

I  am  most  anxious  that  Hayti  should  set  such  an  example  of  a  free 


1S27. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


187 


and  happy  people,  as  shall  confound  all  your  adversaries ;  and  this  will 
certainly  be  the  case  if  a  sense  of  our  duties  to  God  and  to  man,  be 
deeply  impressed  upon  the  minds  of  the  people.  It  has  been  justly 
observed,  that  a  people  without  morals  may  obtain  freedom,  but  with- 
out morals  they  could  never  preserve  it.  I  am  therefore  extremely 
desirous  to  hear  that  the  means  of  education  are  provided  for  the  poorest, 
which  is  always  the  most  numerous  class  in  every  country,  and  I  am 
glad  to  learn  that  this  subject  has  engaged  much  of  thy  attention." 
W.  A.  adds,  in  his  Diary — 

"  Sent  to  President  Boyer,  'Colonies  at  Home,'  'Brief  Remarks,' 
'Thoughts,'  <  School  Report,'  'Manual,'  and  'Scripture  Lessons.'  " 

About  this  period,  he  mentions,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  that  a  new 
epoch  was  opening  in  his  eventful  life.  For  years,  he  and  Grizell 
Birkbeck  had  been  upon  terms  of  friendship.  The  peculiar  circum- 
stances of  his  family  led  him  often  to  seek  her  help  and  counsel ;  and  in 
his  close  and  deep  bereavements,  she  was  his  kind  and  sympathizing 
adviser. 

"It  was  not,  however,"  he  says,  "till  after  I  lost  my  beloved  child, 
who  was,  as  it  were,  my  last  earthly  prop,  that  a  more  intimate  union 
than  that  of  friendship  opened  to  my  view  ;  and  now  the  time  appears 
nearly  come  for  its  completion.  We  purpose,  if  nothing  unforeseen 
prevent,  that  the  marriage  shall  take  place  on  the  14th  instant.  Should 
this  step  appear  singular,  let  it  be  remembered,  that  the  dispensations 
through  which  I  have  had  to  pass,  have  been  singularly  afflictive." 

The  marriage  was  accomplished  on  the  14th  of  Third  Month,  soon 
after  which  period,  he  removed  to  Paradise  Row. 

In  a  letter  from  Prince  Alexander  Galitzin,  dated  29th  of  March,  he 
says,  in  addressing  William  Allen — 

"  Your  letter,  of  the  first  of  February,  has  been  very  welcome  to  me  ; 
and  the  feelings  you  expressed  therein,  concerning  the  loss  of  our  greatly 
beloved  Emperor,  Alexander,  of  glorious  memory,  were  of  the  kind  I 
should  expect  from  your  sincere  attachment  to  his  person,  and  due 
regard  to  his  character.  The  whole  of  your  letter  was  of  a  great  interest 
to  me.  I  have  communicated  the  contents  of  it  to  his  Majesty  the 
Emperor,  and  presented,  at  the  same  time,  your  pamphlet  about  the 
colonies  at  home.  His  Imperial  Majesty  has  deigned  to  accept  it  most 
graciously.  He  charged  me  to  express  to  you  his  thanks  for  it,  and  to 
remark  to  you,  that,  when  in  England,  his  Majesty  has  seen,  with  the 
greatest  satisfaction,  different  establishments  of  individuals  belonging 
to  the  Society  of  Friends. 

I  have  also  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  of  the  Empress  Dowager's 
commission  to  me,  in  consequence  of  what  you  requested  me,  in  the 
conclusion  of  your  letter,  to  mention  to  her  Majesty,  from  your  part. 
The  Empress  is  very  thankful  for  the  sentiments  you  are  showing  to 


188 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1827. 


her  Imperial  Majesty ;  and,  being  well  aware  of  the  importance  of  the 
prayers  of  virtuous  men,  she  hopes  you  will  not  refuse  to  pray  for  her 
Majesty,  and  for  the  welfare  of  the  benevolent  institutions  under  her 
protection. 

I  most  gratefully  acknowledge  your  pious  wishes  for  myself,  and 
cordially  desire  for  you  the  same  from  on  high.  I  send  you  my  portrait, 
which  I  hope  you  will  be  pleased  with,  as  it  has  been  very  successfully 
done.  I  beg  your  prayers  for  me,  and  remain,  with  sentiments  of  true 
consideration  and  friendship, 

My  dear  Sir, 
Your  obedient  Servant, 
Prince  Alexander  Galitzin." 

"  Sixth  Month  26lh — Quarterly  Meeting.  In  the  second  meeting 
E.  J.  Fry  and  her  sister  came  into  our  meeting,  to  return  their  certifi- 
cates. E.  J.  F.  gave  a  sweet  account  of  their  visit  to  Ireland,  and  the 
inward  support  which  they  had  received.  My  spirit  was  nearly  united 
to  her,  and  it  was  a  refreshing  time.  It  is  admirable  to  see  how  she  is 
preserved  in  humility.    Her  sister-in-law  spoke  afterwards. 

Eighth  Month  6th  G.  Canning  is  dangerously  ill,  not  likely  to 

survive  through  the  day.    This  seems  to  be  a  heavy  national  loss. 

In  writing  to  a  friend,  soon  afterwards,  W.  A.  says — 

"  The  death  of  George  Canning  has  thrown  a  gloom  over  our  country, 
and  is  deeply  felt  and  deplored  by  those  who  know  how  to  appreciate 
liberal  sentiments.  The  King  has  ordered  a  public  funeral  for  him, 
and  declines  to  appoint  a  successor  until  that  is  over." 

During  the  summer  and  autumn  months,  William  Allen  frequently 
spent  a  week  or  two  at  his  cottage  at  Lindfield,  to  superintend  the 
important  concerns  of  the  little  Colony.  He  was  generally  accom- 
panied by  his  wife  and  two  of  her  nieces,  who  resided  with  them  ;  and 
it  was  his  usual  practice  on  these  occasions,  to  visit  some  of  the  sur- 
•rounding  meetings  of  Friends,  where,  as  well  as  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  London,  he  was  often  led,  by  the  constraining  power  of  heavenly 
love,  to  invite  all  to  come  unto  Jesus — to  Him  who  has  declared  him- 
self to  be,  "the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life." 

On  the  decease  of  his  dear  and  valued  friend,  Sarah  Benson,  he  went 
to  Liverpool,  in  company  with  Joseph  Foster  to  attend  the  interment 
of  her  remains  ;  and 

Eleventh  Month  Ath.—  First-day,  he  writes — 
Low  in  the  night,  but  favoured  with  access  in  prayer  to  Him  who 
has  supported  and  comforted  me  in  my  pilgrimage,  all  my  life  long. 
Meeting  at  ten  :  I  spoke  in  ministry,  and  was  mercifully  assisted  beyond 
expectation,  and  ray  faith  was  sweetly  confirmed.  The  interment  took 
place  in  the  afternoon.    The  great  Master  was  with  us  indeed,  and  an 


1827. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


189 


uncommon  covering  of  solemnity  attended.  Many,  I  believe,  felt  it  to 
be  a  good  time,  and  a  precious  evidence  seemed  to  be  given,  that  the 
dear  deceased  was  admitted  a  joyful  inhabitant  of  one  of  those  many 
mansions  in  the  Heavenly  Father's  house,  which  the  Saviour  has  pre- 
pared for  his  humble,  devoted  followers.  We  had  a  memorable  religious 
opportunity  at  Lodge  Lane,  in  the  evening.  Dear  Robert  Benson  read 
three  favourite  chapters  of  his  mother's,  the  5th,  6th,  and  7th  of  Revela- 
tion. 

Eleventh  Month  5th. — Comfortable  retrospect  of  yesterday  ;  my  heart 
is  filled  with  reverent  thankfulness.  Zellweger,  the  young  Swiss  recom- 
mended to  me  by  M.  Vernet,  breakfasted  with  me,  at  my  hotel.  I  gave 
him  some  religious  advice  at  parting." 

After  his  return  home,  he  writes — 

"S/A. — Took  leave  of  Hannah  Kilham,  who  is  on  the  point  of  going 
to  Africa. 

21th. — I  am  grieved  to  hear  of  the  decease  of  the  Baron  de  Slael ; 
he  died  at  Copet,  a  few  days  ago,  of  typhus  fever.  The  loss  of  such  a 
man,  at  such  a  time,  makes  one's  heart  sad.  I  sympathize  deeply  with 
the  family  in  their  great  affliction,  but  trust  that  they  will  be  supported 
by  the  sweet  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  sustain  the  soul  of 
every  true  believer  in  our  blessed  Saviour,  under  all  the  tribulations 
incident  to  this  state  of  being. 

29th. — Disturbed  in  the  night  with  driving  rain,  but  my  mind  a  little 
comforted  and  refreshed  with  a  sense  of  the  Lord's  presence.  May  it 
be  the  chief  object  of  my  life  to  watch  over  myself,  and  ray  own  tem- 
per, to  labour  more  and  more  after  the  meekness  and  gentleness  of  Christ, 
and  to  encourage  that  which  is  good  in  others,  to  the  utmost  of  my 
power. 

We  have  received  intelligence  that  Sir  Neil  Campbell,  the  Governor 
of  Sierra  Leone,  is  dead.  These  frequent  instances  of  mortality  there 
are  very  discouraging. 

— To  town,  to  attend  the  election  of  officers  at  the  Royal 
Society,  and  was  gratified  in  meeting  many  old  friends.  Davy  resigned 
as  president,  and  Herschel  and  Children  as  secretaries.  Davies  Gilbert 
was  generally  voted  for  as  president,  and  Dr.  Roget,  and  Sabine  were 
elected  secretaries. 

Twelfth  Month  3rd  Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 

Society.  A  very  interesting  report  from  Dr.  Pinkerton  and  his  com- 
panion about  their  late  journey. 

Twelfth  Month  1th. — I  received  a  letter  to-day  from  Contineas,  and 
the  dear  Colonists  in  South  Russia." 

In  this  letter,  Contineas  says — 

"Although  scarcely  able  to  hold  a  pen,  I  cannot  let  a  letter  ad- 
dressed to  you,  go  without  making  an  effort  to  write  a  few  words,  to 


190 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1827. 


tell  you  that  my  heart  is  still,  to  this  hour,  filled  with  a  love  as  cordial, 
and  a  veneration  as  constant,  as  at  the  time  when  I  had  the  happiness 
of  seeing  you,  and  of  passing  some  delightful  days  in  your  incom- 
parable society. 

The  good  Daniel  Schlatter  is  returned  to  our  country,  and  has 
rejoiced  me  much  by  bringing  us  tidings  of  your  health.  The  Menno- 
nites  of  Chorlilz  and  the  Moloshnia,  as  well  as  the  neighbouring  Colo- 
nies, are  not  less  delighted  than  I  am,  to  hear  from  him  that  you  still 
remember  them  with  affection. 

The  little  garden  which  was  enclosed  in  the  garden  of  the  Crown, 
and  bears  the  name  of  our  dear  benefactor,  was  in  a  very  flourishing 
state  until  about  three  years  ago,  when  a  cloud  of  locusts,  which  quite 
darkened  the  air,  came  down  upon  it,  and  had  a  very  pernicious  effect. 
The  branches  of  our  young  exotic  trees,  which  had  sprung  from  your 
seeds,  and  were  particularly  precious  to  us,  were  covered  with  them, 
and  were  nearly  broken  under  the  weight  of  these  sad  insects.  How- 
ever, we  laboured  incessantly  to  repair  the  evil;  and,  thanks  to  your 
generosity,  we  have  many  trees  and  shrubs  still  spared,  some  of  which 
have  borne  fruit. 

Our  friend  Fadeev  and  his  wife,  beg  me  to  offer  you  their  respects. 
We  recommend  ourselves  very  cordially  to  your  good  remembrance 
and  friendship ;  and  we  earnestly  pray  that  our  heavenly  Father  may, 
by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  shed  His  spiritual  gifts  abundantly  on  his 
pious  and  faithful  servant,  William  Allen,  and  upon  all  who  belong  to 
him.  I  entreat  you,  my  honoured  friend,  to  remember  in  your  prayers, 
an  old  man  who  is  near  the  end  of  his  pilgrimage  here  below,  and  who 
is  with  heart  and  soul. 

Your  affectionate  friend, 

GONTINEAS." 

William  Allen  sent  a  present  of  "Colonies  at  Home,"  and  his 
"Address  to  the  Students  at  Guy's  Hospital,"  to  Count  Hogendorp, 
of  the  Hague,  who,  in  acknowledging  them  to  John  S.  Mollet,  of 
Amsterdam,  by  whom  they  were  forwarded,  says — 

"  I  have  read,  with  interest,  the  two  pamphlets  which  you  sent  to 
me  from  our  friend  William  Allen.  I  observe,  with  pleasure,  that  an 
English  Professor  of  Medicine  directs  the  hearts  of  the  students,  his 
auditors,  to  a  Supreme  Intelligence,  and  even  to  the  blessings  of  reve- 
lation. Medical  men  are  too  often  inclined  towards  materialism.  The 
pamphlet  on  Colonies  at  Home,  has  given  me  great  satisfaction." 

In  the  course  of  this  year  W.  A.  commenced  a  periodical  which  was 
printed  at  his  Schools  of  Industry,  Lindfield,  and  which  was  under  his 
own  immediate  direction.  Its  title  is  "  The  Philanthropic  Magazine:" 
it  was  designed  as  '<  a  repository  for  hints  and  suggestions  calculated 
to  promote  the  comfort  and  happiness  of  man." 


1828.  OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN.  191 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

1S2S — 1832. — Notice  of  Yearly  Meeting — Departure  of  Alexander  D'Jiinkovsky  for  Rus- 
sia— Correspondence — Declaratory  Minute  of  the  Yearly  Meeting — Death  of  liis  Mother — 
Capital  Punishment — Friends  present  an  Address  to  King  William  IV. — Death  of  Con- 
tineas — Attends  several  Quarterly  Meetings — Lindlield — Arrival  of  Stephen  Grellet  in 
England — Religious  Engagements  with  him — Political  E.tcitemeiit — Reform  Bill — Sets 
out  for  the  Continent  with  S.  Grellet — Quarantine  off  Helvoetsluys — Arrives  at  Rotter, 
dam — Amsterdam — Visits  Frederick's  Oord — Dusseldorf. 

First  Month,  I3th,  1828. — Storm  of  wind  and  rain  in  the  night. 
Very  much  water  has  fallen  lately,  so  that  I  have  been  thoughtful  about 
our  agricultural  concerns  ;  but,  as  I  lay  ruminating  on  this  subject,  I 
remembered  the  depth  of  resignation  to  which  a  pious  individual,  of 
France,  had  arrived,  in  being  able  thus  to  express  himself,  'Whatever 
pleases  God,  pleases  me.'  0,  how  sweet  and  peaceful  is  a  state  of 
entire  submission  to  the  divine  will  ! 

24.th. — Meeting.  Towards  the  close  I  spoke,  for  a  short  time,  in 
ministry,  and  believed  it  right  to  say  that  mere  silence  was  not  worship. 

Second  Month  2Sth. — This  morning,  in  reading  to  the  family  as 
usual,  I  was  contrited  at  the  account  of  the  poor  woman  who  anointed 
the  Lord's  feet,  in  the  Pharisee's  house,  as  described  by  Luke.  I 
could  but  just  get  through  it. 

Fourth  Month  Idth. — Heard  to-day  that  Hannah  Kilham  was  safely 
arrived  at  Plymouth,  for  which  I  felt  reverently  thankful." 

A  short  time  afterwards  W.  A.  writes — 

<'  Conference  with  H.  Kilham  about  Sierra  Leone.  Melancholy 
statement  of  great  demoralization." 

The  Quarterly  Meeting  having  sanctioned  the  establishment  of  a 
meeting  at  Stoke  Newington,  he  writes  : — 

"  30th. — Tea  at  Edward  Harris's.  Went  to  see  the  ground  in  Park 
Street  for  the  new  meeting-house :  it  seems  very  eligible. 

Fifth  Month  3rd. — Joseph  Foster,  Robert  Forster,  and  I,  went  a 
cruise  to  fix  a  chairman  for  the  annual  meeting  of  the  British  and  Fo- 
reign School  Society.  Lord  John  Russell  most  cheerfully  engaged  to 
take  the  chair  if  the  Marquis  of  Lansdowne  did  not ;  and  offers  to  do 
it  in  future  at  any  time,  so  I  think  we  must  fix  him  for  permanent  chair- 
man of  our  public  meetings.  I  had  much  conversation  with  him  about 
Lindfield,  and  our  plans  for  Ireland  ;  gave  him  one  of  the  books  about 
Frederick's  Oord.  Proceeded  to  Lord  Milton's,  had  a  kind  reception  ; 
he  will  attend  the  meeting,  if  he  does  not  previously  go  to  Ireland :  I 
gave  him  '  Colonies  at  Home.'  Then  came  back  to  the  Freemason's 
Tavern,  to  the  Anti-Slavery  General  Meeting ;  crowded  room — the 


192 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1828. 


Duke  of  Gloucester  in  the  chair.  Brougham,  Denman,  Spring  Rice, 
Wilberforce,  W.  Smith,  Lord  CaUhorp,  &c.,  &c.  It  is  said  that  some 
West  Indians  came  to  oppose,  but  things  went  off  well. 

1th. — Went  up  to  the  Freemason's  Tavern,  to  attend  the  anniversary 
meeting  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  Lord  Teignmouth  in 
the  chair.  Brandrara  read  the  report  excellently.  Some  powerful 
speeches,  and,  on  the  whole,  it  was  a  grand  day  for  (he  cause. 

12;/i. — Anniversary  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society.  Lord 
John  Russell  came  according  to  promise,  also  Wilberforce  and  Lord 
Bexley ;  the  room  was  well  filled.    It  was  a  useful  day. 

— Attended  the  meeting  of  the  subscribers  to  the  Society  for 
Useful  Knowledge,  and  was  glad  I  went.  Brougham,  Denman,  and 
Spring  Rice  were  there,  also  W.  Crawford.  Walked  from  thence 
home  to  tea  ;  H.  Kilham  was  with  us,  and  produced  a  very  interesting 
written  report  of  her  voyage  to  Africa. 

Fiftli  Month  29th. — Yearly  Meeting.  The  reports  of  schools  were 
read  : — it  appears  that  five  hundred  and  eighty  children*  are  receiving 
an  education  at  Ackworth,  Sidcot,  Wigton,  and  Croydon  schools. 
The  circumstances  of  children  not  members,  but  the  offspring  of  per- 
sons who  have  been  disowned,  or  of  those  who  attend  meetings,  came 
under  consideration  ;  they  amount  to  about  six  hundred,  or  seven  hun- 
dred, of  the  ages  between  eight  and  fourteen.  A  minute  is  to  be  sent 
down  to  the  Quarterly  Meetings  to  direct  the  attention  of  Friends  to 
their  case,  and  that  of  their  parents,  and  report  is  to  be  made  next 
year." 

31s/. — In  concluding  the  brief  notices  of  the  transactions  of  the 
Yearly  Meeting,  William  Allen  writes — 

<'  A  precious  sense  of  divine  goodness  was  over  the  meeting,  and 
we  parted  under  it. 

In  the  afternoon,  the  meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  held  its  final 
sitting,  which  was  also  a  time  of  comfort  to  some  of  us. 

Sixth  Month  2nd. — A  Meeting  for  Sufferings  was  held  out  of  course, 
in  order  to  have  the  company  of  some  of  our  Friends  from  the  country, 
in  the  consideration  of  a  petition  to  both  Houses  of  Parliament  against 
Slavery  in  the  West  Indies,  &c.  ;  it  was  a  very  satisfactory  meeting, 
and  a  committee  was  separated  to  prepare  a  petition.  In  the  afternoon, 
a  kind  of  general  meeting  was  held  at  five  o'clock,  to  diffuse  informa- 
tion on  the  present  state  of  the  Anti-Slavery  question,  and  to  stimulate 
Friends  to  still  farther  exertions.  T.  F.  Buxton  was  there,  and  spoke 
well  on  the  business,  as  did  James  Cropper  and  other  Friends.  W^.  D. 
Crewdson,  J.  J.  Gurney,  Josiah  Forster,  and  I,  also  took  part  in  the 
proceedings.  The  body  of  the  meeting-house  was  full,  and  it  was 
considered  a  useful  meeting. 

*  The  number  under  the  care  of  the  Society  is  bow  considerably  increased. 


1828. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


193 


3rd. — Met  Buxton,  Macaulay,  and  Wilberforce,  at  Lord  Calthorp's  ; 
they  think  it  best  to  request  an  interview  with  Ministers  to  know  what 
they  mean  to  do,  in  order  that  we  noiay  take  our  measures  accordingly. 

Sixth  Month  1th. — I  formed  one  of  a  deputation  from  the  African 
Institution,  to  wait  upon  Ministers  to  ascertain  the  intentions  of  Govern- 
ment with  regard  to  compelHng  the  West  India  Colonist  to  comply  with 
the  votes  of  Parliament.  We  were  very  kindly  received  by  the  Duke 
of  Wellington,  Earl  Bathurst,  and  Sir  George  Murray.  The  Duke 
promised  to  do  all  that  he  could  without  forcing  the  colonists  into 
compliance.  It  is  quite  plain  to  me,  that  if  this  iniquity  ever  be  removed, 
it  must  be  by  the  strong  expression  of  sentiment  by  the  British  public. 

— Meeting  for  Sufferings.  Petitions  signed  ;  Buxton  to  present 
the  petition  to  the  Commons;  the  Duke  of  Gloucester,  that  to  the  Lords. 

Seventh  Month  1th. — Rose  before  six  ;  prayer  for  preservation,  as  at 
many  other  times  ;  longing  desires  for  more  purity  of  heart.  If  favoured 
to  feel  our  blessed  Saviour  near,  it  will  not  signify  if  we  should  be 
neglected  or  even  despised  by  men.  I  have,  within  these  few  days, 
been  led  to  contemplate  our  Holy  Pattern,  who,  when  he  was  reviled, 
reviled  not  again.  It  will  be  no  small  attainment  to  avoid  showing 
any  signs  of  uneasiness  when  we  are  slighted. 

\9th. — I  took  Demetrius  a  walk  round  the  garden  with  me,  and  gave 
him  some  serious  advice  respecting  his  conduct  in  life.  We  think  of 
sending  him  to  Count  Capo  d'Istria,  in  the  Morea." 

William  Allen  had  taken  a  good  deal  of  pains  with  this  lad,  who 
was  one  of  the  Greek  youths  educated  at  the  Borough  Road  School, 
and  he  entertained  him  at  his  house  for  some  time,  to  give  him  farther 
instruction  in  scientific  subjects. 

23rc?. — Dear  Alexander  D'Junkovsky  leaves  us  to-morrow  to  return 
to  Petersburg.  I  had  a  conference  with  him  in  my  study,  and  gave 
him  some  religious  counsel  respecting  his  future  conduct ;  he  appeared 
affected.    Wrote  to  Prince  Alexander  Galitzin." 

In  this  letter,  W.  A.  says— 

"  I  profit,  by  the  occasion  of  the  return  of  my  young  friend,  Alex- 
ander D'Junkovsky,  to  his  native  country,  to  bring  myself  once  more 
to  thy  recollection,  and  to  thank  thee  for  thy  kind  letter,  and  the 
engraving  which  accompanied  it,  which  I  highly  value. 

During  the  time  that  the  young  man  has  been  in  my  family,  now 
about  three  years,  I  have  endeavoured  to  encourage  him  in  a  course  of 
piety  and  virtue,  without  attempting  to  interfere  with  his  peculiar  reli- 
gious opinions,  and  I  have  the  comfort  of  believing,  that  he  looks  for 
salvation  from  no  other  source  than  'Christ  crucified.'  He  has  con- 
ducted himself  so  as  to  gain  my  love  and  esteem,  and  my  desire  is  that 
our  blessed  Saviour  may,  by  the  sweet  influences  of  his  love,  draw  him 
nearer  and  nearer  unto  Himself,  that  so  he  may  possess  that  peace 

Vol.  II.  13 


194 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1828. 


which  passeth  all  understanding,  and  become  useful  to  his  country,  and 
to  society  at  large. 

May  the  divine  blessing  continue  to  rest  upon  thee,  my  dear  friend, 
and  mayest  thou,  like  Daniel,  '  stand  in  thy  lot  at  the  end  of  the  days.' 

I  remain,  in  Christian  affection, 

Ever  thine." 

After  a  visit  to  Lindfield,  William  Allen  writes  on  his  return, 
"  Alexander  D'Junkovsky  is  gone,  Demetrius  is  not  yet  off." 

In  a  letter  from  the  former,  dated  "  St.  Petersburg,  1-|  September, 
1828,"  he  thus  states  his  feelings,  when  addressing  W.  A. 

"  Whenever  I  take  the  pen  to  address  you,  my  dearest  and  best 
friend,  I  want  to  persuade  myself  that  I  am  still  near  you,  enjoying  the 
privilege  of  your  company ;  but  the  distance  which  now  separates  me 
from  your  kindness,  and  the  probability  that  I  shall  never,  perhaps,  have 
the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  again,  soon  undeceive  me.  Your  long- 
continued  and  unbounded  kindness,  which  I  experienced  during  more 
than  three  years,  the  constant  intercourse  with  you  to  which  I  became 
accustomed,  together  with  your  fatherly  advices,  have  left  such  impres- 
sion upon  my  mind  that  now,  being  deprived  of  your  presence,  I  feel 
a  kind  of  emptiness  in  my  heart.  Whenever  I  think  of  you,  my  sin- 
cere wish  and  prayer  is,  that  the  Almighty  God  may  pour  his  blessings 
upon  you  and  upon  yours. 

I  believe,  my  dear  sir,  that  you  have  received,  or  will  receive,  a 
letter  from  the  Prince  Galitzin.  I  had  the  pleasure  of  informing  you, 
in  my  last  letter,  that  the  Prince  wished  the  Yearly  Meeting's  Epistle, 
and  the  three  numbers  of  Sabbath  Reading,  (which  you  had  sent  to 
him,)  to  be  translated  for  him  into  Russ,  which  I  have  done  accord- 
ingly, and  he  was  pleased  with  these  publications. 

I  went  the  other  day  to  Mr.  Heard's  school,  which  is,  as  you  know, 
conducted  on  the  British  system,  and  I  was  highly  gratified  with  it. 
There  are  in  the  school,  one  hundred  and  eighty  boys.  Our  Emperor 
has  lately  ordered  that,  from  every  province  or  county  of  our  vast 
Empire,  there  should  be  several  persons  sent  there  to  learn  the  system, 
in  order  that  they  might  establish  similar  schools  in  each  town  ;  several 
of  those  persons  are  accordingly  arrived,  and  it  is  said  that  the  super- 
intendence of  these  schools  will  be  entrusted  to  Mr.  Heard.  Miss  S. 
Kilham's  school  is  going  on  prosperously,  and  increases  rapidly.  Our 
friend  Daniel  Wheeler  continues  his  agricultural  occupations  to  universal 
satisfaction.  The  neighbourhood  of  Petersburg  is  greatly  improved  by 
his  assistance.  Many  of  the  extensive  bogs  in  our  vicinity  have  been 
drained  and  brought  into  cultivation ;  small  farms  have  been  established 
upon  the  improved  lands,  and  several  industrious  people  are  settled 
upon  them.  These  people  are  now  comfortable,  and  bless  the  liberality 
of  the  Emperor,  for,  as  they  were  of  the  number  of  peasants  who  be- 


1828. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


195 


longed  to  his  Majesty,  he  granted  them  full  liberty,  and  the  privilege  of 
settling  themselves  upon  these  farms,  with  the  only  condition  of  estab- 
lishing themselves  in  the  way  Mr.  Wheeler  should  show  them. 

I  think-  of  you,  my  dearest  friend  and  benefactor,  very  frequently, 
and  am  put  in  mind  of  you  every  morning  and  evening,  by  reading  in 
that  Bible  which  you  gave  me,  and  in  which  book  you  read  yourself 
for  many  years." 

William  Allen  likewise  received  a  letter  from  the  father  of  Alexander 
D'Junkovsky,  in  which  he  says — 

"With  a  full  sense  of  the  humblest  gratitude  to  the  Lord  for  the  safe 
return  of  my  son  Alexander  to  his  country,  I  feel  most  particularly  His 
divine  mercy,  in  having  made  you  the  instructor,  protector,  and  second 
father  to  my  son,  all  the  time  of  his  long  residence  in  England.  This 
is  all  I  can  say,  for  when  a  man  has  received  obligations  beyond  all 
manner  of  compensation,  he  can  do  no  more,  but  silently  adore  the 
Providence,  who  alone  can  compensate  the  good  done  to  him." 

Prince  Alexander  Galitzin,  in  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  W^illiam 
Allen's  letter,  with  the  tracts,  &c.,  says — 

"Every  circumstance,  co-operating  for  the  advancement  of  the  Re- 
deemer's kingdom,  is  highly  interesting  to  me.  In  the  present  period 
of  time,  when  the  power  of  darkness  has  so  many  agents  and  instru- 
ments, it  is  always  a  great  satisfaction  to  perceive  the  true  light  spread- 
ing its  beneficial  influences  among  mankind.  The  Spirit  of  God,  our 
Saviour,  will  triumph  over  all  the  efforts  of  the  Spirit  of  evil  and  of 
untruth,  and  small  as  is  the  number  of  those  who,  with  the  true  spirit 
of  the  children  of  God,  are  able  to  be  employed  by  Him  for  His  great 
cause,  they  will  still  in  their  weakness,  overcome  all  their  adversaries, 
<  because  greater  is  He  that  is  in  them,  than  he  that  is  in  the  world.' 

A'"mth  Month  21th. — Appia,  from  La  Tour,  dined  with  me.  We 
had  much  conversation  about  the  Waldenses,  but  came  to  no  points, 
and  it  is  difficult  to  do  so.  He  is  collecting  money  for  the  Waldenses 
generally. 

Te}ith  Month  1st. — Joseph  Foster  and  I  came  down  to  Brighton  to 
attend  the  meeting  to-morrow,  on  laying  the  first  stone  of  the  schools 
of  industry. 

2nd. — x^ttended  our  meeting  for  worship,  and  afterwards  look  a  walk 
with  D.  P.  Hack,  as  Lord  John  Russell,  who  had  engaged  to  be  present, 
was  not  expected  till  between  one  and  two  o'clock.  On  his  arrival,  we 
went  up  to  the  ground  prepared  for  the  school,  together  with  several 
who  are  active  in  the  concern.  There  was  a  considerable  number 
present,  and  after  J.  N.  Goulty  had  made  a  short  speech,  a  parchment 
was  read,  containing  a  description  of  the  premises,  and  of  the  building 
about  to  be  erected,  also  the  principles  upon  which  the  school  was  to 
be  established.    The  parchment,  with  some  coins  and  medals,  was  put 


196 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1828. 


into  a  glass  bottle.  Lord  John  then  spread  the  mortar  with  a  silver 
trowel ;  the  bottle  was  deposited  in  a  cell  provided  for  it,  and  the  stone 
was  lowered  to  its  place.  Several  Friends  were  there.  We  afterwards 
went  to  the  great  room  at  the  Old  Ship,  where  a  public  meeting  was 
held,  at  which  Lord  John  Russell  presided.  Resolutions  were  passed, 
and  the  society  was  established.  There  was  a  very  good  feeling  in  the 
meeting  ;  the  business  was  ably  conducted,  and  the  whole  went  off 
exceedingly  well.  Joseph  Foster  and  I  set  off  home  in  the  afternoon. 
I  am  quite  glad  that  I  went  to  Brighton. 

Tenth  Month  6th. — Attended  the  Inspector's  Committee,  Borough 
Road,  then  went  on  to  the  committee  of  the  Bible  Society,  Earl  Street ; 
a  pretty  full  attendance.  Dr.  Pinkerton  made  an  interesting  report  of 
his  tour  in  Norway,  Sweden,  Denmark,  &c. 

14:th. — At  Lindfield.  As  we  were  walking  to  the  schools,  the  letters 
were  handed  to  us,  one  of  which  contained  the  affecting  intelligence  of 
the  decease  of  Hannah,  wife  of  Dr.  Hancock.  She  was  a  very  valuable 
character,  and  will  be  missed  beyond  the  bounds  of  her  own  family. 

nth. — My  dear  wife,  with  Anna  Bradshaw,  Lucy,  and  I,  went  to 
Horsham,  to  attend  the  Quarterly  Meeting.  Elizabeth  Dell  and  Joseph 
Knight  were  vishing  with  certificates.  William  Rickman  was  also 
there.  We  were  sensible  of  a  precious  feeling  on  sitting  down,  which 
continued  over  the  meeting  to  the  close,  Elizabeth  Dell  is  an  extra- 
ordinary woman  ;  she  spoke  in  ministry  with  great  weight  and  clearness, 
and  is  now  between  eighty  and  ninety  years  of  age.  The  second  meet- 
ing was  also  a  time  of  favour." 

William  Allen  had,  for  some  time,  felt  his  engagements  at  Lanark  a 
burden  to  him,  and  was  desirous  of  being  released  from  the  concern  ; 
he,  however,  did  not  think  it  right  to  withdraw  from  his  colleagues, 
until  after  a  separation  from  Robert  Owen,  which  was  in  contemplation, 
should  be  accomplished.  In  alluding  to  this  subject,  he  says,  "May 
Divine  Providence  open  the  way  for  me  !"  and  in  the  Eleventh  Month 
he  writes — 

"  Signed  the  dissolution  of  partnership  with  Robert  Owen  and  his 
two  sons." 

Many  of  the  remaining  engagements  of  this  year,  though  important 
in  the  course  of  their  fulfdment,  and  calculated  to  promote  the  great 
objects  which  he  kept  steadily  in  view,  yet  presented  little  that  was 
new,  or  of  a  character  to  claim  public  notice.  He  was  diligent  in 
attending  the  committees  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and 
the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society.  The  concerns  of  Africa  and 
Greece,  also  called  forth  his  exertions,  and  frequently  led  him  to  Down- 
ing Street,'  where  he  always  met  with  kind  attention,  either  from  the 
authorities  themselves,  or  their  secretaries;  and  the  affairs  of  Lindfield, 
and  the  interests  of  his  own  Religious  Society,  occupied  much  of  his 


1829. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


197 


time.  His  sympathies  having  been  more  than  usually  awakened,  from 
a  variety  of  causes,  he  at  times  mentions  being  "  very  low,"  or  "  much 
cast  clown ;"  after  experiencing  this  feeling,  however,  he  says,  on  one 
occasion — 

"I  was  engaged  in  ministry,  beginning  with  the  words,  'As  the 
heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth,  so  are  my  ways  higher  than  your 
ways,  and  my  thoughts  than  your  thoughts,  saith  the  Lord,'  proving 
the  necessity  of  faith." 

At  another  time  he  writes — 

"  My  spirit  was  sweetly  contrited  in  a  feeling  of  the  love  of  our 
Heavenly  Father.  I  had  a  little  secret  refreshment  in  being  able  to 
adopt  the  language,  '  The  desire  of  my  soul  is  to  thy  name,  and  to  the 
remembrance  of  thee.' 

Tioelfth  Month  13i/i.— Robert  Forster  and  I  went  to  Crawford's  at 
Sion  College,  Aldermanbury,  and  met  W.  Crawford,  Dr.  Lushington, 
Peter  Bedford,  Samuel  Hoare,  Josiah  Forster,  A.  R.  Barclay,  and  J. 
T.  Barry.  Warwick  Weston  came  in  afterwards,  and  we  formed  a 
new  Capital  Punishment  Society.  Public  feeling  on  the  subject  of  the 
barbarous  and  unchristian  exhibitions  of  legal  vengeance,  is  strongly 
excited.  We  agree  to  make  the  attack  first  upon  forgery,  to  get  the 
Common  Council  of  London  to  begin  the  petitioning  ;  then  merchants 
and  bankers,  then  the  public  in  London,  and  then  the  country. 

2dth. — Capital  Punishment  committee  at  five.  The  name  of  the  so- 
ciety was  fixed  upon,  and  sub-committees  appointed.  A  satisfactory 
meeting.  I  am  to  concert  with  Sir  James  Mackintosh  about  his  bring- 
ing the  subject  before  Parliament. 

First  Month  Ath,  1829. — A  little  feeling  of  the  good  presence  of  the 
Lord  during  the  night.  My  prevalent  petition  for  days  past  has  been, 
'  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God  ;  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within 
me.'  Make  me  what  thou  wouldst  have  me  to  be.  Attended  Totten- 
ham meeting,  where  I  was  engaged  in  ministry,  beginning  with  these 
words,  <  Where  your  treasure  is,  there  will  your  heart  be  also,'  invit- 
ing to  an  individual  examination,  in  order  to  discover  what  was  the 
principal  bent  and  desire  of  our  minds,  and  showing  the  necessity  of 
witnessing  deliverance  from  the  bondage  of  corruption,  by  the  grace  of 
the  dear  Son  of  God. 

16th. — British  and  Foreign  School  Committee — a  memorable  one. 
All  my  advances  are  now  paid  off,  by  an  extraordinary  exertion  among 
our  benevolent  friends ;  we  have  raised  between  two  and  three  thou- 
sand pounds,  and  the  society  is  completely  out  of  debt.  Thus,  after  a 
struggle  of  more  than  twenty  years,  has  Divine  Providence  been  pleased 
to  crown  this  most  interesting  work  with  success ;  indeed.  He  seems  to 
have  watched  over  and  fostered  it  in  a  very  peculiar  manner.  I  felt 
reverently  thankful." 


198 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1829. 


TO  ALEXANDER  D'JUNKOVSKY. 

"iO/A  of  First  Month  (January),  1829. 

<'My  dear  Friend, 

"I  have,  for  some  weeks,  been  intending  to  reply  to  thy  very  accept- 
able letters,  and  feel  that  I  have  indeed  neglected  thee,  but  instead  of 
making  a  long  apology,  I  will  merely  state  that  my  attention  has  been 
much  taken  up  with  some  painful  circumstances  not  connected  with 
my  own  family,  and  some  anxieties  which  I  find  it  difficult  to  get  rid 
of ;  be  assured  however,  dear  Alexander,  that  thou  continuest  to  be 
the  object  of  my  affectionate  remembrance  ;  my  desires  are  strong  for 
thy  preservation  from  every  hurtful  thing,  and  that  our  blessed  Saviour, 
by  the  attractive  influence  of  His  grace,  may  draw  thee  nearer  and 
nearer  to  Himself.  This,  I  humbly  trust,  He  will  do,  if  thou  dost  not 
resist  Him  by  preferring  thy  own  will  to  His.  '  Seek  first  the  kingdom 
of  God  and  His  righteousness,'  and  all  things  which  are  necessary  will, 
according  to  His  promise,  be  assuredly  added.  Let  it  be  thy  first 
study  to  seek  to  know  the  divine  will  respecting  thee,  and  daily  pray 
for  strength  to  perform  it ;  thus  wilt  thou  be  a  comfort  to  thy  dear 
parents,  and  a  blessing  to  thy  country. 

What  a  loss  Russia  has  sustained  in  the  death  of  the  late  Empress 
Dowager!  her  whole  life  appeared  to  be  devoted  to  doing  good.  I 
shall  never  forget  the  interview  which  S.  Grellet  and  I  had  with  her  at 
Petersburg,  nor  the  kindness  with  which  she  furnished  us  with  intro- 
ductions to  her  establishments. 

Do  write  to  me  soon,  and  believe  me  always,  with  Christian  affec- 
tion, Thine,  &c." 

TO  JOHN  VENNING,  (THEN  RESIDING  AT  PETERSBURG.) 

"7/^  '/  Second  Month  {February),  1829.  ^ 

"  My  DEAR  Friend, 

"  Notwithstanding  my  long  silence,  I  often  think  of  thee  with  much 
affection,  and  love  to  retrace,  in  memory,  those  scenes  at  Petersburg  in 
1818  and  1819,  wherein  our  hearts  were  warmed  together  in  the  feelings 
of  christian  love,  and  I  have  desired  for  thee,  and  for  thy  dear  wife  and 
son,  that  you  may  not  stop  short  of  the  true  rest,  but  follow  on  to  know 
the  Lord,  waiting  in  humble  silence  and  prostration  of  soul,  day  by  day, 
for  the  renewed  manifestation  of  his  mind  and  will  concerning  you,  and 
for  that  meat  which  endureth  unto  everlasting  life.  Remember,  though 
Martha  was  beloved  of  her  Lord,  yet  he  declared  that  Mary,  who 
sat  at  his  feet,  anxious  for  the  gracious  words  which  proceeded 
out  of  his  mouth,  had  chosen  the  better  part  which  should  never  be 
taken  from  her.  I  have  often  thought  that  there  is  much  S[)iritual  in- 
struction in  this  passage. 

We  are  now  forming  ^principally  out  of  our  Prison  Discipline  So- 
ciety) a  new  society  for  diffusing  information  on  the  subject  of  Capital 
Punishment,  and  have  got  the  Common  Council  of  London  to  appoint 


]829. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


199 


an  extraordinary  meeting,  to  consider  of  a  motion  for  petitioning  Par- 
liament. I  am  glad  to  hear  that  my  dear  young  friend,  Alexander 
D'Junkovsky,  is  put  upon  your  Prison  Committee. 

The  education  of  the  children  of  the  poor  is  making  progress  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  world.  Our  British  and  Foreign  School  Society  has 
just  sent  out  a  young  woman  to  Malacca,  where  there  is  an  opening  for 
schools." 

TO  SIR  PATRICK  ROSS,  (THEN  GOVERNOR  OF  ANTIGUA.) 

"  Wlh  of  Third  Month,  {March,)  1829. 

"  The  tone  of  mind  that  always  prevails  wherever  slavery  is  sanc- 
tioned, must  be  discordant  with  all  those  finer  feelings  of  the  soul  which 
constitute  its  moral  dignity.  The  very  atmosphere  of  slavery  is  stifling, 
and  to  reflect  that  we  are  surrounded  with  thousands  of  human  beings, 
who  are  forcibly  deprived  of  their  just  rights,  and  whose  sighs  and 
groans  daily  and  hourly  ascend  before  the  throne  of  Eternal  Justice, 
must  be  a  source  of  anguish  to  every  Christian  mind.  The  West  India 
Islands  have  been  and  are  the  bane  of  this  country,  <  For,  behold  the 
Lord  coraeth  out  of  his  place  to  punish  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  for 
their  iniquity  :  the  earth  shall  also  disclose  her  blood,  and  shall  no  more 
cover  her  slain.' — Isaiah,  xxvi.  21. 

I  am  glad,  however,  that  in  England  at  least,  the  conviction  is  be- 
coming more  and  more  general,  that  it  is  impossible  for  man  to  have 
any  properly  in  man ;  every  slave  is,  in  fact,  stolen  goods  ;  and  what 
said  the  Mosaic  Law, — that  less  ■perfect  dispensation  ?  <  He  that  stealeth 
a  man  and  selleth  him,  or  if  he  be  found  in  his  hand,  he  shall  surely  be 
put  to  death.'  Now  he  who  holds  his  fellow  man  in  slavery,  by  no 
other  title  than  force,  is  on  a  par  with  him  who  stealeth  a  man.  To  talk 
of  properly  in  man,  is  a  most  improper  assumption,  and  utterly  repug- 
nant to  the  principles  of  our  holy  religion.  I  know  that  sentiments  like 
these  would  be  considered  high  treason  in  the  regions  of  slavery,  and  I 
long,  my  dear  friend,  to  see  thee  fairly  out  of  them. 

Although  my  judgment  respecting  slavery  is  as  above  stated,  I  can 
easily  conceive  that  there  may  be  some  amiable  and  benevolent  charac- 
ters, the  proprietors  of  plantations  ;  there  may  be  not  a  few  who  really 
desire  to  diffuse  comfort  and  happiness  among  their  slaves,  and  I  some- 
times think  that  I  should  like  to  spend  a  month  or  six  weeks  with  some 
of  these,  and  talk  over  plans  whereby  they  might  gradually  divest  them- 
selves of  the  heavy  responsibility  which  at  present  lies  upon  them,  and 
at  the  same  time  materially  improve  their  estates.  I  hope  thou  hast 
found  time  to  read  the  book  which  I  gave  thee,  on  the  Mitigation  of 
Slavery,  by  Steel  and  Dixon. 

I  was  lately  at  the  rooms  of  the  Society  of  Arts  in  the  Adelphi,  and 
find  that  they  have  awarded  their  gold  medal  to  a  gentleman,  who  has 
successfully  substituted  the  labour  of  cattle,  for  that  of  slaves,  in 
Demerara  and  in  Berbice." 


200 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1829. 


TO  HENRY  BROUGHAM,  M.  P. 

"  llth  of  Third  Month,  1829. 

"  INIy  DEAR  Friend, 

"  It  is  with  no  small  degree  of  alarm  that  I  perceive,  by  a  circular, 
a  proposal  to  make  the  philosophy  of  Kant,  an  article  in  the  Library  of 
Useful  Knowledge.  Much  as  I  admire  some  parts  of  the  character  of 
that  philosopher,  and  the  ingenuity  of  his  system,  I  cannot  but  consider 
it  dangerous  to  quit  the  solid  ground  of  fact  and  experiment,  and  enter 
the  aerial  regions  of  metaphysics,  where  we  may  soon  become  the  sport 
of  various  winds  of  doctrine,  and  the  partizans  of  infidelity.  As  a 
system  of  ethics,  and  a  code  of  rules  for  conduct,  the  Holy  Scriptures 
stand  pre-eminent;  they  delineate  the  character  of  Jehovah,  and 
develope  the  mystery  of  salvation  by  Christ,  in  a  manner  which  can 
never  be  equalled  by  any  uninspired  writer ;  and  I  really  cannot  but 
feel  uneasy  when  I  find  Kant,  although  no  atheist,  declaring  '  that  we 
have  no  certainty  in  our  knowledge  of  God,  because  certainty  cannot 
exist  except  when  it  is  founded  on  an  object  of  experience.'  Again, 
'  The  proofs  of  natural  theology  taken  from  the  order  and  beauty  of  the 
universe,  are  proofs  only  in  appearance  ;  they  resolve  themselves  into  a 
bias  of  our  reason  to  suppose  an  Infinite  Intelligence,  the  author  of  all 
that  is  possible  ;  but  from  this  bias  it  does  not  follow  that  there  really 
is  such  an  author.'  I  am  somewhat  alarmed  again  in  reading  the  article 
just  published  on  the  character  of  Mahomet. 

On  the  whole,  if  this  article  of  Kant  comes  out,  may  I  beg  thee  to 
erase  my  name  from  the  committee,  that  neither  it,  nor  anything  of  the 
kind,  may  come  forth  with  the  least  sanction  from  me. 

Accept,  my  dear  friend,  two  tracts  on  the  Evidences  of  the  Christian 
Religion  ;  pray,  for  my  sake,  read  them  through. 

Ever  thine,  cordially." 

"  Third  Month  26th. — Began  a  paper  for  the  Royal  Society  on  the 
Respiration  of  Pigeons,  &,c. 

Fourth  Month  20th. — Attended  the  committee  of  the  British  and 
Foreign  School  Society.  Euphemia  Robertson,  who  has  been  trained 
there,  and  who  is  going  to  establish  girls'  schools  in  Corfu,  is  to  sail 
to-morrow. 

Fifth  Month  Wth. — Walked  to  the  Freemasons'  Tavern,  to  the  anni- 
versary of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society.  We  were  well 
supported  on  the  platform,  all  the  speeches  went  off  well,  the  hall  was 
nearly  full,  and  it  was  an  excellent  meeting.  I  was  tired,  but  comforted 
and  thankful  to  the  Author  of  all  good." 

In  mentioning  some  of  the  business  which  occupied  the  attention  of 
the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  referring  to  the  state  of  our  Religious  Society 
in  North  America,  where  a  separation  had  taken  place  on  the  ground 
of  doctrine,  William  Allen  says — 


1829. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


201 


<'  It  was  the  united  judgment  of  the  meeting,  that  it  became  the 
Society,  in  its  collective  capacity,  to  express  its  feeling  on  the  subject 
of  the  late  transactions;  that  though  it  might  not  be  necessary  to  issue 
anything  condemnatory  with  respect  to  our  opposers,  yet  that  it  was 
due  to  our  suffering  brethren,  to  ourselves,  and  to  the  world,  to  make 
a  public  declaration  of  our  principles.  The  subject  was  referred  to  the 
large  committee." 

He  afterwards  says,  in  writing  to  a  friend  in  America — 

"  Our  Yearly  Meeting  closed  last  evening,  under  a  feeling  of  much 
solemnity.  We  have  been  marvellously  helped  and  comforted  from 
sitting  to  sitting,  so  that  although  we  have  had  our  trials,  our  consola- 
tion has  aljounded  through  the  great  Head  of  the  Church,  who  has 
been  mercifully  pleased  to  afford  us  the  evidence  that  He  is  still  mindful 
of  His  people,  and  hath  not  forsaken  this  portion  of  His  heritage.  The 
business  has  been  transacted  with  much  quietness  and  unanimity  ;  not 
the  least  symptom  of  any  opposition  upon  doctrinal  grounds,  notwith- 
standing we  have  published  some  pretty  strong  things.  Thou  wilt 
rejoice  to  hear  that  our  Yearly  Meeting  has  issued  a  declaratory  minute, 
stating  that  it  can  have  no  fellowship  with  any  persons,  or  bodies  of 
persons,  who  deny  the  fundamental  principles  of  the  christian  religion, 
and  the  minute  goes  on  to  state  what  those  points  are,  in  some  of  the 
strongest  passages  of  Scripture  relative  to  the  divinity  and  offices  of  the 
Redeemer.  We  declare  also,  that  we  can  have  no  unity  or  religious 
connection  with  those  who  deny  the  authority  of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 
Copies  will  be  immediately  forwarded  to  all  the  Yearly  Meetings  and 
Meetings  for  Sufferings  on  the  American  continent.  Josiah  Forster, 
who  was  clerk,  has  had  a  fagging  time,  but  has  been  eminently  useful. 

I  have  lately  been  making  out  a  list  of  Friends'  books,  which  I  think 
should  be  read  in  Friends'  schools,  and  some  of  them  studied.  A  small 
portion  of  time  might  be  devoted  every  day  to  this  object,  and  I  also 
think  the  children  ought  to  be  questioned  with  regard  to  our  religious 
principles.  This  most  important  subject  should,  at  least,  be  brought 
on  a  par  with  other  branches  of  education." 

In  the  Ninth  Month,  when  referring  to  various  proposed  engage- 
ments, he  writes — 

<'  The  Essex  Quarterly  meeting  rests  much  upon  my  mind  :  my  dear 
wife  encourages  me  to  attend  to  any  thing  which  appears  to  be  an  im- 
pression of  duty,  but  I  can  scarcely  bring  myself  to  believe  that  it  is 
so;  however,  I  am  afraid  of  feeling  condemnation  if  I  stay." 

Accordingly,  on  the  7th,  he  went  to  Chelmsford,  and  after  attending 
the  Quarterly  Meeting  next  day,  returned  home  with  peaceful  feelings, 
observing  that  this  little  journey  had  "  answered  well." 

His  love  of  astronomy  was  in  no  degree  diminished  by  the  variety 
of  his  occupations,  and  he  occasionally  much  enjoyed  a  little  relaxation 
in  his  observatory,  or  with  his  telescope. 


202 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1829, 


"  Minth  Month  12th. — I  believe  that  if  we  were  more  accustomed  to 
mental  prayer,  we  should  be  more  favoured  with  a  feeling  of  good.  0 
Lord,  draw  me  nearer  and  nearer  to  thyself,  and  show  me  thy  will 
clearly  ! 

Tenth  Month  9th. — Examination  at  Croydon  school,  which  was  very 
satisfactory  indeed  ;  the  boys  answered  remarkably  well,  and  particu- 
larly as  regarded  the  Scriptures." 

William  Allen  continued  to  receive  interesting  information  from 
Greece  on  the  subject  of  education.  Isaac  Lowndes  stated  in  one  of 
his  letters,  that  eighteen  schools  were  established  in  different  villages 
in  the  island  of  Corfu,  some  of  which  he  had  visited,  and  been  much 
pleased  with  the  progress  made  in  them.  Demetrius  Piqride,  who 
touched  at  Cerigo  on  his  way  to  Syra,  spoke  in  high  terms  of  the  zeal 
and  exertions  of  the  Resident  there.  Captain  Macphail,  not  only  in  the 
cause  of  education,  but  in  improving  the  agriculture  of  the  island. 

Professor  Bambas,  who,  after  his  escape  from  Scio,  took  refuge  in 
the  Ionian  Islands,  thus  writes  from  Corfu  : — 

"  I  have  never  forgotten  the  interestino:  conversation  which  we  had 
together  in  my  native  country,  you  and  your  friend  Grellet  have  made 
an  indelible  impression  on  my  soul.  The  fruits  of  your  labours  are 
continually  multiplying  ;  they  are  not  limited  to  a  few  individuals,  nor 
are  the  benefits  they  have  conferred  of  transient  duration,  but  they  are 
lasting,  and  of  universal  application. 

Your  plan  for  the  amelioration  of  the  poor  is  excellent,  and  your  zeal 
is  worthy  of  imitation  ;  and  doubtless  many  will  be  found,  in  your 
country,  to  follow  your  example,  but  here  many  difficulties  oppose 
themselves.  Miss  E.  Robertson  gives  much  hopes  for  the  advance- 
ment of  the  education  of  the  girls.  The  societies  of  Britain,  in  the 
wise  direction  of  their  munificence,  have  already  done  much  in  extend- 
ing their  blessings  all  over  the  earth,  and  they  will  do  more.  What  a 
glory  to  your  nation,  and  to  Christianity!" 

W.  Allen,  from  time  to  tim,e,  acknowledges,  with  expressions  of 
thankfulness  to  the  great  Giver  of  every  blessing,  the  comfort  he  en- 
joyed in  his  domestic  circle,  and  often,  after  recording  the  occupations 
or  the  anxieties  of  the  day,  he  concludes  with  saying,  "  We  were  very 
comfortable  together  in  the  evening."  On  one  occasion,  when  he  had 
enlarged  rather  more  on  this  subject,  he  adds,  "  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my 
soul ;  and  all  that  is  within  me,  bless  His  holy  name." 

He  never  relaxed  in  his  affectionate  attentions  to  his  aged  parent, 
but,  at  the  close  of  this  year,  the  time  seemed  at  hand  when  her  earthly 
house  of  this  tabernacle  was  about  to  be  dissolved.  Though  she  had 
long  manifested  a  desire  to  "  go  home,"  as  she  emph-dtically  expressed 
herself,  yet  her  tenderly  attached  son  keenly  felt  the  approaching  separa- 
tion.   The  31st  of  Twelfth  Month,  he  writes — 

«'  Visit  to  my  mother ;  she  was  not  up,  which  was  a  very  unusual 


1830. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEX. 


203 


circumstance  for  her.  I  sat  by  her  bedside  and  read  to  her  in  the 
Scriptures,  but  she  appeared  to  have  little  consciousness.  My  prayers 
were  put  up,  that  He  whom  she  had  loved  and  desired  to  serve  above 
all,  might  be  graciously  pleased  to  support  and  comfort  her  in  the 
needful  time.  I  believe  that  her  day's  work  is  done,  and  that  she 
has  only  to  wait  till  her  change  come,  which  I  have  no  doubt  will  be 
unspeakably  happy.'' 

As  there  was  little  apparent  alteration  for  several  days,  he  pursued 
his  intention  of  attending  the  Quarterly  Meeting  at  Horsham,  which  he 
says  was  a  time  of  divine  favour  ;  and,  on  his  return,  he  writes — 

<'  My  dear  mother  is  much  the  same  ;  thus,  this  little  journey,  under- 
taken in  the  faith  and  in  much  depression,  has  fully  answered  ;  thanks 
be  to  Him  whose  name  alone  is  excellent." 

First  Month  lAth,  18-30. — After  noticing  an  increase  of  weakness  in 
his  beloved  mother,  and  mentioning  the  arrival  of  his  brothers  Samuel 
and  Joseph  Allen,  he  writes — 

"  I  was  much  affected  on  going  to  her  bedside,  yet  comforted  in  the 
settled  deep  conviction  that,  with  respect  to  the  immortal  part,  all  was 
well ;  my  secret  prayers  were,  that  our  blessed  Saviour  might  be  pleased 
to  administer  to  her  an  easy  entrance  into  his  everlasting  rest.  She  has 
long  ardently  loved  her  Redeemer,  and  the  whole  bent  of  her  soul  has 
been  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ. 

First  Month  15th. — Dear  L.  came  in,  and  was  a  great  comfort  to  me  ; 
she  staid  to  the  close,  which  took  place  about  seven  o'clock,  when  my 
beloved  parent  sweetly  slept  in  Jesus.  I  am  uncommonly  affected,  but 
sensible  of  strong  inward  support ;  I  believe  the  Master  was  with  us, 
and  the  heavenly  solemnity  with  which  we  were  favoured  seemed  to 
proclaim,  in  language  louder  than  words, '  All  is  well,  everlastingly  well. ' 
Although  all  that  was  within  me  of  nature,  felt  the  separation,  yet  the 
tribute  of  thanksgiving  was  raised  to  our  God,  who  has  supported  her 
all  her  life  long,  and  was,  I  believe,  mercifully  with  her,  at  the  solemn 
close.  During  her  long  protracted  state  of  helplessness,  it  has  been 
evident  to  those  around  her,  that  her  faith  and  hope  were  firmly  fixed 
upon  Christ  Jesus,  the  dear  Son  of  God,  and  that  her  only  hope  of 
salvation  was  by  and  through  Him. 

22nd. — The  interment  of  the  remains  of  our  precious  mother  took 
place  at  Stoke  Newington  to-day,  this  being  the  first  in  the  new  ground  ; 
a  meeting  was  appointed  on  the  occasion,  which  proved  a  time  of  much 
solemnity ;  a  sweet  evidence  of  peace  was  felt  in  standing  round  the 
grave,  where  I  had  to  bear  testimony  to  the  goodness  of  God,  who  had 
been  the  refuge  and  strength  of  my  beloved  parent,  and  I  also  quoted 
these  expressions  in  reference  to  the  Saviour,  'Having  loved  his  own 
which  were  in  the  world,  he  loved  them  unto  the  end.'  " 

A  few  days  afterwards  he  writes — 


204 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1830. 


«'  I  can  but  remember  the  deep  religious  solicitude  which  my  honoured 
and  beloved  mother  felt  for  her  children,  how  she  used  to  collect  us 
round  her  in  her  chamber,  when  we  were  very  young,  and  talk  to  us 
in  terms  adapted  to  our  capacity,  of  the  things  which  belong  to  the 
everlaslino-  kinodom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  and  I  feel 
a  consoling  evidence  that  she  has  now  been  received  into  that  blessed 
kingdom." 

In  the  course  of  this  winter  his  time  was  a  good  deal  occupied  with 
exertions  to  reljeve  the  poor  of  his  own  village  ;  much  distress  having 
prevailed  in  consequence  of  the  severity  of  the  season  and  want  of 
employment :  a  soup  society  was  established.  In  conjunction  with 
other  members  of  the  committee,  he  took  his  turn  in  seeing  the  soup 
delivered,  and  remarks,  "I  feel  great  satisfaction  in  thus  serving  the 
poor." 

The  claims  of  the  Capital  Punishment  Society  were  becoming  very 
pressing,  particularly  as  it  regarded  correspondence.  The  Secretary  of 
State  being  about  to  introduce  a  bill  into  the  House  of  Commons,  for 
the  Consolidation  of  the  Forgery  Acts,  William  Allen  addressed  the 
following  observations  to  the  Duke  of  Wellington: — 
<'  Esteemed  Friend, 

"Under  the  anxious  feelings  of  the  present  moment,  on  account  of 
the  health  of  our  sovereign,  I  should  not  have  obtruded  myself  upon 
thy  notice,  had  I  not  considered  it  a  matter  of  duty  which  could  be  no 
longer  postponed.  The  bill  before  Parliament,  involving  the  subject  of 
the  Punishment  of  Death,  is  increasingly  felt  by  the  public  to  be  one  of 
extreme  importance,  and  I  can  assure  the  Duke,  from  my  knowledge 
of  the  sentiments  of  that  part  of  the  nation,  on  whom  the  current  of 
public  opinion  very  much  depends,  that  the  framer  of  the  bill  on  forgery 
was  never  more  mistaken,  than  when  he  asserted  that  this  opinion  was 
not  strong  enough  to  warrant  him  in  going  further  than  he  there  stated  ; 
he  may  depend  upon  it  that,  as  the  public  ought  not  to  be,  so  they  will 
not  be  satisfied,  until  our  criminal  code  be  more  thoroughly  purified. 
All  who  have  travelled  know  that  there  is  no  nation  in  Christendom  that 
has  such  a  code,  and  nothing  is  plainer  than  that  it  notoriously  fails  in 
afTording  adequate  protection  to  the  public.  Cases  are  constantly 
occurring  in  the  city  of  London,  where  persons  are  detected,  whose 
lives  would  certainly  be  taken  if  the  case  were  followed  up,  the  proofs 
being  as  clear  as  possible  ;  but  on  account  of  the  state  of  the  law,  they 
are  sufTered  to  escape  to  commit  fresh  depredations  ;  whereas,  if  the 
punishment  were  short  of  death,  the  injured  parties  would  feel  it  a  duty 
to  prosecute.  And,  above  all,  let  me  entreat  the  Duke  to  consider  that 
the  punishment  of  death,  though  awarded  under  the  Mosaic  Law,  is  no 
where  sanctioned  by  our  merciful  Redeemer,  but  is  directly  contrary  to 
His  glorious  gospel  dispensation. 


1830. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


205 


This  reproach  to  us  must,  I  am  sure,  in  time  be  done  away,  and  glad 
should  I  be  to  see  the  noble  Duke  add  this  trophy  to  those  peaceful 
ones  which  have  lately  so  claimed  the  admiration  of  the  thinking  part 
of  the  community. 

I  remain,  with  cordial  attachment  and  esteem, 
Thine  very  respectfully, 

William  Allen." 
Two  days  afterwards  the  following  answer  was  forwarded  to  William 
Allen  :— 

'■'■London,  Jipril  26th,  1830. 

<«  Mv  DEAR  Sir, 

«'  I  have  received  your  letter,  and  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  the 
enclosure. 

I  am  afraid  that  you  and  I  shall  not  agree  upon  the  subject  of  the 
Forgery  Bill,  but  I  shall  consider  what  you  urge  upon  it,  with  the  atten- 
tion which  I  always  give  to  whatever  comes  from  you. 

Believe  me,  my  dear  Sir,  yours  very  faithfully, 

Wellington." 

Subsequent  entries  in  the  diary  show  the  close  attention  given  to  this 
subject,  and  W.  Allen  says — 

<'  This  business  absorbs  much  time.  Petitions  from  all  parts  against 
the  punishment  of  death  for  forgery,  continue  to  flow  into  both  Houses 
of  Parliament.  I  called  on  J.  T.  Barry,  at  Trinity  Square;  he  works 
there  constantly,  doing  almost  all  that  any  committee  could  do." 

Even  the  intervals  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  were  much  engrossed  by 
efforts  to  mitigate  the  severity  of  our  criminal  code,  and 

Fifth  Month  2bth. — He  says — "  On  reaching  town,  I  found  that  Sir 
R.  Peel  had  only  carried  his  bill  by  a  majority  of  fifteen.  Sir  J.  Yorke 
said  he  reposed  more  faith  in  Sir  R.  Peel,  than  in  the  thousand  bankers 
who  had  signed  the  petition  against  the  punishment  of  death.  Buxton 
gave  notice  that  on  the  report  being  brought  up.  Brougham  would  move 
that  the  punishment  of  imprisonment  should  be  substituted  for  that  of 
death.  The  King  seems  to  be  getting  gradually  worse,  and  is  now  in- 
capable of  signitig  documents.  A  message  is  sent  to  Parliament  to 
supply  this  deficiency.    Prince  Leopold  refuses  to  be  King  of  Greece." 

William  Allen  mentions  his  mind  being  preserved  in  calmness  during 
the  Yearly  Meeting,  though  he  was,  at  times,  rather  overdone  from  the 
pressure  of  engagements.  A  general  visit  to  the  counties  was  agreed 
upon,  and  a  large  committee  appointed,  of  which  he  was  one.  When 
this  committee  met  to  make  some  arrangements,  he  says — 

"We  were  favoured  with  a  degree  of  the  same  precious  feeling  as 
that  which  was  experienced  when  the  subject  was  concluded  upon  in 
the  Yearly  Meeting.  Friends  offered  their  names  for  different  coun- 
ties, and  mine  was  put  down  for  Lincolnshire,  &c.,  where  six  are 


206 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1830. 


appointed,  but  we  do  not  purpose  going  until  the  autumn  Quarterly 
Meeting.    It  was  a  most  satisfactory  committee. 

Sixth  Month,  Ath. — On  waking,  my  mind  was  sensible  of  the  in- 
fluence of  good.  Strong  desires  were  raised  for  preservation,  and  that 
all  may  be  brought  down  in  me  which  is  not  acceptable  in  the  divine 
sight.  I  endeavoured  to  keep  my  mind  turned  to  the  Lord,  and  felt 
the  benefit  of  it. 

9lh — (After  attending  the  Essex  Quarterly  Meeting,  held  at  Colches- 
ter.) Earnestly  engaged  in  supplication  to  the  God  of  my  life,  that  He 
would  purify  me,  and  make  me  His  in  body,  soul,  and  spirit.  I  felt  a 
little  humble  hope  and  confidence  that  I  was  not  forsaken  of  Him,  and, 
on  reviewing  the  transactions  of  yesterday,  had  to  believe  that  I  did 
quite  right  in  coming,  and  had  been  preserved  in  the  way  of  my  duty." 

On  the  decease  of  George  IV.  the  Society  of  Friends  prepared  an 
address  to  King  William  IV.,  and  also  one  to  his  Queen.  W^illiam  Allen 
was  selected  by  his  colleagues  to  read  these  documents  on  their  being 
presented,  and,  in  describing  the  occasion,  he  says — 

<<  On  entering  the  presence-chamber,  I  was  glad  to  see  the  Duke  of 
Wellington.  The  King  was  on  his  throne,  and  on  my  handing  him  the 
roll,  he  desired  me  to  read  it,  telling  me  not  to  hurry,  but  to  wait  till 
our  friends  were  come  close  up.  I  then  read  the  address,  standing  near 
the  lowest  step  of  the  throne.  The  King  was  very  attentive,  and  after- 
wards drew  from  his  pocket  a  written  paper,  containing  his  answer, 
which  he  read.  It  stated  the  pleasure  the  address  had  given  him,  and 
also  conveyed  an  assurance  of  his  protection,  and  that  he  would  attend 
to  the  subjects  brought  forward.  Sir  Robert  Peel  asked  me  if  we 
wished  to  kiss  hands,  which  being  declined,  the  King  rose  and  said  that 
the  Queen  would  come  in.  He  then  retired,  and  she  entered  with  some 
of  her  ladies,  and  ascended  the  throne.  She  also  listened  with  great 
attention  to  the  reading  of  the  address  to  herself,  and  then  read  her 
written  answer,  which  was  kindly  expressed.  Sir  Robert  Peel  took 
the  King's  answer,  which  he  said  should  appear  in  the  Gazette.  The 
Queen  withdrew,  and  we  gradually  receded." 

William  Allen  then  proceeded  to  Lindfield,  where  experiments  con- 
nected with  cottage  husbandry  continued  to  occupy  a  large  share  of  his 
attention.  He  steadily  pursued  his  benevolent  plans  for  the  benefit  of 
the  labouring  classes,  though  he  had  not  only  to  cope  with  prejudice 
on  the  one  hand,  and  supineness  or  indifference  on  the  other,  but  to 
encounter  opposition  under  a  variety  of  forms.  His  persevering  exer. 
tions,  however,  gradually  broke  down  these  barriers,  and  produced  an 
obvious  effect  upon  the  habits  of  the  people.  The  appearance  of  the 
children  became  more  orderly  and  respectable  ;  the  dwelling  of  the  cot- 
tager presented  comforts  to  which  the  poor  man  had  before  been  a 
stranger,  and  he  was  in  divers  instances  withdrawn  from  a  dependence 


1830. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


207 


on  the  parisli  for  aid  in  support  of  his  wife  and  family,  his  allotment  of 
land  enabling  him  to  provide  for  them  by  his  own  industry.  In  writing 
to  a  friend,  W.  A.  remarks — 

"My  object  in  taking  Gravely  Farm,  was  to  prove,  by  an  experi- 
ment under  the  public  eye,  that  it  is  possible  to  render  the  agricultural 
labourer  independent  of  parish  relief,  even  with  his  present  very  low 
wages,  by  letting  him  have  a  little  land  upon  fair  terms,  and  directing 
him  in  the  cultivation  of  it.    This  experiment  has  succeeded. 

Seventh  Month  ^\st. — A  newspaper,  received  this  morning,  gives  an 
account  of  a  revolution  at  Paris,  in  consequence  of  the  despotic  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Bourbons.  The  King  has  fled,  and  many  lives  are 
already  lost.  La  Fayette  is  at  the  head  of  the  Insurrectionists,  and  is 
in  possession  of  Paris. 

Eighth  Month  28th. — Our  government  appears  disposed  to  acknow- 
ledge cordially  the  new  King  of  France  and  his  government.  The 
great  powers  are  also  in  favour  of  him." 

A  letter  from  A.  Fadeev,  of  Ekaterinoslav,  dated  of  August,  1830, 
mentioned  the  decease  of  the  venerable  Contineas,  in  the  81st  year  of 
his  age.  This  aged  but  lively  christian  being  unable  to  write  himself, 
had  dictated  a  letter  to  William  Allen,  dated  the  "21st  of  March." — 
It  was  written  in  terms  of  grateful  affection,  and  he  then  remarked,  that 
it  would,  perhaps,  be  the  last  he  should  address  to  him.  After  ex- 
pressing a  hope  that  they  should  meet  in  eternity,  he  says — 

"  The  passage  of  Holy  scripture,  with  which  you  concluded  your 
last  letter,  (II.  Corinthians,  chapter  v,)  is  ever  present  to  ray  mind : — 
<  For  in  this  we  groan,  earnestly  desiring  to  be  clothed  upon  with  our 
house  which  is  from  heaven.  If  so  be  that  being  clothed,  we  shall  not 
be  found  naked.'  My  aspirations  are  constantly  raised  to  our  Saviour 
and  Redeemer,  Jesus  Christ,  that,  through  the  operation  of  his  grace  in 
my  soul,  I  may  be  clothed,  and  not  found  naked. 

I  beseech  you,  my  very  dear  friend,  to  remember  in  your  prayers, 
one  who  remains,  and  will  continue  to  the  last  breath  of  his  life, 
Your  devoted  and  sincere  friend, 

S.  Contineas." 

Fadeev  says — 

"He  expired  on  the  his  end  was  that  of  the  perfect  man — 

full  of  peace.  His  remains  were  interred  in  a  spot  which  he  had 
chosen,  under  the  shade  of  three  oaks,  planted  by  his  own  hand.  For 
thirty  years  he  has  watched  over  these  colonies,  with  indefatigable 
labour;  and  he  has  desired  to  remain  their  benefactor  even  after  his 
death ;  for  nearly  all  his  httle  property — the  savings  of  his  simple,  self- 
denying  life,  is  bequeathed  to  the  schools  which  were  under  his  care." 

The  3rd  of  Ninth  Month,  William  Allen  left  home,  on  the  appoint- 
ment of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  to  visit  the  meetings  in  Lincolnshire  and 


208 


LIFE  AND  CORHESPONDENCE 


1830. 


some  of  (he  neighbouring  counties.  Several  other  Friends  were  united 
in  this  engagement,  and  in  the  mutual  desire,  that  they  might  be  fellow- 
helpers  in  the  truth,  they  proceeded  in  much  harmony,  and  under  the 
strengthening  influence  of  christian  love.  Their  spirits  were  refreshed 
during  part  of  their  journey,  with  the  company  of  the  venerable  pa- 
triarch of  Gedney,  Jonathan  Hutchinson,  "  whose  family,"  W.  A, 
remarks,  "have  lived  in  those  parts  above  three  hundred  years."  He 
mentions  attending  the  difTerent  meetings  in  that  county,  in  some  of 
which  he  was  enabled  <■<■  to  utter  the  word  of  exhortation,"  and  in  the 
progress  of  the  work  he  says,  "  I  am  convinced  that  I  am  iti  the  way 
of  my  duty."  After  attending  the  Quarterly  Meeting  at  Lincoln,  he 
pursued  his  engagements  with  the  committees  through  Derby  and  Not- 
tingham, and  Cheshire  and  StafTordshire.  They  were  kindly  received 
by  the  various  classes  whom  they  visited,  and  found  an  open  door  for 
religious  service,  both  in  the  Meetings  for  Worship  and  Discipline. 
William  Allen  was,  as  usual,  much  interested  on  behalf  of  the  young 
people,  whom,  on  many  occasions,  he  tenderly  counselled  or  encour- 
aged ;  and  after  alluding  to  some  of  these  seasons,  he  says — 

"I  feel  it  a  privilege  to  be  employed,  in  ever  so  small  a  way,  in  the 
Great  Master's  work.  If  any  good  is  done,  it  is  all  of  Him,  for  I  am 
daily  and  deeply  convinced,  that  without  the  assistance  of  His  grace 
and  good  Spirit,  I  can  do  nothing  effectually  to  promote  his  work  on 
the  earth. 

JYinth  Month  21st. — (At  Nottingham.)  I  received  a  letter  this  morn- 
ing, from  dear  S.  Grellet.  He  thus  encourages  me  to  do  whatever  may 
be  required  of  me  : — 

<  My  beloved  brother,  continue  faithful  and  diligent  in  the  service  of 
the  Gospel  of  Christ,  and  in  ministering  to  His  church.  I  hope,  in  the 
course  of  the  work  devolving  on  the  committee  of  your  last  Yearly 
Meeting,  thou  wilt  do  whatever  is  required  of  thee.  I  also  hope  this 
visit  will  prove  useful  to  both  visitors  and  visited.  It  brings  into  view 
plants  that  are  growing  under  shade,  which  cannot  be  discovered  in  the 
crowded  Yearly  or  Quarterly  Meetings  ;  thereby  likewise  the  bond  of 
unity  and  fellowship  becomes  strengthened  ;  or,  as  our  Indians  say,  the 
chain  of  friendship  is  made  bright.'  " 

W.  A.  afterwards  adds — 

"  My  prayers  are  put  up  night  and  day  for  preservation.  I  am  often 
humbled  witli  a  view  of  my  imperfections  and  short  comings." 

This  important  engagement,  which  occupied  about  five  weeks,  was 
concluded  with  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  held  at  Macclesfield,  on  the  6th 
of  Tenth  Month.  In  mentioning  his  return  home  the  following  day, 
he  says — 

'<  A  peaceful  calm  overspread  my  mind  as  we  proceeded  on  our 
way.    In  passing  by  Highgate,  T  was  contrited  with  a  feeling  of  good. 


1830. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


209 


I  remembered  some  of  the  low  seasons  I  liad  passed  through  in  this 
journey  ;  but  that  text  of  Scripture  was  sweetly  revived — '  He  that 
goeth  forth  and  weepeth,  bearing  precious  seed,  shall  doubtless  come 
again  with  rejoicing,  bringing  his  sheaves  with  him  ;'  and  this,  in  some 
degree,  was  my  experience.  Truly  cordial  it  was  again  to  meet  the 
beloved  objects  of  my  affection,  whom  I  had  left  behind. 

Tenth  Month  10th. — I  accompanied  Lucy  to  see  the  house  in  High 
Street,  which  it  is  proposed  to  take  for  the  Invalid  Asylum.  I  think  it 
well  adapted  to  the  purpose. 

Eleventh  Month  llth  Intelligence  has  been  received  from  Paris, 

that  the  Chamber  of  Deputies  with  a  majority  of  nine  to  one,  has  voted 
an  address  to  the  King  for  a  law  to  abolish  the  punishment  of  death, 
except  for  political  offences.    A  glorious  step  in  this  great  cause ! 

23rd. — I  spent  the  evening  in  writing  letters  for  J.  T.  Barry,  to  in- 
crease the  funds  of  the  Capital  Punishment  Society." 

In  one  of  these  letters  William  Allen  writes — 

«<  At  the  request  of  my  valuable  coadjutor,  J.  T.  Barry,  I  forward  a 
copy  of  a  letter  from  him,  on  a  subject  which  has  for  many  years  past, 
been  very  near  our  hearts.  I  must  say  for  him,  what  he  cannot  say  for 
himself ;  he  has  acted  most  nobly  and  energetically  ;  being  set  at  liberty 
from  the  concern  at  Plough  Court,  for  three  or  four  months,  he  has 
laboured  m'ght  and  day  in  the  cause,  and  it  was  owing  to  his  exertions 
that  Sir  Robert  Peel  found  himself  in  a  minority  in  the  House  of  Com- 
mons in  one  stage  of  the  business.  Public  feeling  existed  in  an  intense 
degree,  but  it  required  such  a  man  as  Barry  to  open  the  channels  through 
which  that  feeling  might  flow,  and  produce  its  effect  upon  the  govern- 
ment of  the  country.  In  doing  this  he  has  been  obliged  to  make 
advances  of  money,  for  the  end  in  view  could  never  have  been  obtained 
if  he  had  waited  till  the  friends  of  humanity  had  been  consulted,  and 
their  subscriptions  received.  It  is,  however,  to  be  hoped  that  they 
will  not  suffer  him  to  sustain  a  pecuniary  loss  in  their  cause.  For  his 
mental  and  bodily  exertions,  he  will  receive  the  rich  reward  of  an 
approving  conscience." 

"  2Sth. — (At  Lindfield.)  I  lay  awake  a  good  deal,  but  endeavoured 
to  turn  my  mind  to  the  Lord.  I  prayed  for  a  blessing  upon  my  labours, 
and  upon  those  dearest  to  me,  which  indeed  I  often  do  in  the  night 
watches." 

The  interest  excited  by  the  various  plans  in  operation  at  Lindfield, 
induced  persons  of  rank  and  influence  to  visit  the  establishment ;  those 
who  were  dependent  upon  their  own  industry  for  support,  were  also 
attracted  toward  this  scene  of  benevolent  exertion,  and  it  sometimes 
happened  that  the  parties  incidentally  assembled,  not  only  occupied 
different  positions  in  society,  but  held  very  different  opinions ;  William 
Allen  however,  with  that  genuine  hospitality  and  christian  kindness  for 

Vol.  11.  14 


210 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1831. 


which  he  was  distinguished,  gave  all  a  welcome,  and  was  ever  ready 
to  furnish  information  to  the  inquirer,  or  to  render  assistance  to  the 
needy. 

The  Earl  of  Chichester,  who  is  Lord  of  the  Manor  of  Lindfield,  in 
accordance  with  the  example  of  his  late  worthy  father,  patronized  some 
of  the  efforts  made  for  the  benefit  of  the  poor  in  that  neighbourhood, 
and  on  many  occasions  gave  his  personal  attendance  to  promote  the 
objects  in  view.  Several  other  noblemen,  amongst  whom  was  Lord 
Brougham,  also  inspected  the  establishment,  and  at  the  commencement 
of  1831,  the  little  colony,  then  consisting  of  twenty-five  cottages,  was 
visited  by  one  of  the  royal  family.  The  Duke  of  Sussex  had  many  times 
cordially  entered  into  William  Allen's  plans  for  improving  the  condition 
of  the  labouring  classes,  and  had  promised  to  go  and  see  his  schools 
and  cottage  allotments.  When  he  was  at  Brighton,  arrangements  were 
accordingly  made  for  the  accomplishment  of  his  purpose :  on  the  3rd 
of  First  Month,  William  Allen  met  him  a  few  miles  from  Lindfield, 
and  escorted  him  to  Gravely  Cottage,  where,  with  his  accustomed 
affability  and  kindness,  the  Duke  mingled  in  the  family  circle,  and 
partook  of  some  simple  refreshment.  He  afterwards  visited  one  of  the 
cottages  on  a  five  acre  farm,  and  one  of  those  for  labourers,  and  also 
went  over  the  schools  and  workshops.  He  appeared  pleased  with 
receiving  some  tracts  printed  at  the  establishment,  and  warmly  expressed 
his  approbation  of  what  he  had  witnessed. 

<<  Second  Month  11th,  1831. — My  mind  was  comforted  this  morning 
in  the  remembrance  of  these  expressions,  <  By  the  meekness  and  gentle- 
ness of  Christ,'  and  desires  were  raised  to  experience  a  greater  measure 
of  this  spirit.  I  am  often  pained  at  feeling  any  thing  of  a  contrary 
nature. 

Third  Month  20th. — Strong  prayers  in  the  night  to  be  brought  and 
kept  under  the  influence  of  the  unction,  and  that  the  Lord  would  be 
pleased  to  favour  me  with  a  knowledge  of  His  will,  and  with  strength 
and  a  disposition  to  perform  it.  The  state  of  the  world,  and  the 
ravages  of  war,  afflicted  me,  especially  what  is  going  on  in  Poland. 
There  seems  disaffection  in  the  provinces  of  Russia,  and  France  is  also 
unsettled." 

In  writing  to  Stephen  Grellet,  respecting  Lindfield,  William  Allen 
mentions  having  much  comfort  in  the  reading  meetings,  which  he  held, 
when  there,  on  a  first-day  evening.    He  says — 

"  My  concerns  in  this  place  will  suffer  loss  from  the  marriage  of  my 
niece  Anna  Bradshaw,  whh  Joseph  Pease  of  Darlington." 

Shortly  afterwards  he  writes  : — 

<<  I  have  received  some  particulars  lately  of  the  state  of  the  Menno- 
nites  and  the  Malakans,  in  the  south  of  Russia  ;  with  regard  to  the 
latter  there  seems  to  be  a  mixture  among  thera  ;  some,  I  have  no  doubt, 


1831. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


211 


are  near  the  truth,  but  they  are  much  to  be  felt  for,  as  others,  with 
extravagant  notions,  have  latterly  come  to  reside  in  the  colony.  The 
Mennonites  appear  to  be  flourishing." 

<'  Fourth  Month  l8th. — I  accompanied  E.  J.  Fry  to  Kensington 
Palace,  to  meet  the  Duchess  of  Kent  and  her  daughter,  the  Princess 
Victoria.  It  was  a  satisfactory  interview.  The  Princess  has  much  of 
her  father's  countenance,  and  appears  exceedingly  amiable. 

20th  In  reading  the  Scriptures  to  the  family,  my  spirit  was  contrited 

at  those  gracious  words  of  the  Saviour,  respecting  the  woman  Avho 
anointed  his  feet, — '  Her  sins  are  forgiven.' 

Sixth  Month  5th  It  is  a  precious  state  of  mind  to  be  so  under  the 

influence  of  good,  that  the  effect  may  be  felt  by  those  with  whom  we 
are  associated.  I  am  convinced  that  there  are  persons  who,  in  this 
way,  are  silent  preachers  of  righteousness.  When,  however,  we  cannot 
attain  to  the  sensible  enjoyment  of  this  state,  if  we  pant  after  it,  and  press 
towards  it,  we  shall  be  safe. 

My  mind  was  tendered  with  a  sweet  feeling  of  the  presence  of  the 
Spirit  of  Truth,  and  I  was  enabled  to  appeal,  in  a  degree  of  humble 
faith,  to  our  Advocate  with  the  Father. 

12th. — Opened  the  Bible  upon  Jeremiah  xxxiii.  3,  '  Call  unto  me 
and  I  will  answer  thee,  and  show  thee  great  and  mighty  things  which 
thou  knewest  not.'  When  afterwards  reading  the  10th  chapter  of  Mark 
to  the  family,  I  was  affected  with  the  cry  of  blind  Bartima;us  to  be 
healed,  his  faith  and  his  perseverance,  but  particularly  with  the  words 
— <  Be  of  good  comfort,  rise.  He  calleth  thee  ;  and  he,  casting  away 
his  garment,  (every  impediment,)  rose,  came  to  Jesus,  and  was  made 
whole.'    0  Lord  !  call  ?ne. 

13th. — Morning  Meeting  ;  a  memorable  time  of  comfort ;  dear  Wil- 
ham  Forster  said,  that,  under  depression,  it  was  natural  to  speak  of  the 
present  as  a  low  time,  and  yet  he  believed  that  the  Lord  had  a  great 
work  going  on  in  the  earth,  and  that  the  fields  were  white  already  to 
harvest.  He  sweetly  encouraged  those  who,  with  increasing  years, 
were  conscious  of  increasing  infirmities,  remarking,  that  these  feelings 
were  07ily  bodily.  It  was  the  earthly  tabernacle  which  caused  them  to 
groan,  being  burdened,  and  in  the  swelling  of  Jordan,  before  the  final 
close,  the  precious  spirit  would  be  preserved  above  all.  He  dwelt,  in 
triumphant  language,  upon  the  joys  about  to  be  revealed.  I  was  con- 
trited to  tears,  and  rejoiced  for  the  sake  of  some  to  whom  it  especially 
applied.  E.  J.  Fry  and  James  Backhouse  were  engaged  in  prayer,  and 
some  other  Friends  in  ministry." 

Stephen  Grellet  having  a  prospect  of  religious  service  on  this  side 
the  Atlantic,  arrived  at  Liverpool  the  latter  end  of  the  month  ;  he  shortly 
afterwards  proceeded  to  Stoke  Newington,  where  he  received  a  warm 
welcome  from  W.  Allen,  who  says — 


212 


LIFE  AND  CORnESPONDENCE 


1831. 


"After  a  short  time  spent  in  conversation,  my  dear  wife  and  some  of 
the  family  being  present,  a  feeling  of  solemnity  prevailed,  and  Stephen 
knelt  down  and  returned  thanks,  that  the  covering  of  divine  love  under 
which  we  had  separated  eleven  years  ago,  was  mercifully  extended  over 
us  on  our  meeting  again. 

Eighth  Month  1st — Inspector's  Committee,  Borough  Road ;  an 
important  meeting ;  several  promising  young  men  offered  themselves 
to  be  trained  as  masters." 

William  Allen  believed  it  to  be  his  religious  duty  to  accompany  S, 
Grellet  in  a  part  of  his  engagement  in  this  country,  and  having  obtained 
the  sanction  of  his  Monthly  Meeting,  they  set  out  for  Rochester  on  the 
13th  of  Eighth  Month.  In  the  course  of  their  gospel  mission  they 
visited  the  meetings  of  Friends  in  Kent,  Sussex,  Surrey,  Dorsetshire, 
and  Hampshire.  By  their  request  many  meetings  for  public  worship 
were  appointed,  and  some  of  them  were  seasons  of  divine  favour, 
■wherein  the  hearts  of  the  people  were  contrited,  and  "  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  was  magnified." 

During  this  engagement,  services  of  various  kinds,  yet  all  tending 
towards  the  welfare  of  the  great  human  family,  were  required  of  William 
Allen;  and  whether  he  advocated  the  cause  of  the  labourer,  assisted  in 
the  distribution  of  tracts,  took  part  in  promoting  education  and  the 
circulation  of  the  Scriptures,  or  felt  called  upon  to  preach  the  Gospel, 
the  prevailing  desire  of  his  heart  was  to  be  "  found  faithful." 

On  one  occasion  he  writes — 

"  Several  times  when  awake  in  the  night,  these  words  were  brought 
to  my  remembrace,  '  Every  branch  in  me-  that  beareth  not  fruit  my 
Heavenly  Father  taketh  away  ;  and  every  branch  that  beareth  fruit,  he 
purgeth  it  that  it  may  bring  forth  more  fruit." 

His  spirit  was  cheered  with  visiting  those  aged  servants  of  Christ, 
William  and  Rebecca  Byrd,  whose  dwelling,  he  observed,  seemed  to 
be  the  abode  of  peace  ;  and  in  several  instances  both  he  and  his  fellow- 
traveller  were  comforted  in  being  permitted  to  partake,  with  beloved 
Friends,  of  "times  of  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord." 

They  returned  to  Stoke  Newington  the  23rd  of  Ninth  Month,  when 
he  writes — 

"I  have  much  comfort  and  peace  in  the  retrospect  of  this  journey. 

Jfinth  Month  26th  W^illiam  Ewart,  M.  P.,  has  taken  up  the  subject 

of  capital  punishment,  and  has  written  to  me  for  information.  He  has 
given  notice  of  his  intention  to  bring  forward  a  motion. 

Tenth  Month  37  d  Inspector's  Committee,  Borough  Road ;  only 

Robert  Forster  and  myself,  besides  H.  Dunn  ;  satisfactory.  Thence,  to 
the  committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  Earl  Street.  A 
great  number  of  addresses  from  auxiliary  societies  warmly  supporting 
the  original  constitution. 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


213 


Twelfth  Month  1st. — A  long  conference  with  Lord  Brougham  about 
schools,  capital  punishment,  slavery,  cheap  books,  cottage  plans,  Ire- 
land, &c.  He  wishes  to  see  me  again  in  ten  days,  when  we  are  to 
have  some  further  conversation,  particularly  in  reference  to  the  Forgery 
Bill. 

Idth. — Waited  upon  the  Duke  of  Richmond  by  his  own  appoint- 
ment, in  consequence  of  what  Brougham  had  said  to  him,  and  was 
kindly  received  ;  we  had  some  very  interesting  conversation  on  Lind- 
field  plans,  and  the  poor  generally,  but  particularly  as  it  regards  the 
poor  of  Ireland. 

Dear  Eliza  left  us  to-day,  to  pay  a  visit  to  her  sister  at  Darlington. 
We  part  with  her  relucfandy,  particularly  on  account  of  the  cholera, 
which  has  made  its  appearance  in  the  north. 

Twelfth  Month  23rd. — Attended  the  Committee  for  Distressed 
Greeks,  held  at  Plough  Court.  Theophilus  Kajres  was  there,  and  we 
subscribed  two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  to  the  Orphan  Asylum  at 
Andros. 

First  Month,  1832. — Some  feeling  of  good,  with  desires  that  I 
might  be  instrumental  in  drawing  others  nearer  to  the  truth.  This 
query  was  presented  to  my  mind,  and  dwelt  much  in  my  thoughts, 
not  without  a  sweet  sense  of  divine  love, — '  Am  I  ripening  for  hea- 
ven ?' 

16^/?. — Wrote  to  E.  Stanley,  about  his  prohibiting  the  Scriptures  in 
schools  in  Ireland. 

First  Month  26th  Received  a  letter  from  S.  Grellet  to-day  ;  he  has 

views  towards  the  continent  of  Europe.  He  wishes  me  to  join  him  in 
his  present  engagement  as  soon  as  I  can.  This  brings  me  under  close 
feeling. 

21th. — I  wrote  to  S.  G.  proposing  to  meet  him  on  the  6th  of  next 
month,  and  if  so  permitted,  to  remain  with  him  from  three  to  four  weeks." 

On  the  day  proposed  William  Allen  met  Stephen  Grellet  at  Samuel 
Lloyd's,  near  Birmingham,  and  here,  as  on  many  other  occasions,  he 
gratefully  acknowledges  the  kindness  with  which  he  was  received  by 
his  friends.    He  says — ■ 

"  Stephen  and  I  settled  our  plan  of  proceeding,  which  is  to  go  into 
Devonshire  and  Cornwall  as  soon  as  we  can. 

Second  Month  1th  Engaged  in  aspirations  for  Divine  help  and 

direction.  After  breakfast  we  set  out  for  Worcester,  and  on  our  way 
had  much  interesting  conversation.  Stephen  unfolded  to  me  his  views 
respecting  the  continent,  where  he  is  likely  to  go  soon  after  the  Yearly 
Meeting.  We  went  to  Henry  Newman's,  where  we  had  a  most  cordial 
reception.  Dr.  Thomas,  the  physician  who  attended  me  at  Zante,  lives 
at  Worcester,  and  I  called  to  see  him  and  his  wife." 

After  some  religious  service  in  this  city,  where  a  meeting  for  public 


214 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


worship  was  appointed,  and  proved  satisfactory,  the  travellers  proceeded 
by  Tewksbury,  and  Gloucester  to  Bristol,  and  from  thence  through 
Devonshire  to  Cornwall.  They  were  diligent  in  performing  the  work 
which  they  believed  was  assigned  to  them  by  the  great  Head  of  the 
Church,  and  were  helped  on  their  way  by  the  kindness  of  their  friends. 
At  Austle,  in  speaking  of  a  private  religious  opportunity,  W.  A,  says — 

"  I  had  to  express  the  comfort  of  being  brought  forward  on  our  jour- 
ney after  a  godly  sort,  that  is,  not  only  by  being  provided  with  what  is 
needful  for  the  supply  of  our  temporal  wants,  but  also,  and  more  espe- 
cially, by  the  sympathy  of  our  friends." 

In  passing  through  Cornwall,  and  visiting  many  of  the  near  relations 
of  his  first  wife,  he  says — 

"  My  raind  dwelt  very  much  upon  former  scenes.  At  Marazion  my 
precious  Mary  was  very  vividly  in  my  remembrance,  and  also  my  dear 
child,  but  through  all,  how  mercifully  have  I  been  sustained  and  sup- 
ported. I  have  been  brought  through  great  trials  and  tribulations,  and 
been  provided  for,  down  to  the  present  hour.  May  I  not  humbly  adopt 
the  language,  <  Great  and  marvellous  are  thy  works.  Lord,  God 
Almighty  ;  just  and  true  are  all  thy  ways,  thou  King  of  saints.'  My 
drooping  spirit  was  calmed  and  comforted,  and  my  failh  revived." 

After  mentioning  their  arrival  at  Elizabeth  Fox's,  at  Falmouth,  he 
says — 

"We  were  most  cordially  received,  and  soon  had  a  large  party  of 
dear  kind  young  Friends  about  us.  Here  I  was  comforted  by  a  letter 
from  my  beloved  wife  ;  she  is  inexpressibly  dear  to  me,  and  is  indeed 
a  true  help-meet." 

On  several  occasions,  he  speaks  with  thankfulness  of  the  solemnity 
with  which  they  had  been  favoured  in  their  religious  meetings,  and  of 
the  power  which  was  graciously  vouchsafed  to  them  to  preach  the 
gospel.    He  observes — 

"  Stephen  and  I  had  much  conversation  about  the  continent,  and  on 
his  views  with  regard  to  the  future.  I  do  hope,  that  if  it  should  be 
right  for  me  to  take  any  part  with  him  in  his  proposed  engagement,  that 
the  duty  may  be  made  very  clear.  The  sacrifice  would  indeed  be 
great." 

Proceeding  by  Truro,  Wade  Bridge,  Bodmin,  and  Liskeard,  at  each 
of  which  places  the  way  opened  for  religious  service,  they  again 
entered  Devonshire,  and  after  visiting  Tavistock,  which  meeting,  he 
says,  is  nearly  composed  of  persons  who  have  joined  the  Society  of 
Friends  from  principle,  they  went  on  to  Exeter.  Dartmoor  called  forth 
his  geological  interests,  and  he  remarks  that — 

"  Large  stones  of  granite,  &c.,  are  thickly  strewed  like  the  wreck  of 
a  world.  The  ride  from  Morton  Hampstead  is  very  grand,  and  reminded 
me  of  Switzerland." 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


215 


From  Exeter,  William  Allen  returned  direct  to  Stoke  Newington, 
which  he  reached  "  in  peace,"  the  3rd  of  Third  Month,  and  says,  that 
in  this  journey  of  twenty-six  days,  they  attended  twenty-one  meetings 
for  worship  of  our  Religious  Society,  and  ten  others,  to  which  the 
public  were  invited. 

"  Third  Month  Ath. — First-day.  The  cholera  is  making  rapid  pro- 
gress in  Marylebone  Workhouse.  Our  family  reading  in  the  evening 
was  '  The  Christian's  Refuge  ;'  a  striking  tract,  applicable  to  the  present 
times. 

1th  Monthly  Meeting.    I  gave  an  account  of  ray  journeys  with 

Stephen  Grellet,  and  returned  the  certificate  granted  me  in  the  Eighth 
Month  of  last  year.  I  also  opened  my  concern  in  general  terms,  to 
pay  a  religious  visit  to  some  parts  of  the  continent  of  Europe,  and  felt 
inward  comfort  and  support,  though  the  prospect  was  trying.  Many 
Friends  expressed  unity  and  sympathy,  and  a  committee  was  appointed 
to  draw  up  a  certificate. 

\btJi. — Rode  to  Kensington  Palace,  and  had  a  conference  with  the 
Duke  of  Sussex  ;  gave  him  the  eighth  Report  of  the  Prison  Discipline 
Society,  Sussex  Reports,  &c. ;  a  satisfactory  interview.  Made  several 
other  calls,  and  was  kindly  received  by  the  Duke  of  Bedford.  I  saw 
Dr.  Lushington,  who  says  the  late  events  in  Jamaica  will  forward  our 
cause.  : ,  ..■  • ; , 

l8//« — My  mind  turned  to  the  Source  of  all  Good  in  supplication. 
After  striving  to  perform  our  duties  as  far  as  we  are  able,  and  can  ascer- 
tain them,  we  ought,  as  much  as  possible,  to  avoid  anxiety,  and  to 
endeavour  to  stay  our  minds  upon  God. 

— A  little  comforted  and  supported.    I  have  no  hope  or  confi- 
dence, but  in  the  dear  Redeemer. 

21th. — Quarterly  Meeting.  My  mind  was  under  the  weight  of  my 
concern,  and  the  impending  consideration  of  it  by  Friends,  but  I  felt 
that  the  Lord  was  near,  and  we  had  a  favoured  meeting.  Soon  after 
we  were  settled  in  the  second  meeting,  I  rose  and  stated  my  prospect 
of  religious  service  on  the  continent;  many  Friends  feelingly  expressed 
their  sentiments  ;  the  current  of  unity  and  sympathy  was  strong,  and  an 
endorsement  of  the  certificate  granted  me  by  the  Monthly  Meeting,  was 
unanimously  agreed  to." 

William  Allen  was  much  interested  in  the  exertions  of  Michael  Sad- 
ler on  behalf  of  the  factory  children,  and  after  an  interview  with  him 
about  this  period,  he  says,  "The  foundation  is  laid  for  useful  co-opera- 
tion in  future."    On  the  29th  of  Third  Month,  he  writes — 

«<  W^ith  Crawford  and  Barry,  at  18,  Aldermanbury,  on  the  subject  of 
factory  children  ;  agreed  to  form  an  association  for  bettering  their  con- 
dition. 

Fourth  Month  9th. — Though  very  much  tired  with  town  engage- 


216 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


raents  in  (he  morning,  at  Frederic  Janson's  urgent  request,  I  accom- 
panied him  to  Kingsland,  to  attend  a  temperance  meeting  held  in  the 
School  House,  at  seven  o'clock.  There  was  a  good  company;  a 
Scotchman,  who  has  been  very  active  in  the  cause,  made  a  powerful 
speech,  and  there  were  many  useful  observations.  I  was  well  satisfied 
in  having  been  there. 

11th  My  mind  was  much  impressed,  on  waking,  with  the  necessity 

and  beauty  of  a  state  of  humility,  and  of  that  charity  which  'beareth 
all  things.'  O,  for  more  of  the  meekness  and  gentleness  of  Christ! — 
Nathaniel  Paul,  from  Canada,  is  consulting  me  about  the  settlement  of 
free  people  of  colour  there;  he  says  that  in  the  state  of  Louisiana,  a 
law  has  been  enacted,  that  if  any  person  establish  only  a  sabbath  school 
to  teach  the  children  of  slaves,  he  is  subject  to  a  fine  of  five  hundred 
dollars  for  the  first  offence,  and  for  the  second  to  the  punishment  of 
death. 

— Capital  Punishment  Committee,  Aldermanbury  ;  factory  child- 
ren followed. 

11th. — Drawing  up  a  sketch  of  the  report  for  the  Capital  Punish- 
ment Committee.  Lecture,  No.  6,  to  the  Stoke  Newington  schools ; 
began  hydrostatics.  At  Hackney  in  the  evening,  to  attend  the  anni- 
versary of  the  Auxiliary  Bible  Society ;  Hughes,  from  the  Parent  So- 
ciety, was  there  ;  a  satisfactory  meeting. 

Fourth  Month  18th. — Sydney  Taylor  took  my  rough  sketch  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  society,  and,  by  retouching  it,  made  a  capital  report." 

Fifth  Month. — About  this  period,  considerable  excitement  prevailed 
in  the  political  world  on  the  subject  of  the  Reform  Bill,  and  the  resig- 
nation of  ministers,  and  so  large  a  share  of  public  attention  was  di- 
rected to  parliamentary  concerns,  that  it  was  difficult  for  leading  men 
to  give  their  time  to  other  objects.  William  Allen  says,  "  Thick  clouds 
hang  over  our  prospects  of  amelioration."  He  called  upon  the  Duke 
of  Sussex  respecting  the  meeting  of  the  Capital  Punishment  Society, 
but  illness  and  the  pressure  of  business  prevented  an  interview ;  in  a 
kind  note,  however,  which  the  Duke  afterwards  wrote,  he  says — 

"By  calmness,  firmness,  and  honesty,  I  trust  that  order  and  confi- 
dence will  be  restored ;  these  we  want  on  every  account,  for  without 
them  no  good  can  be  produced,  and  good  men  are  discouraged  from 
working  in  the  vineyard.  Most  anxious  am  I  to  promote  the  great 
object  for  which  we  were  to  have  met  this  day,  but  I  am  unwell,  which 
therefore  incapacitates  me.  Wishing  you  health  and  happiness,  and 
that  you  may  prosper  in  all  your  useful  and  active  operations,  believe 
me  Your  sincere  friend,  Augustus  Frederick." 

"  18th. — Yearly  Meeting's  Committee  on  the  visits  to  (he  counties  ; 
read  the  written  reports  from  all  the  sub-committees;  a  valuable  set  of 
documents." 


^ 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


217 


W.  A.  mentions  that  his  own  concern  was  fully  united  with  by  the 
Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders. 

31s/. — I  find  that  Ewart's  Bill  on  the  subject  of  capital  punishment, 
passed  the  Committee  of  the  House  of  Commons,  triumphantly,  last 
night.  The  exertions  made  to  procure  the  attendance  of  members 
proved  very  successful ;  about  one  hundred  and  sixty  were  present,  and 
Sir  Robert  Peel  stood  almost  alone  in  his  opposition.  Dear  Barry  has 
cause  to  be  humbly  thankful  that  his  efforts  have  been  so  blessed. 

Sixth  Month  5th. — The  Reform  Bill  passed  the  House  of  Lords  last 
evening  by  a  majority  of  eighty-four  ;  viz. — one  hundred  and  six  for  it, 
twenty-two  against  it. 

8th. — My  spirits  low  ;  I  wish  to  withdraw  from  all  public  engage- 
ments when  I  can  suitably  do  so." 

From  about  this  period  until  his  departure,  William  Allen's  time 
was  much  occupied  in  preparations  for  his  journey  to  the  Continent,  and 
in  making  arrangements  respecting  Lindfield,  where,  he  says — 

"  I  have  left  dear  Christine  Majolier  in  commission." 

Through  the  kindness  of  several  persons  in  authority,  he  was  fur- 
nished with  documents  calculated  to  facilitate  his  progress  in  foreign 
parts.    Seventh  Month  3d,  he  writes — 

"  Went  up  to  Downing  Street  for  my  passport,  which  was  vised  by 
the  Dutch,  Belgic,  Prussian,  and  Austrian  Ministers.  Very  busy  pre- 
paring for  my  journey;  low  with  the  prospect  of  parting  with  my 
beloved  wife,  yet  I  am  preserved  in  peace  ;  she  bears  up  remarkably 
well,  which  is  quite  a  strength  to  me.  Dear  Eliza  and  Lucy  have  been 
exceedingly  helpful,  as  if  they  were  my  own  daughters,  and  indeed  I 
feel  them  as  such. 

Seventh  Month  Ath. — Read  to  the  family  the  chapter  in  Hebrews  on 
faith.  My  mind  was  peaceful  in  the  settled  conviction  that  I  am  in  the 
line  of  my  duty,  and  that  this  journey  is  not  lightly  undertaken.  Our 
blessed  Master  was,  I  trust,  near,  enabling  us  to  overcome  the  feelings 
of  nature  for  His  sake,  and  after  taking  leave  at  Stoke  Newington,  I 
proceeded,  with  some  of  the  family,  to  London,  where  Stephen  Grellet 
and  I  went  on  board  the  Atwood  steamer,  for  Rotterdam.  We  left  the 
Custom  House  Quay  about  half-past  eleven  ;  some  Friends  accom- 
panying us  to  Gravesend.  A  quarantine  of  seven  days  is  to  be  per- 
formed between  Helvoetsluys  and  Rotterdam,  on  account  of  the  awful 
scourge  of  cholera  morbus,  which  is  spreading  in  our  country.  The 
weather  is  beautiful,  and  no  person  seems  to  suffer  from  sea-sickness  ; 
Stephen  and  I  retired  in  the  evening  to  read  our  chapter,  and  had  a 
sweet  time  of  silence  afterwards,  in  which  we  felt  that  the  Lord  was  near. 

Seventh  Month  oth  About  half-past  nine  we  came  within  sight  of 

Helvoetsluys.  We  ran  a  considerable  distance  by  the  side  of  Goree, 
which  was  on  our  right ;  and  here  a  great  number  of  stakes  are  driven 


218 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


into  the  sand,  to  prevent  the  soil  from  being  washed  away  by  the  sea  : 
the  ants  have  much  assisted  in  this  work  by  throwing  up  hillocks  which 
are  very  firm,  and  no  one  is  permitted  to  disturb  them.  There  is  also 
a  penalty  for  destroying  the  Arundo  Jlrenaria,  the  matted  fibres  of 
whose  roots  keep  the  earth  together.  On  our  arrival  at  Helvoetsluys, 
the  officer  of  health  came  alongside  the  vessel,  the  papers  were  handed 
out  in  tongs,  put  into  some  fluid,  and  then  given  to  him  ;  another 
officer  also  came  up.  This  business  was  soon  despatched,  and  we  pro- 
ceeded to  Tiengemeten,  towing  a  gun  boat  after  us,  with  two  cannons 
pointed  towards  us,  in  order  to  prevent  the  escape  of  any  person  from 
our  ship.  Here  is  a  great  expanse  of  water,  bounded  by  low  lands, 
on  which  are  a  number  of  trees.  Ranges  of  wooden  buildings  are  fitted 
up  for  persons  under  quarantine ;  there  are  now  about  sixty  from 
France,  who  have  to  remain  for  fifteen  days.  We  were  allowed  to 
land  for  a  short  time  in  the  afternoon,  but  were  not  permitted  to  go  far. 

Qith. — Stephen  and  I  went  on  deck  and  read  our  chapter  to  some 
comfort.  In  the  course  of  the  morning  I  observed  the  captain's  brother 
looking  anxious,  and  on  inquiry  I  found  that  a  foreign  sailor,  who  had 
been  on  shore  the  preceding  evening,  was  very  ill,  and  had  symptoms 
of  cholera.  It  appeared  that  he  was  the  owner  of  a  public  house  at 
Rotterdam,  and  was  in  the  habit  of  drinking  to  excess ;  that  he  and 
some  of  his  companions  had  become  intoxicated,  and  that  he  had  taken 
a  great  deal  of  cold  water.  This  intelligence  spread  a  general  gloom 
over  the  passengers.  On  the  arrival  of  the  medical  man  I  went  on 
deck  to  see  him;  the  preparations  he  made  to  come  on  board  were 
rather  appalUng;  he  took  ofThis  cap  and  coat,  and  put  on  a  long  black 
oiled  silk  gown,  which  reached  to  his  feet,  black  gloves  of  the  same 
material,  and  a  black  hood  which  covered  his  head  and  face,  excepting 
the  nose  and  eyes ;  I  went  down  with  him  to  see  the  poor  man,  who 
was  evidently  in  a  very  critical  state,  but  the  doctor  did  not  pronounce 
the  disease  to  be  cholera.  I  had  a  bad  opinion  of  the  case,  and  ray 
counsel  was  that  we  should  go  on  shore,  and  put  up  with  any  incon- 
venience rather  than  remain  on  board,  but  we  soon  found  that  this 
would  not  be  permitted.  The  doctor  was  very  attentive,  coming  five 
times  in  the  course  of  the  day  ;  his  efforts  were,  however,  unavailing, 
and  about  nine  o'clock  he  witnessed  the  dissolution  of  his  poor  patient. 
This  produced  a  great  bustle;  our  situation  was  a  trying  one,  and  the 
awfulness  of  the  scene  was  heightened  by  a  storm  of  thunder  and  light- 
ning ;  but  reflecting  that  we  were  here  from  an  apprehension  of  duty, 
and  not  for  any  purpose  of  our  own,  I  had  a  humble  hope  that  we 
should  not  be  forsaken.  0,  that  I  could  adopt  the  language  of  the 
Apostle!  'But  none  of  these  things  move  me,  neither  count  I  my  life 
dear  unto  myself,  so  that  I  may  finish  my  course  with  joy.'  Acts  xx. 
24.    Our  whole  trust  is  in  God. 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


219 


Seventh  MoiUh  llh. — On  going  to  my  berth  last  night,  I  endeavoured 
to  turn  nay  mind  to  the  Lord,  who  is  indeed  my  only  refuge,  and  I  had 
a  good  night.  When  I  went  on  deck  I  heard  that  one  of  the  men  from 
our  vessel,  who  went  on  shore  with  his  companions,  was  dead,  and  that 
another  was  not  hkely  to  live.  This  was  fresh  cause  for  anxiety,  but  I 
was  mercifully  supported,  and  opening  my  Bible  to  read  as  usual,  the 
91st  Psalm  presented,  without  my  having  any  previous  thoughts  of  it; 
may  I  not  look  upon  this  circumstance  as  providential?  I  afterwards 
observed  to  Stephen,  that  we  must  commit  ourselves  to  our  gracious 
Lord  and  Saviour;  trusting  that  He  would  either  open  a  way  for  the 
accomplishment  of  His  own  work,  or  accept  our  dedication.  I  felt 
much  support  in  mental  prayer  during  the  day. 

— First-day.  We  are  both  favoured  with  usual  health.  The 
third  poor  man  from  our  ship  died  this  morning.  We  have  a  trying 
prospect,  but  our  trust  and  confidence  fail  not. 

We  left  the  vessel  to-day,  and  had  quarters  assigned  us  in  a  large 
warehouse,  which  is  without  windows,  but  there  are  openings  with 
shutters,  which  are  all  closed  but  one.  We  proceeded,  in  Robinson 
Crusoe  fashion,  to  make  the  best  use  of  our  resources,  and  by  the  aid 
of  boxes,  benches,  &c.,  managed  to  procure  a  table  and  seats,  which 
we  placed  in  one  corner  of  our  large  room.  The  gnats  or  musquitoes 
annoy  us  very  much,  but  Stephen  and  I  are  favoured  to  feel  peace, 
resignation,  and  unity  of  spirit  under  these  new  circumstances.  We 
read  the  17lh  chapter  of  the  Gospel  of  John,  and  also  some  of  the 
Psalms,  after  which  we  had  a  silent  pause,  and  were  refreshed  by  the 
precious  feeling  of  soul-sustaining  help.  The  Mwood  started  for  Lon- 
don to-day. 

The  great  number  of  persons  here,  whose  quarantine  has  expired, 
and  who  have  only  been  detained  on  account  of  the  awful  events  in  our 
vessel,  were  eagerly  looking  out  for  an  order  from  government  for  their 
liberation,  and  between  two  and  three  o'clock  it  arrived.  Many  ran  to 
the  water  side,  earnest  to  know  their  doom,  and  when  the  commanding 
officer  opened  his  despatches,  and  announced  that  they  were  at  liberty 
to  depart,  there  was  a  general  shout,  waving  of  hats,  running,  leaping, 
and  every  demonstration  of  joy.  The  great  vessel  which  had  been 
occupied  as  an  inn,  was  soon  cleared,  and  the  parlies  quickly  trans- 
ferred themselves  to  the  Rotterdam  steamer.  The  Ambassador's  lady, 
the  Baroness  de  Falck,  was  among  the  spectators  of  their  departure. 
She  is  a  very  affable,  agreeable  person,  and  we  soon  became  acquainted ; 
her  husband  also  joined  us,  and  was  very  kind.  We  had  a  good  deal 
of  conversation  in  the  course  of  the  day  ;  he  remembered  having  seen 
me  before,  and  I  am  inclined  to  look  upon  his  being  here  at  this  time, 
as  almost  providential.  They  have  ten  days  longer  to  stay.  There  was 
a  good  deal  of  talking  after  dinner,  and  one  person  was  rather  quarrel- 


220 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


some  with  the  colonel  in  command  ;  the  prospect  of  remaining  in  such 
company  was  trying,  but  way  was  made  in  a  remarkable  manner  for  our 
release,  without  any  seeking  or  contrivance  of  ours.  Apartments  in 
the  principal  house  having  become  vacant  by  the  liberation  of  those 
persons  who  went  by  the  Rotterdam  steamboat,  we  accompanied  our 
fellow-passengers  of  the  Alwood  to  look  at  a  room  which  contained  ten 
bedsteads  ;  it  was  dirty  and  gloomy,  with  the  appearance  of  an  hospital. 
Stephen  and  I  made  choice  of  two  beds,  but  soon  after  an  order  came 
for  us  to  have  a  small  room  to  our  selves,  two  beds  in  it,  and  a  man 
to  wait  upon  us.  We  were  thankful  to  our  gracious  Lord  and  Master, 
for  this  most  seasonable  provision.  A  young  man,  a  medical  officer 
under  the  doctor,  furnished  us  with  clean  sheets,  and  every  thing  that 
was  comfortable,  even  to  knives,  forks,  &c.  After  our  usual  reading,  we 
had  a  sweet  time  of  religious  retirement  before  we  went  to  rest.  Thus 
strength,  proportioned  to  the  trials  of  the  day,  is  mercifully  afforded. 

Seventh  Month  9th. — On  going  down  this  morning  to  see  the  steam- 
boat which  is  just  arrived  from  London,  we  met  with  the  Baron  de  Falck 
and  his  lady  ;  he  seemed  much  pleased  with  some  books  and  pamphlets 
which  we  gave  him,  and  offered  us  letters  of  introduction  to  the  Hague, 
as  it  is  possible  that  we  maybe  released  before  them,  they  having  come 
from  France.  The  Baroness  told  us  in  the  evening  that  they  were  quite 
delighted  with  our  books. 

10th. — The  Baron  deFalck's  apartments  are  next  to  ours  ;  his  sister 
is  come  to  stay  with  them.  They  took  tea  on  the  grass  under  the  trees 
with  which  our  habitation  is  surrounded,  and  kindly  made  us  join  them. 
We  had  much  agreeable,  and,  I  trust,  some  useful  conversation.  The 
Baron  lent  me  the  Times  newspaper,  by  which  it  appears  that  our  min- 
isters are  encompassed  with  difficulties.  There  is  great  excitement  in 
Germany,  and  imminent  danger  of  a  general  war.  May  the  Lord  God 
Almighty,  in  His  mercy,  avert  it!  My  dear  fellow-traveller  and  I  have 
nothing  to  do  with  politics,  but  desire  to  promote  the  things  which 
make  for  peace  in  this  world,  and  in  the  world  to  come,  in  every 
country  under  heaven. 

The  Magazine  Master  is  a  useful  man  here,  and  has  been  very  kind 
to  us;  as  we  were  standing  together  near  the  sea  this  morning,  he 
reminded  me  that,  on  a  former  occasion,  in  return  for  his  civilities,  I 
had  asked  him  if  I  could  be  of  any  use  to  him,  and  he  now  said,  '  I 
wish  you  would  pray  for  me.'  I  recommended  him  to  apply  to  our 
blessed  Lord  and  Saviour  himself,  and  dwelt  upon  the  importance  of 
habitual  mental  prayer. 

We  were  again  alarmed  this  evening,  on  finding  that  the  vessel 
which  sailed  for  London  to  day,  left  one  of  the  crew  sick ;  this  occa- 
sioned a  depression  in  our  fund  spirits,  but  still  we  feel  deep  inward 
support;  indeed,  I  have  felt  more  of  our  blessed  Master's  peace  and 


1S32. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


221 


love,  while  we  have  been  under  trying  circumstances  here,  than  I  have 
been  favoured  with  for  a  long  time." 

The  man's  disorder  did  not  prove  to  be  cholera,  and  in  the  course 
of  the  few  remaining  days  which  elapsed  previous  to  their  liberation, 
William  Allen  mentions  having  several  agreeable  interviews  with  the 
Baron  de  Falck  and  his  party.    On  one  occasion  he  says — 

<<  We  had  a  very  long  and  most  interesting  conference  on  the  subject 
of  slavery,  public  instruction,  &c.  I  maintained  the  doctrine  of  prin- 
ciple, against  that  of  expediency,  proving  that  no  plea  of  expediency 
could  justify  the  continuance,  for  a  moment,  of  that  which  is  gross 
wickedness  in  the  divine  sight. 

The  Baron  was  very  open  and  affable,  and  I  trust  that  the  effects  of 
this  conversation  will  not  be  lost." 

Early  on  first-day,  the  15th,  the  parties  were  released  from  quaran- 
tine, and,  on  reaching  Rotterdam,  Stephen  Grellet  and  William  Allen 
found  John  S.  Mollet,  of  Amsterdam,  who  had  kindly  arranged  to 
accompany  them  during  part  of  their  proposed  journey,  and  act  as 
interpreter,  and  who  had  come  forward  to  Rotterdam  to  meet  them. 
Their  time  of  religious  worship  proved  one  of  mutual  comfort,  wherein 
the  language  of  thanksgiving  and  supplication  was  uttered,  and  feel- 
ingly united  in.    W.  A.  observes — 

"  Seventh  Month  16th. — On  waking  this  morning,  my  prayer  was 
put  up,  that  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  the  Redeemer  of  men,  would, 
from  time  to  time,  graciously  vouchsafe  to  my  dear  companion  and  me, 
that  power, — that  inward  spiritual  strength,  without  which  we  can  do 
nothing.  <  The  kingdom  of  God  is  not  in  word,  but  in  power ;'  without 
it,  what  are  the  most  eloquent  words?  The  expressions  of  our  blessed 
Saviour  to  his  disciples,  when  he  sent  them  out,  were  brought  very 
fresh  to  my  remembrance,  '  Into  whatsoever  city  or  town  ye  shall  enter, 
inquire  who  in  it  is  worthy.'  Our  business  is,  to  inquire  after,  and 
encourage  the  tender-spirited  ones." 

During  their  stay  at  Rotterdam,  they  had  religious  communication 
with  some  seriously  disposed  persons,  and  visited  several  of  the  public 
institutions.  The  Orphan  House  is  noticed  as  being  in  excellent  order, 
with  every  thing  about  it  particularly  neat  and  clean.  William  Allen 
says  that  several  of  the  other  schools  are  also  very  interesting  establish- 
ments, but  he  mentions,  with  much  regret,  that  the  Bible  is  not  read  in 
any  of  them,  though  scripture  history  is  introduced.  Some  of  the  poor 
children  receive  an  allowance  of  bread  and  money,  and  they  appear 
well  taught  in  many  useful  branches  of  learning. 

<'In  some  of  the  principal  streets  here,"  he  says,  "there  is  water  in 
the  middle,  deep  enough  for  large  ships  to  lie  close  to  the  side  of  the 
footpath,  on  which  there  is  a  row  of  trees. 

Seventh  Month  11th. — We  hear  that  the  cholera  has  broken  out  at 


222 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


the  Hague,  and  on  fully  considering  the  subject,  we  have  agreed  to  give 
up  going  there,  fearing  lest  if  we  stay  too  long  in  this  country,  we  should 
have  to  perform  quarantine  on  going  into  Prussia.  We  therefore  con- 
cluded to  proceed  direct  to  Amsterdam,  and  set  out  about  four  o'clock. 
The  country  is  intersected  with  canals,  on  which  the  trekschuits,  drawn 
by  one  horse,  carry  goods  and  passengers.  This  is  the  cheapest  mode 
of  travelling  in  Holland.  There  is  a  great  deal  of  land  in  pasture,  which 
is  very  luxuriant,  and  there  are  also  fine  crops  of  wheat,  barley,  oats, 
potatoes,  and  particularly  large  beans ;  there  is  likewise  a  good  deal  of 
flax.  As  we  approach  Haarlem,  there  are  many  pretty  country  seats, 
with  extensive  grounds.  Flowers  are  much  cultivated,  and  we  were 
told,  that  at  a  public  show  in  the  spring,  there  were  seven  hundred 
varieties,  and  none  of  them  common. 

On  reaching  Amsterdam,  we  went  to  the  <  Grand  Doelen,'  a  clean, 
good  hotel,  where  we  are  comfortably  accommodated. 

We  hear  that  the  deaths  from  cholera  are  rapidly  increasing  at  the 
Hague.  My  spirits  are  low,  and  I  feel  the  need  of  adopting  the  language 
of  the  poor  disciples,  '  Lord,  increase  our  faith.'  " 

Though  they  met  with  pious  and  interesting  persons  in  this  city,  and 
had  some  refreshing  opportunities  of  religious  intercourse  with  them, 
yet  William  Allen  writes — 

"We  are  tried  at  the  lukewarmness  that  prevails  here." 

A  Meeting  for  Worship  was  appointed  to  be  held  in  the  Meeting 
House,  then  belonging  to  Friends,  when  a  select  company  attended, 
many  of  whom  were  considered  to  be  of  the  upper  classes  of  society. 
They  behaved  with  much  seriousness  and  propriety ;  the  word  of 
exhortation  was  offered,  and  they  were  counselled  not  to  trust  to  man, 
or  to  their  own  works,  but  to  examine  the  ground  of  their  hopes,  and 
to  build  upon  the  only  sure  foundation,  Jesus  Christ,  the  Rock  of  Ages. 

There  are  many  of  the  sect  of  Mennonites  in  Amsterdam,  but  they 
are  regarded  as  an  altered  people,  having  given  up  many  of  their  distin- 
guishing principles,  and  mingled  with  the  world.  Those  who  retain 
the  primitive  principles,  keep  very  much  to  themselves.   W.  A.  says — 

"  We  visited  the  infant  school  established  by  Friends  of  Devonshire 
House  Monthly  Meeting,  with  that  part  of  the  prize-money  assigned  to 
John  Warder,  the  real  owners  of  which  could  not  be  found.*  It  will 
thus  remain  a  noble  monument  of  our  christian  principles  against 
receiving  any  gain  from  war.    There  are  between  sixty  and  seventy 

*  During  the  war,  a  vessel  in  which  this  Friend  had  some  share,  captured  a  Dutch  vessel 
of  considerable  value.  Much  pains  were  taken  to  find  out  the  real  owners  of  the  property, 
and  a  great  part  of  it  was  restored  to  them  ;  but  as  some  could  never  be  traced  it  was  appro- 
priated to  the  establishment  of  an  Infant  School  at  Amsterdam.  This  was  the  first  institu- 
tion of  the  kind  in  Holland,  and  now  there  are  Infant  Schools  in  all  the  large  towns  in  that 
kingdom. 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


223 


children  on  the  list.  This  institution  ought  to  be  watched  over  and 
encouraged  on  our  side  of  the  water. 

Seventh  Month  20th. — I  received  a  letter  from  my  dear  wife,  which 
conveyed  the  awful  tidings  that  our  next  door  neighbour  had  died  of 
cholera,  after  a  few  hours  illness.  She  also  mentioned  some  other  cases 
near  London.  I  was  deeply  affected.  May  the  Lord  preserve  her,  and 
those  also  who  are  inexpressibly  dear  to  me !  We  are  all  in  His  hand, 
and  may  we  be  enabled,  whatever  may  come,  to  say,  '  Thy  will  be 
done.' 

Between  one  and  two  o'clock,  we  started  for  Zwoll,  and  passed 
through  Naarden  and  Amersfort,  to  Nykerk,  where  we  lodged.  We 
noticed,  in  passing  through  the  villages  of  Laren  and  Emmenses,  the 
delightful  progress  that  was  making  in  planting  trees,  and  reclaiming 
the  heath,  which,  notwithstanding  the  poverty  of  the  soil,  was  made  to 
produce  crops.  The  habitations  in  this  district  are  widely  scattered. 
We  have  seen  many  large  sheds,  or  houses  for  drying  tobacco,  of  which 
there  are  whole  fields  in  a  vigorous  state.  This  being  the  time  of  hay 
harvest,  we  have  met  many  strong  looking  men,  carrying  scythes,  and 
learn  that  they  come  annually,  from  the  neighbourhood  of  Miinster,  to 
mow  the  grass  ;  they  are  said  to  do  twice  as  much  work  in  the  same 
time  as  a  Dutchman,  and  for  the  same  wages  per  day  ;  they  are  weavers 
in  winter,  and  thus  subsist  by  agricultural  and  handicraft  labour,  as 
recommended  in  '  Colonies  at  Home.'  " 

The  travellers  reached  Zwoll  the  next  day,  and  after  a  short  stay 
there,  proceeded  to  visit  the  colonies  at  Frederick's  Oord,  where  a  great 
experiment  for  the  benefit  of  the  poor  was  going  forward.  They  were 
furnished  with  an  introduction  to  the  Director,  whom  they  found  very 
obliging  and  intelligent.  This  interesting  establishment  was  commenced 
under  the  able  superintendence  of  General  van  den  Bosch,  and  from 
William  Allen's  detailed  account  of  their  visit,  and  of  the  origin  and 
progress  of  the  work,  the  following  brief  outline  is  extracted  : — 

"  The  colony  of  Frederick's  Oord  is  situated  in  the  province  of  Over- 
yssel,  in  North  Holland,  a  few  miles  east  of  the  Zuyder  Zee.  It  is  nine 
miles  in  length,  and  consists,  in  fact,  of  three  colonies,  viz.,  Frederick's 
Oord,  Wilhelmina's  Oord,  and  William's  Oord.  Oord  signifies  place. 
The  first  cottage  was  built  by  General  van  den  Bosch,  in  the  year  1818  ; 
previous  to  that  period  the  number  of  paupers  in  Holland,  in  conse- 
quence of  want  of  employment,  was  distressingly  great,  and  they 
became  a  heavy  public  burden.  About  this  time  the  <■  Societe  de  Bien- 
faisance,'  was  instituted,  with  the  object  of  bettering  the  condition  of 
the  poor.  The  subscriptions  were  in  small  sums,  but  the  members 
were  extremely  numerous,  and  the  organization  was  so  excellent,  that 
its  ramifications  subsequently  extended  throughout  the  whole  of  Holland. 
The  government  wisely  patronized  the  undertaking  in  its  first  stages, 


224 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


and  I  believe  still  continues  its  paternal  care  towards  it.  The  society 
resolved  upon  the  plan  of  trying  cottage  husbandry  for  the  poor.  Fif- 
teen hundred  of  the  most  destitute  were  collected,  cottages  were  built, 
land  was  laid  out,  stock  was  provided,  and  such  judicious  arrangements 
were  made,  that  those  very  persons  who  were  before  quite  a  burden  to 
the  community,  did  much  towards  their  own  support.  The  colony 
continued  to  flourish  for  several  years,  but  received  a  check  when 
deprived  of  the  talent  and  experience  of  General  van  den  Bosch,  who 
was  appointed  to  the  government  of  Batavia.  The  report,  however, 
which  was  circulated  of  the  failure  of  the  plan,  is  without  foundation. 
The  number  of  settlers  is  considerably  increased,  and  the  effects  pro- 
duced have  been  very  beneficial.  They  make  every  thing  among 
themselves,  and  really  the  clothing  is  very  sufficient  and  comfortable. 
All  classes  ate  employed,  some  occupation  being  found  even  for  the 
children,  who  receive  a  good  common  education  at  schools  established 
in  the  colony.  A  circulating  library  has  been  formed,  and  any  of  the 
cottagers  are  at  liberty  to  take  the  books  to  their  own  houses.  To  these 
settlements  are  attached  plain  places  of  worship  for  both  Protestants 
and  Roman  Catholics,  with  dwelling-houses  for  their  clergymen.  Their 
salaries  are  paid  by  the  government;  there  are  no  tithes;  and  the 
society's  lands  and  property  are  exempted  from  taxes  of  every  kind. 
No  ale-house  is  permitted  in  the  colony.  When  it  was  first  founded, 
drunkenness  was  very  common,  but  now  it  is  extremely  rare,  and  I 
believe  that  not  a  single  instance  of  theft  has  been  known  since  its 
commencement.  We  had  a  good  account  generally  of  the  state  of 
morals,  and  the  whole  effect  was  that  of  an  orderly  and  well-conducted 
population.  The  situation  appears  remarkably  healthy.  I  went  into 
several  of  the  houses,  and  took  particular  notice  of  the  children,  who 
seemed  strong  and  hearty,  and  on  all  sides  there  was  an  appearance  of 
comfort  and  contentment.  Some  of  the  women  spoke  with  gratitude 
of  their  change  of  circumstances  since  they  had  been  there.  It  was, 
altogether,  a  most  interesting  sight. 

The  settlers  are  not  confined  to  any  particular  class,  and  are  com- 
posed of  labourers,  artizans,  &c.,  the  greater  number  are  of  the  manu- 
facturing rather  than  the  agricultural  poor. 

Fruit  trees  are  given  to  some  of  the  colonists,  and  those  already 
planted  have  succeeded  well.  I  think  that  the  situation  of  the  poor  in 
England  would  be  much  improved,  if  fruit  trees  were  more  generally 
planted  in  their  gardens,  and  the  knowledge  of  common  gardening 
more  universally  encouraged. 

Whatever  may  be  the  ultimate  result  of  this  experiment,  a  large  tract 
of  country  has  been  reclaimed  from  the  desert,  and  the  situation  of 
thousands  of  paupers  greatly  improved.  The  habits  of  industry  which 
are  gained,  and  the  education  which  is  given,  will,  no  doubt,  have  a 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


225 


great  efiect  upon  the  next  generation,  and  Holland  will  have  set  an 
example  of  relieving  her  people  from  the  greatest  burden  which  can  be 
imposed  on  their  industry, — that  of  maintaining,  in  confirmed  habits  of 
idleness  and  vice,  thousands  of  human  beings  who  are  capable  of  useful 
labour.  I  thought,  as  I  rode  along,  that  our  government  in  England 
might  do  much  for  Ireland  by  something  resembling  Frederick's  Oord, 
only  with  better  arrangements  on  some  points." 

On  the  25th  the  travellers  proceeded  to  Ommerschans,  a  very  large 
establishment  for  paupers  and  vagrants.  The  inmates  were  employed, 
and 

«  The  general  idea,"  William  Allen  says,  <<  is  excellent,  but  there  is 
something  radically  wrong  in  the  working  of  the  system,  particularly  in 
the  want  of  classification,  which  is  perhaps  the  worst  part  of  it.  The 
management  is  vested  in  a  committee  at  the  Hague." 

The  subject  was  afterwards  represented  to  some  of  the  members. 

After  stopping  one  night  at  Zwoll,  on  their  return  from  the  colonies, 
they  set  out  on  their  way  to  Elberfeld. 

"  At  Deventer,"  he  writes,  '<  a  large  fortified  town  on  the  Yssel,  we 
changed  horses,  and  soon  entered  Guelderland,  some  of  the  richest 
country  in  Holland, — fine  pastures  and  crops  of  all  sorts.  At  Arnheim, 
the  Rhine  is  close  on  our  right ;  between  this  place  and  Elten  we 
crossed  a  short  ferry,  over  a  canal  connected  with  the  Yssel,  and  made 
by  Drusus  the  Roman,  soon  after  the  time  of  Julius  Caesar.  We  lodged 
at  Elten,  and.  Seventh  Month  27th,  started  very  early,  in  order,  if  pos- 
sible, to  reach  Dusseldorf  in  the  evening.  I  have  now  to  learn  the 
Prussian  money.  It  has  been  extremely  tedious  travelling  to-day,  and 
some  of  the  towns  through  which  we  passed  have  a  very  dismal  appear- 
ance. This  country  is  far  below  Holland  in  the  cultivation  of  the  mind. 
I  am  led  to  think  that  the  poorer  classes  are  sadly  in  want  of  education. 
It  was  about  midnight  when  we  entered  Dusseldorf;  I  was  very  tired, 
but  was  favoured  with  a  calm  and  sweet  feeling,  and  several  times 
during  the  day  these  words  were  revived  in  my  remembrance,  '  The 
Lord  redeem.eth  the  soul  of  his  servants ;  and  none  of  them  that  trust 
in  Him  shall  be  desolate.' " 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

1832. — Elberfeld — Barmen — Visit  to  Friends  at  Pyrmont,  Minden,  &c. — Ifanover — Qued- 
linburg — Magdeburg — Berlin — Various  Engagements  there — Interview  with  the  Crown 
Prince  and  Princess — Halle — Orphan  House  there — Weimar — Interview  with  the  Grand 
Duchess — Leipsic — Meeting  with  Students — Dresden — Interview  with  Prince  Frederick — 
With  Prince  John — Meeting  at  Orphan  House — Herrnhut — Prague — Vienna — Visit  to 
Prince  Esterhazy's  Estates  in  Hungary — Munich — Visit  to  the  Colonies  on  the  Donau- 
Moss — Stuttgird — Meeting — Interview  with  the  King  and  Queen — Departure  of  S.  Grel- 
let  to  Strasburg — Returns  Home. 

'■'■Seventh  Month  28th,  1832. — Dusseldorf  is  the  most  beautiful  town 
Vol.  II.  15 


226 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


we  have  seen  since  we  left  home.  We  made  some  calls  this  morning, 
but  I  regretted  that  I  was  not  told  of  Count  Von  der  Recke's  institution 
for  orphan  and  destitute  children,  until  we  were  seated  in  the  diligence 
setting  out  for  Elberfeld.  The  face  of  the  country  on  leaving  Dussel- 
dorf  was  entirely  changed,  we  had  hills,  fine  prospects,  and  good  roads. 
Soon  after  our  arrival  at  Elberfeld,  Stephen  and  I  went  in  search  of  a 
pious  person  with  whom  he  had  previously  been  acquainted,  but  he  was 
not  at  home.  John  Mollet  went  on  to  Barmen,  to  give  notice  to  the 
little  company  professing  with  Friends,  that  we  should  be  with  them  at 
their  meeting  the  next  day. 

29ih  First-day.    We  walked  to  Barmen  to  meeting,  which  was 

attended  by  a  few  persons  besides  those  who  have  embraced  the  prin- 
ciples of  Friends.  We  thought  there  was  an  evidence,  in  our  waiting 
upon  the  Lord,  that  these  people  were  acquainted  with  that  worship  in 
spirit  and  in  truth,  which  can  only  be  known  through  the  sensible 
influence  and  operation  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  We  were  both  engaged  in 
ministry,  John  Mollet  interpreting  sentence  by  sentence,  very  satisfac- 
torily ;  Stephen  concluded  in  supplication.  I  think  we  had  reason  to 
be  thankful  for  this  opportunity.  We  afterwards  called  upon  some 
religious  persons,  and  made  arrangements  for  a  public  meeting  at  six 
o'clock  in  the  evening.  It  was  held  in  a  very  suitable  room,  at  a 
respectable  inn,  between  Elberfeld  and  Barmen  ;  many  persons  were 
present ;  there  was  a  little  unsettlement  at  first,  but  after  some  explana- 
tion respecting  our  mode  of  worship,  they  were  very  quiet,  and  much 
solemnity  prevailed  during  the  silence.  Stephen  first  rose,  and  spoke 
for  some  time,  after  which  I  was  favoured  to  relieve  my  own  mind  of  a 
burden  which  rested  upon  it.  After  the  meeting  was  over,  one  young 
man,  of  a  very  serious  countenance,  came  and  took  me  by  the  hand, 
and,  without  saying  a  word,  gave  me  a  hearty  embrace.  We  walked 
back  to  our  inn  with  thankfulness,  some  of  the  Barmen  Friends  accom- 
panying us. 

Seventh  Month  30th. — I  received  letters  from  home  to-day,  one 
of  which  conveyed  heavy  tidings  of  the  progress  of  cholera;  dear 
Frederic  Janson  has  been  taken  off  by  it,  and  there  are  several  more 
cases  in  Stoke  Newington,  though  no  other  amongst  our  particular 
friends.  This  account  affected  me  greatly,  I  received  a  very  nice 
letter  from  the  Earl  of  Chichester,  which  was  a  comfort  to  me.  We 
went  to  Barmen  to  meet  the  Friends  there,  and  enter  a  little  into  their 
discipline.  We  had  much  conversation  with  them  on  their  particular 
circumstances,  and  Stephen  gave  them  excellent  advice.  It  appears 
that  they  have  been  harshly  treated  by  persons  in  authority  on  account 
of  their  conscientious  scruples ;  we  afterwards  had  a  solemn  religious 
opportunity,  in  which  the  life  was  felt  to  arise,  and  we  both  addressed 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


227 


them.*  We  met  some  interesting  persons  in  the  evening,  amongst  whom 
were  the  Reform  minister  and  the  Director  of  the  school  for  the  higher 
classes. 

3lst. — We  hired  a  carriage  to  take  us  to  Werden,  where  there  is  a 
very  large  prison,  containing  the  criminals  for  the  province  of  the 
Rhine.  There  were  five  hundred  and  one  prisoners.  During  the  last 
eighteen  years  there  have  only  been  six  or  seven  executions ;  whilst  it 
was  under  the  French  Government,  however,  there  were  as  many 
every  year.  I  think  I  never  saw  the  system  of  employment  carried 
farther  any  where,  unless  at  Ghent.  There  were,  in  all,  one  hundred 
looms,  and  spinning,  shoemaking,  and  tailoring,  were  also  going  on. 
Two-thirds  of  the  prisoners,  on  admission,  could  neither  read  nor 
write,  but  there  is  a  school  in  the  prison  ;  and  a  protestant  clergyman, 
who  went  round  with  us,  is  reported  to  spend  much  time  in  reading 
the  Scriptures,  and  attending  to  the  religious  instruction  of  the  inmates. 
They  receive  a  part  of  the  profits  of  their  labour,  and  the  other  part 
materially  diminishes  the  expense  of  the  establishment. 

In  the  evening  we  took  leave  of  John  Mollet,  who,  as  an  interpreter, 
has  been  very  useful  to  us,  and  about  nine  o'clock,  went  to  join  the 
diligence,  which  was  to  take  us  to  Herford.  The  plan  of  going  in 
public  conveyances,  answers  well. 

Eighth  Month  1st. — The  weather  is  very  delightful.  We  have 
passed  through  a  highly  cultivated  country,  and,  a  few  miles  from 
Bielefeld,  the  prospects  are  very  fine.  A  great  number  of  single  cot- 
tages are  scattered  about  in  all  directions,  surrounded  by  little  plots  of 
corn,  flax,  potatoes,  &c.  ;  in  fact,  it  seems  Lindfield  on  a  great  scale. 
It  is  said,  that  a  larger  population  is  supported  here  in  comfort,  than  on 
the  same  space  in  any  other  part  of  Germany.  We  regretted  that  we 
could  not  stay  here  a  whole  day.  A  rich  Prussian,  of  the  name  of 
Myers,  has  devoted  at  least  a  thousand  acres  of  land  to  these  allotments. 
I  manage  with  my  German,  for  all  common  purposes,  and  the  people 
understand  me  well.  We  arrived  at  Herford  a  little  after  seven  ;  here 
the  Princess  Elizabeth,  whom  William  Penn  visited,  and  with  whom  he 
corresponded,  formerly  resided." 

The  next  day  was  occupied  in  travelling  to  Pyrmont,  on  reaching 
which  place,  William  Allen  says — 

"  We  agreed  to  go  on  a  mile  and  a  half  further  to  Friedenslhal,  where 
we  were  kindly  received  by  John  Seebohm,  and  lodged  in  his  house. 
From  my  chamber  window,  there  is  a  view  of  the  nice  garden,  with 
corn-fields  beyond,  up  the  slope,  to  the  hills,  covered  wiih  wood." 

Some  time  was  spent  at  Friedensthal,  during  which  time  Stephen 
Grellet  and  William  Allen  were  engaged  in  paying  religious  visits  to 

*  None  of  this  class  are  now  remaining  at  Barmen  ;  several  members  of  the  little  com- 
munity went  to  reside  in  other  parts,  and,  from  various  causes,  the  rest  became  dispersed. 


228 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


the  families  of  Friends  residing  in  the  neighbourhood.  They  attended 
the  usual  meeting  at  Pyrmont,  on  first-day  morning,  and  also  one  ap- 
pointed to  be  held  at  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Both  occasions 
are  mentioned  as  seasons  of  solemnity,  and  William  Allen  says — 

"  I  may  acknowledge  with  reverent  thankfulness,  that  I  was  helped 
to  set  forth  the  salvation  that  comes  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  the  great  relief 
of  my  own  mind.  Stephen  also  w  as  engaged  in  ministry,  and  expressed 
his  unity  with  what  had  been  said.  Louis  Seebohm  interpreted  for  us, 
both  in  the  meetings,  and  in  the  families. 

Eighth  Month  Ith. — We  have  cause  to  be  thankful  in  having  been 
here.  A  sense  of  the  presence  of  the  Lord  has  been  with  us,  not  only 
in  the  meetings,  but  from  house  to  house.  Having  taken  leave  of  our 
friends,  under  a  precious  feeling  of  Christian  love,  we  left  Friedensthal 
in  peace,  Louis  Seebohm  accompanying  us  to  Minden,  where  we  arrived 
about  eight  o'clock,  and  found  comfortable  quarters  at  the  Stadt  Bremen." 

A  few  families  of  Friends  reside  at  Minden,  and  the  next  day  Wil- 
liam Allen  writes — 

'<  We  attended  the  usual  week-day  meeting  at  ten,  and  in  the  evening 
went  to  a  public  meeting,  appointed  for  divine  worship.  There  were 
about  a  hundred  persons  present,  who  were  very  quiet  and  attentive. 
The  gospel  of  peace  and  salvation,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  was 
preached,  and  it  was  a  very  satisfactory  meeting.  The  praise  belongs 
to  the  great  Master  alone:  indeed  He  shows  us  from  time  to  time,  and 
from  place  to  place,  that  without  Him  we  can  do  nothing.  We  began 
our  visits  to  the  families  to-day. 

9th. — Some  thousands  of  soldiers,  well  dressed  and  accoutred,  with 
military  music,  passed  the  windows  of  my  chamber  this  morning.  The 
sight  was  imposing,  and  proclaimed  worldly  power  and  glory ;  but  the 
soldier  of  Christ  must  be  like  his  Master,  despised  and  rejected  of  men. 
O  Lord,  my  Saviour,  keep  me  faithful  to  thee  and  to  thy  blessed  truth, 
whatever  sufferings  I  may  have  to  endure  ! 

We  set  oif  early  to  visit  the  Friends  at  Eidenhausen.  The  road  is 
in  a  southern  direction,  towards  an  opening  between  wooded  hills, 
called  the  Gate  of  Westphalia,  and  through  these  hills  the  river  Weser 
runs.  The  meeting  and  the  school  are  both  held  in  the  house  of  an 
aged  Friend.  We  had  a  very  satisfactory  meeting,  and  I  believe  it  will 
long  be  remembered  as  such  by  some  who  were  present.  The  calming 
influence  of  divine  love  was  felt,  and  the  poor  had  the  Gospel  preached 
to  them.  All  the  children  of  Friends,  at  Eidenhausen,  can  read  the 
Bible.  There  are  a  great  number  of  cottages  in  this  neighbourhood, 
with  small  allotments  of  land,  but  many  of  them  are  miserable  hovels. 
There  is  a  wide  field  here  for  useful  exertion,  even  in  the  things  which 
appertain  to  <  the  life  that  now  is  ;'  and,  indeed,  they  have  no  inconsider- 
able bearing  upon  what  relates  to  that  <  which  is  to  come.' " 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN, 


229 


The  next  day  was  spent  in  visitin<^  the  Friends  at  Hille,  a  large 
village  of  scattered  houses,  about  eight  miles  from  Minden  ;  here  also 
the  small  allotments  of  land  were  numerous,  but  the  houses  and  persons 
of  the  peasants  are  represented  as  being  extremely  dirty.  There  were 
from  thirty  to  forty  persons  present  at  the  meeting,  which  was  con- 
sidered a  favoured  one,  and  William  Allen  observes — "  There  is  a 
remarkable  unity  of  exercise  between  Stephen  and  me."  Feelings  of 
sympathy  were  awakened  on  this,  as  well  as  on  other  occasions,  on  be- 
half of  those  who  are  placed  in  solitary  situations,  and  who  are  brought 
up  in  habits,  and  under  circumstances,  so  difTerent  from  those  of  their 
fellow-professors  in  England. 

A  few  more  days  were  occupied  in  religious  labour  at  Minden,  and, 
on  the  13th,  Stephen  Grellet  and  William  Allen  proceeded  to  Hanover. 
The  next  day  they  had  an  audience  with  the  Duke  of  Cambridge,  who 
received  them  with  much  kindness,  and  spoke  with  pleasure  of  having 
met  William  Allen  in  London,  on  committees  for  the  poor.  They  ex- 
plained to  him  the  objects  of  their  journey,  which  he  highly  approved. 
They  then  had  some  conversation  on  the  subject  of  religious  liberty, 
negro  slavery,  and  the  condition  of  the  agricultural  poor,  towards  all  of 
which,  he  seemed  to  be  turning  his  attention,  and  the  interview  was 
very  satisfactory. 

They  visited  some  pious  individuals,  from  whom  they  learnt,  that 
there  had  been  a  Religious  Tract  Society  in  that  city,  but  it  had  met 
with  discouragement  from  the  government.  They  also  heard  that 
there  was  a  very  rigid  censorship  of  the  press,  and  that  no  religious 
tract  could  be  published  without  being  allowed  by  the  ecclesiastical 
consistory. 

The  15th  of  Eighth  Month,  they  went  frem  Hanover  to  Brunswick, 
which  latter  place,  W.  A.  says — 

"Is  a  far  pleasanter  and  cleaner  town  than  Hanover.  Our  landlord 
was  delighted  to  find  that  Stephen  was  a  Frenchman,  and  born  very 
near  his  own  native  place, — that  they  were  nearly  of  the  same  age,  and 
had  both  been  in  the  royalist  army  at  the  time  of  the  Revolution.  He 
took  us  to  see  the  delightful  public  walks  by  the  side  of  the  river  Ochir." 

The  following  day,  after  a  very  tedious  journey,  they  reached  the 
large,  but  poor  town  of  Quedlinburg,  which  they  visited  in  order  to 
see  a  member  of  the  Society  of  Friends  residing  in  the  neighbourhood. 
It  is  in  the  Prussian  dominions,  and  there  are  schools  for  the  poor,  to 
which  parents  are  obliged  to  send  their  children  above  five  years  of  age. 
A  tax  is  levied  upon  the  inhabitants  to  support  the  schools.  Henry 
Bosse,  the  Friend  alluded  to,  lived  in  the  house  where  it  was  said  the 
poet  Klopstock  was  born. 

Eighth  Month  17;/?.— William  Allen  writes— 

"At  six  o'clock,  we  entered  the  important  city  of  Magdeburg,  a 


230 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


large  and  strongly  fortified  place.  It  seems  almost  filled  with  soldiers; 
we  took  a  walk  in  the  evening,  but  we  met  with  no  incivility  as  we 
passed  along  the  populous  streets.  Our  feelings  were  however  oppressed 
with  an  apprehension  of  the  low  state  of  religion  among  the  people. 
Here,  as  has  often  been  the  case  during  our  journey,  we  have  had  to 
recur  to  the  ground  upon  which  we  left  home,  and,  though  sensible  of 
great  poverty  of  spirit,  we  were  enabled  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  cora- 
mit  our  way  unto  Him. 

Eighth  Month  18th. — We  started  in  the  diligence  for  Berlin  ;  it  was 
drawn  by  three  good  strong  horses  abreast,  which  went  at  a  steady 
pace,  and  did  not  seem  oppressed.  The  roads  are  good,  and  there  is 
almost  constantly  a  row  of  trees  on  each  side,  many  of  which  are  fruit 
trees.  The  soil  is  poor,  and  rendered  worse  by  wretched  farming.  There 
are  extensive  heaths,  with  hundreds  of  miserable  sheep  upon  them,  and 
we  have  seen  great  tracts  of  land  without  any  sign  of  cottages,  with 
poor  crops  of  oats,  barley,  &c. ;  the  things  seem  absolutely  starved  for 
want  of  manure ;  but  even  here,  thousands  of  families  might  be  made 
happy,  and  the  country  greatly  improved,  if  they  were  settled  down 
upon  the  Lindfield  plan.  We  arrived  at  Berlin  between  six  and  seven 
in  the  morning." 

Here  William  Allen  received  a  letter  from  John  Mollet,  in  which  he 
mentions  a  remark  having  been  made  at  Dusseldorf,  that  it  would  not 
do  for  Friends  to  make  converts,  for  that  their  practices  would  07ily  be 
tolerated  in  strangers.    In  reference  to  this  observation  W.  A.  says — 

"  It  is  the  true  policy  of  every  state  to  abstain  altogether  from  inter- 
fering with  the  religious  scruples  and  opinions  of  the  subjects,  so  long 
as  these  scruples  and  opinions  do  not  tend  to  weaken  the  fabric  of 
society,  or  endanger  the  stability  of  the  government ;  and  whatever  may 
be  their  peculiar  views,  danger  can  never  arise  from  truly  religious 
characters  ;  on  the  contrary,  the  more  they  abound,  and  the  greater 
their  influence,  the  more  secure  will  the  government  be,  for  they  deeply 
feel  the  necessity  of  supporting  that  authority  upon  the  maintenance  of 
which  the  common  safety  depends.  While  the  infidel,  who  '  fears  not 
God  nor  regards  man,'  whose  actions  are  directed  by  his  own  views  of 
utility,  without  reference  to  principle,  and  who  will  conform  to  any 
thing  for  a  time,  in  order  to  obtain  his  own  selfish  ends  at  last,  is  the 
character  who  is  really  dangerous  to  a  state. 

The  object  and  end  of  every  government  is  the  security  and  happi- 
ness of  all  classes  of  the  people,  to  guard  their  property  from  the  depre- 
dations of  the  wicked,  and  to  protect  them  in  the  performance  of  their 
religious  duties  towards  God,  their  Creator,  and  their  only  judge  in 
such  matters.  Now,  religious  liberty  is  the  main  strength  of  a  good 
government,  because  it  unites  all  good  men,  of  every  denomination,  in 
its  support;  but  a  bad  government  naturally  seeks  to  abridge,  and,  if 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


231 


possible,  to  annihilate  religious  liberty,  because  its  principles  will  not 
bear  investigation." 

First-day  evening  was  spent  with  Pastor  Gossner,  in  company  with 
some  religious  persons  of  his  acquaintance  ;  the  visit  proved  very 
important  and  satisfactory  ;  there  was  much  social  communication  of  a 
serious  character,  and  also  a  time  of  divine  worship,  in  which  feelings 
of  solemnity  and  peace  prevailed. 

Eighth  Month  20/;/i.— William  Allen  writes:— 

<<  We  called  on  Julius  Gamet,  and  also  on  the  Countess  von  der 
Groben,  whom  we  found  a  pious  and  very  sensible  person.  Her  hus- 
band is  aid-de-camp  to  the  Crown  Prince.  We  had  a  good  deal  of 
interesting  conversation  with  her,  and,  before  we  came  away,  Stephen 
requested  that  we  might  spend  a  little  time  in  silence,  after  which  he 
was  engaged  in  prayer.  We  then  went  to  Dr.  Julius,  who  is  a  zealous 
labourer  in  the  prison  cause,  and  a  literary  man.  We  were  delighted 
to  find  that  the  King  of  Prussia  is  building  prisons  on  the  plan  of  our 
Prison  Discipline  Society.  In  the  evening  Dr.  J.  took  us  to  see  Kopf 's 
institution,  which  is  a  school  of  reform  for  juvenile  criminals,  situated 
just  without  the  gates  of  the  city;  there  are  three  acres  of  land  attached 
to  it,  and  the  boys  are  employed  both  in  agriculture  and  gardening; 
they  also  make  iron  screws,  and  obtain  a  considerable  revenue  from  this 
branch  of  industry.  A  certain  portion  of  the  profits  of  the  children's 
labour  is  reserved  for  them  to  receive  when  they  leave  the  institution. 
There  are  at  present  sixty-one  boys.  A  regular  account  is  kept  of 
their  conduct,  and  each  is  distinguished  by  a  number  and  a  letter,  instead 
of  being  reported  by  name,  in  order  that  no  stigma  may  attach  to  his 
character.  Many  of  the  boys  who  have  been  here  are  now  respectable 
and  useful  members  of  the  community.  The  asylum  has  been  estab- 
lished seven  years  ;  during  that  period  the  failures  have  only  amounted 
to  thirteen  per  cent.,  or,  in  other  words,  eighty-seven  per  cent,  have 
been  reclaimed.  What  an  encouragement  to  christian  exertion  !  The 
director,  Kopf,  seems  to  be  a  man  well  adapted  to  the  care  of  such  an 
establishment.  The  children  are  taught  reading,  writing,  arithmetic, 
and  geography  ;  but  above  all,  they  are  instructed  with  great  care  in 
their  duty  to  God  and  man,  and  in  a  knowledge  of  the  Holy  Scriptures. 
We  were  present  at  their  evening  religious  exercises,  when  Stephen 
addressed  them,  and  Dr.  Julius  interpreted.  We  then  saw  them  at 
supper,  where  every  thing  was  nicely  conducted,  and  very  clean  and 
comfortable;  the  sleeping  apartments  were  also  thoroughly  clean  and 
in  excellent  order.  In  an  adjoining  building  thirty  girls  are  under  the 
care  of  the  director's  wife.  This  institution  is  one  of  the  most  gratifying 
works  of  benevolence  I  have  ever  witnessed. 

Eighth  Month  2lst. — We  called  on  Semler,  a  privy  counsellor  and 
a  member  of  the  government,  and  had  a  most  interesting  conversation 


232 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


with  him  ;  he  wished  to  understand  our  principles,  and  even  our  disci- 
pline ;  he  is  very  active  in  attending  to  schools  and  public  institutions,  , 
and  took  us  to  see  an  infant  school  which  he  principally  supports  him- 
self. Here  also  we  had  much  useful  conversation  :  he  truly  observed 
that  nothing  but  christian  principle  would  enable  persons  to  persevere 
in  benevolent  exertions,  and  that  it  was  striking  how  little  infidels  do 
in  this  way. 

Dr.  Julius  kindly  took  us  to  an  institution  for  the  maintenance  and 
care  of  destitute  families.  It  was  founded  by  Baron  Kotwitz,  who 
has  large  estates  in  Silesia,  and  is  now  there.  He  has  obtained  some 
old  barracks  from  the  government,  and  has  contrived  to  find  room  for 
eighty-eight  families,  each  having  a  separate  apartment,  and  there  are 
now  five  hundred  and  fifty  individuals  under  his  care.  They  are  sup- 
plied with  work  and  food,  but  may  always  go  out  when  they  can  find 
employment  elsewhere. 

Thence  we  went  to  Wadzeck's  institution  for  poor  children,  from  a 
year  old  and  upwards.  The  excellent  founder  was  a  Moravian  ;  it  is 
now  supported  by  voluntary  subscriptions,  and  is  superintended  by  a 
committee  of  ladies,  one  of  whom,  in  turn,  visits  it  every  day.  We  saw 
all  the  children  at  dinner,  and  it  was  really  a  delightful  sight ;  seven  of 
the  little  ones  were  seated  upon  a  table,  and  a  young  woman  was  feed-' 
ing  them,  one  after  another,  like  young  birds.  Everything  appeared 
very  comfortable.  They  have  a  nice  garden  to  play  in,  and  a  school, 
with  a  chapel  adjoining.  In  the  school  is  a  beautiful  painting  of  Wad- 
zeck,  who  seems  to  have  possessed  an  intelligent  and  benevolent — in 
short,  a  heavenly  countenance ;  he  has  been  gone  to  his  rest  about  ten 
years. 

Berlin  is  a  very  fine  city,  containing  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
inhabitants.  The  streets  are  generally  broad,  and  the  houses  good  ; 
nothing  seems  wanting  in  it  but  underground  sewers,  and  flag-stones 
for  the  foot  ways  ;  the  Spree  runs  through  the  city.  It  seems  as  if  we 
had  been  right  in  our  feelings  with  regard  to  coming  here. 

Eighth  Month  '22nd. — Stephen  and  I  had  a  quiet  time  of  religious 
retirement  together,  which,  I  think,  did  us  both  good.  In  the  evening 
we  went  by  appointment  to  Count  Groben's,  where  the  Countess  Der- 
nath  was  the  only  person  present,  besides  their  own  family,  which 
consisted  of  the  Count  and  Countess  and  their  seven  children,  the 
youngest  an  infant.  We  had  much  interesting  conversation,  and  spent 
a  very  satisfactory  evening.  Before  we  came  away  we  sat  in  silence 
under  a  solemn  feeling,  after  which  the  Count  and  Countess,  with  their 
friend,  were  individually  addressed,  and  we  parted  in  much  affection. 

22rd. — Dr.  Julius  came  in,  and  accompanied  us  to  the  schools  for 
the  poor.  He  gave  me  much  information  on  the  subject  of  popular 
education;  he  said  that  in  the  course  of  the  year  1831,  eight  thousand 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


233 


one  hundred  and  forty-three  poor  children  had  been  receiving  instruc- 
tion at  the  expense  of  the  city  of  Berlin,  without  any  cost  to  their 
parents  or  friends.  There  is,  besides,  a  society  for  promoting  the 
instruction  of  poor  children,  connected  with  the  Board  of  Pauperism. 
The  pecuniary  means  are  liberally  furnished  by  the  body  of  representa- 
tives (stadtverordnete)  of  Berlin.  These  are  elected  by  the  people, 
and  they  alone  can  grant  the  supplies,  and  though  the  peers  are  the 
executive,  they  are  obliged  to  give  an  account  of  the  expenditure  to 
the  lower  house. 

There  is  a  law  in  Prussia,  to  compel  parents  to  have  their  children 
taught  reading,  writing,  &c.,  as  soon  as  they  are  seven  years  old; 
every  child  who  has  lost  both  its  parents,  has  a  curator  appointed  by 
the  government,  and  these  curators  are  bound  to  give  a  public  account 
of  the  fulfilment  of  their  office. 

We  went  to  dine  with  Major  von  RudlofT,  the  King's  Minister  of 
War ;  we  met  several  persons,  and  had  much  conversation,  which  I 
trust  will  be  useful  ;  C.  Semler  was  there,  and  several  who  are  active 
in  prisons  and  public  institutions.  I  have  seldom  seen  such  hospitality 
as  on  this  occasion — it  extended  even  to  profusion ;  but  we  must  take 
persons  in  their  own  way,  and  here,  though  their  exterior  was  very  dif- 
ferent from  ours,  were  some  of  the  excellent  of  the  earth.  Their  senti- 
ments upon  many  of  the  subjects  of  conversation,  were  in  unison  with 
our  own,  and  during  the  whole  time  my  mind  was  covered  with  a 
degree  of  holy  solemnity,  which  I  endeavoured  to  keep  under.  Before 
we  left  the  table,  Stephen  knelt  down  in  supplication,  and  prayed  for 
the  King  and  government.  It  was,  I  believe,  generally  felt  to  be  a 
solemn  time.  We  then  retired  to  another  room  and  had  coffee,  after 
which  we  spent  the  evening  at  Julius  Gamet's,  where  Semler  and 
several  more  met  us.  This  has  been  a  useful  day  ;  there  is  much  good 
feeling  among  the  Prussians,  and  also  public  spirit  for  benevolent 
objects. 

Eighth  Month  2Ath. — Stephen  and  I  thought  it  best  to  endeavour  to 
obtain  an  interview  with  Prince  Wittgenstein,  who  is  near  the  King's 
person,  and  much  respected  by  him;  we  therefore  wrote  a  note,  and 
sent  it  by  our  valet-de-place,  stating  the  objects  of  our  journey,  and 
requesting  permission  to  see  him.  He  said  in  reply,  that  he  would 
see  us  immediately,  and  we  accordingly  waited  upon  him.  He  received 
us  very  kindly  ;  entered  with  interest  into  many  topics  of  conversation, 
and  on  our  retiring,  parted  with  us  in  a  very  friendly  manner;  he  says 
he  will  tell  the  King  of  our  being  here,  but  we  did  not  press  to  see  him, 
and  the  Prince  says  he  is  poorly,  and  is  going  into  the  country  for  a 
few  days.  We  then  visited  a  large  prison,  and  on  returning  to  our 
hotel,  had  a  call  from  Dr.  Julius.  I  must  copy  for  him,  from  my  notes 
on  the  journey  in  Sweden,  an  account  of  the  manner  in  which  crimi- 


234 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832, 


nals  are  safely  employed  in  that  country.  In  the  evening  we  went,  by 
appointment,  to  meet  a  few  pious  persons  at  the  house  of  Samuel  Eisner. 
This  was  one  of  the  most  important  visits  we  have  yet  paid.  He  is 
secretary  to  the  Tract  Society,  and  a  very  useful  man,  full  of  energy. 
Much  of  our  service  lies  in  conversation,  and  we  had  a  great  deal  this 
evening  of  a  very  interesting  and  instructive  character.  The  subject 
turning  upon  religious  reading,  he  took  us  up  stairs  to  a  room  full  of 
books  and  tracts.  I  was  astonished  and  delighted  at  what  I  saw.  A 
wide  door  opens  for  us  in  this  line.  On  coming  down  stairs  we  were 
surprised  to  see  a  long  table  laid  out  for  supper,  and  truly  there  was  an 
excellent  one  provided  of  three  courses. 

Eisner  was  very  animated,  and  gave  us  some  interesting  anecdotes 
of  tract  distributors.  One  pious  man,  the  Master  of  the  Forests,  era- 
ployed  three  hundred  persons  to  distribute  them  in  different  parts  of 
Germany,  and  also  distributed  them  himself.  On  one  occasion,  he 
offered  some  to  a  blacksmith,  who,  at  iirst,  refused  them  in  a  very  surly 
manner ;  he  pleaded  with  him,  and  the  man  at  length  lifted  up  his 
hammer,  and  threatened  to  knock  him  down.  The  good  man  then 
went  on  his  way  ;  but  in  a  little  time,  the  blacksmith  called  him  back, 
took  the  tracts,  read  them,  was  afterwards  converted,  and  died  a  pious 
christian.  The  King  allows  all  the  publications  of  the  Tract  Society  of 
Berlin  to  be  sent  postage  free,  throughout  his  dominions.  One  hun- 
dred and  fifty  thousand  tracts,  and  forty  thousand  Bibles  and  Testa- 
ments, were  distributed  last  year.  Their  circulation  extends  through 
all  parts  of  the  continent,  and  they  are  sent  to  the  Mennonites,  on  the 
banks  of  the  Moloshnia.  After  supper,  Eisner  prayed  with  much  solem- 
nity. There  was  then  a  silent  pause,  and  Stephen  and  I  both  addressed 
the  company.  We  separated  under  feelings  of  christian  love  and  interest. 

Eighth  Month  25th. — I  was  surprised  to-day  by  a  visit  from  Prince 
Wittgenstein.  He  came  in  his  full  dress,  and  was  very  affable.  He 
wished  us  to  be  at  the  Baron  de  Schilder's, '  Grand  Maitre  de  la  Cour,'' 
at  ten  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning,  and  with  the  Crown  Princess  at 
eleven.  On  speaking  of  the  harshness,  with  which  some  of  the  people 
professing  with  us,  at  Barmen,  were  treated,  he  said,  that  merely  repre- 
senting the  subject  to  the  King,  or  the  Crown  Prince,  would  not  answer 
the  purpose  ;  they  would  naturally  treat  us  with  kindness,  but  he  said, 
the  Ministre  de  Culte  was  the  person  to  whom  we  ought  to  explain  the 
business,  and  he  would  himself  make  way  for  us  in  this  matter.  We 
spoke  to  him  freely  upon  what  we  had  observed  in  passing  through  the 
country,  and  what  we  had  seen  at  Berlin.  The  interview  was  extremely 
interesting,  and  he  took  leave  with  many  expressions  of  kindness. 

In  the  evening  we  walked  along  the  whole  line  of  trees  in  the  grand 
promenade,  and  through  the  triumphal  arch  at  the  end.  The  city  is 
hghted  with  gas,  and  the  lamps  among  the  trees  had  a  very  good  effect. 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


235 


On  returning,  I  was  accosted  by  a  gentleman  who  inquired  if  my  name 
was  not  Allen  ;  on  conversing  with  him,  it  appeared  that  he  had  been 
at  Gossner's,  where  he  had  heard  my  little  tract  read,  on  the  importance 
of  religion,  and  much  wished  to  have  some  conversation  with  Stephen 
and  me.  He  informed  us  that  he  came  from  Mecklenburg  Schwerin, 
that  he,  and  several  of  his  friends,  had  been  imprisoned  on  account  of 
their  religious  sentiments,  and  had  been  fined  for  preaching;  he  says 
that  near  Hamburg  also,  persons  have  suffered  persecution  for  the  cause 
of  religion.    All  this  must  be  inquired  into. 

26th. — We  waited  upon  Baron  Schilder,  about  ten  o'clock,  and  found 
him  a  pious  excellent  man  ;  though  in  that  high  station  he  received  us 
as  christian  brethren,  in  a  kind  and  even  affectionate  manner,  and  we 
were  comforted  together :  we  had  a  full  and  free  opportunity  for  con- 
versation on  several  important  subjects,  and  were  glad  to  find  that  the 
King  was  surrounded  by  such  ministers. 

Hence  we  went  to  the  palace  to  wait  on  the  Crown  Princess.  She 
was  very  kind  and  respectful.  We  had  not  been  with  her  long  before 
the  Crown  Prince  joined  us.  He  has  a  sensible  countenance,  and, 
though  he  preserved  his  own  dignity,  spoke  in  a  very  affable  and 
engaging  manner.  We  had  a  very  important  conference,  in  which  we 
mentioned  to  him  the  objects  of  our  journey,  told  him  how  much  we 
were  pleased  with  the  attention  paid  to  the  education  of  the  poor  in 
Berlin,  explained  the  British  system  of  mutual  instruction,  and  gave 
him  a  Manual.  Amongst  other  subjects  we  spoke  very  fully  to  him  in 
reference  to  religious  liberty,  taking  occasion  to  observe,  that  the 
government  ought  never  to  interfere  with  the  manner  in  which  a  man 
thought  it  his  duty  to  worship  his  God,  because  no  one  could  answer 
for  him  before  the  divine  tribunal.  We  hinted  at  the  case  of  those 
professing  with  us  at  Barmen  and  Minden,  adverted  to  the  repeal  of  the 
test  and  corporation  acts  in  England,  and  also  told  him  of  the  persecu- 
tion which  our  Friends  endured  formerly,  and  their  imprisonment  to 
death  under  Cromwell  and  Charles  H.  ;  with  this  he  seemed  surprised. 
The  opportunity  was  a  great  relief  to  my  mind,  and  the  Prince  received 
what  we  had  to  say  just  as  we  could  have  wished.  He  spoke  of  the 
late  Emperor  Alexander  of  Rjssia,  and,  I  believe,  the  circumstance 
being  known  here  that  we  were  respected  by  him,  very  much  opens 
our  way.  I  gave  him  some  account  of  the  interviews  with  the  Emperor 
at  Vienna  and  Verona,  with  which  he  seemed  much  interested,  and 
regretted  that  we  could  not  stay  longer  in  Berlin.  He  said  he  was  sorry 
the  King  was  so  circumstanced  as  to  be  prevented  from  seeing  us. 
Stephen  had  much  religious  conversation  with  the  Crown  Princess,  and 
the  excellent  remarks,  both  of  the  Prince  and  Princess,  evinced  much 
kind  and  liberal  feeling,  and  a  great  deal  of  general  information. 

Towards  the  conclusion,  Stephen  was  engaged  in  supplication; 


236 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


there  was  a  precious  feeling  of  solemnity,  and  we  parted  under  the 
influence  of  it.  The  Prince  expressed  much  satisfaction  with  the  inter- 
view, shook  us  cordially  by  the  hand,  and  said  he  should  be  glad  to 
see  us  whenever  we  might  hereafter  come  to  Berlin.  Thus  has  the 
Lord  remarkably  opened  the  way  for  us,  and  this  opportunity,  which 
was  unsolicited  on  our  part,  has  renewedly  led  to  a  grateful  sense  of 
His  mercy  and  goodness. 

We  afterwards  went  to  Shoenberg,  a  distance  of  about  three  miles, 
to  see  the  Minister  de  Culte,  Baron  d'  Altenstein,  taking  as  an  introduc- 
tion, the  letter  which  we  had  received  from  Prince  Wittgenstein  this 
morning.  We  could  not  but  remark  that  Berlin  was  the  most  beautiful 
city  in  Europe,  that  we  have  yet  seen  ;  the  surrounding  country,  how- 
ever, is  flat.  We  were  very  kindly  received,  and  soon  found  that  the 
Baron  possessed  the  same  friendly  feelings  as  his  colleagues,  whom  we 
have  already  seen.  We  mentioned  our  friends  at  Mindenand  Barmen, 
and  very  fully  explained  our  views  on  the  tender  point  of  bearing  arms, 
stating  that  we  did  not  shrink  from  taking  our  share  of  the  public  bur- 
dens; and  that  in  all  cases  where,  for  conscience  sake,  we  could  not 
comply  with  the  laws,  we  considered  it  our  duty  to  submit  with  patience 
to  the  regulations  which  government  might  make.  We  mentioned  the 
loss  which  the  state  sustained  in  the  case  of  the  Mennonites,  who,  in 
consequence  of  their  scruple  to  bear  arms,  were  obliged  to  emigrate. 
I  believe  that  what  we  said  was  received  just  as  we  could  have  wished, 
but  it  was  not  our  doing ;  the  great  Master,  I  humbly  believe,  was  with 
us.  Schools  are  also  under  the  care  of  Baron  d'Altenstein,  and  he  told 
us  how  anxious  he  was  that  public  instruction  should  not  be  merely 
confined  to  outward  knowledge,  however  desirable  that  might  be  in 
itself,  but  that  it  should  be  founded  upon  religious  principles.  In  this 
we  fully  agreed,  and  I  showed  him  our  Scripture  Lessons.  He  spoke 
of  the  piety  of  the  King,  and  his  care  over  public  institutions,  especially 
those  connected  with  religion.  This  opportunity  was  most  gratifying, 
and  we  returned  to  our  hotel  with  thankful  feelings.  The  evening  was 
spent  at  Gossner's,  with  a  large  circle  of  his  friends. 

Eighth  Month21th. — We  went  to  Samuel  Eisner's,  and  made  arrange- 
ments with  him  about  printing  some  tracts,  and  also  that  part  of  the 
Scripture  Lessons  which  treat  on  the  great  duties  of  life.  We  waited 
on  Prince  Wittgenstein,  and  had  a  pretty  long  conference  with  him; 
we  had  most  open  and  free  communication,  and  parted  with  feelings 
of  mutual  good  will  and  respect.  We  then  took  leave  of  our  dear 
friend  Semler,  in  the  flowings  of  christian  affection.  On  my  return  I 
must  send  to  Dr.  Julius  all  the  temperance  tracts,  and  particularly  the 
rules  and  directions  for  forming  societies.  We  took  leave  of  the 
Countess  Groben  with  feelings  of  sincere  regard.  She,  and  her  hus- 
band, and  family,  atford  an  example  of  piety  rarely  to  be  met  with  in 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


237 


the  members  of  a  court.  The  Crown  Prince  gives  a  striking  proof  of 
his  regard  to  religion,  by  keeping  those  about  his  person  who  are  re- 
markable for  their  attachment  to  its  cause.  Our  kind  friends  Eisner, 
Dr.  Julius,  and  Gamet  came  to  us  in  the  afternoon,  and  staid  to  see  us 
ofT.    We  started  for  Halle  a  little  after  six. 

Eighth  Month  2Sth. — We  arrived  at  Wittenberg  soon  after  four  in 
the  morning  ;  Stephen  and  I  walked  a  little  distance  to  the  old  monas- 
tery where  Luther,  who  was  born  in  this  place,  lived.  In  the  Marckt- 
platz  is  a  fine  statue  of  that  great  reformer,  it  is  under  a  canopy,  and 
he  is  represented  with  a  book  in  his  hand.  We  crossed  the  Elbe  over 
a  very  long  bridge,  and  reached  Halle  at  noon  ;  there  is  an  appearance 
of  great  antiquity  in  this  place,  which  is  famous  for  its  university  and 
orphan  house.  We  went  in  search  of  Professor  Tholuck,  whose  name 
was  given  to  us  by  Eisner.  He  is  a  very  learned  man,  understands  a 
great  many  languages,  and  is  much  esteemed.  He  received  us  cor- 
dially and  with  great  simplicity,  and  gave  us  interesting  information 
respecting  the  state  of  religion  here.  It  appears  that  the  spirit  of  infi- 
delity lamentably  prevails.  Tholuck  said  that  at  one  time  he  had 
himself  imbibed  those  principles,  but  he  was  convinced  of  the  truths  of 
Christianity,  by  residing  for  some  time  in  the  house  of  an  excellent 
man,  who,  though  he  used  no  arguments  with  him,  yet  by  his  life  and 
conversation,  was  the  means,  under  the  divine  blessing,  of  eflfectinghis 
conversion.  He  told  us  of  a  friend  of  his,  of  the  name  of  Hoffman, 
who  was  a  student  some  years  ago  at  the  Missionary  College  at  Berlin, 
where,  hearing  the  teachers  and  students  speak  against  Friends,  he 
read  Barclay's  Apology,  which  he  found  in  the  library,  and  became 
thoroughly  convinced  of  the  truth  of  our  principles.  He  could  not  feel 
satisfied  to  remain  at  the  college,  although  urged  to  stay,  but  went  to 
America,  where  he  supported  himself  by  making  shoes.  Some  Friends 
told  him  that  he  ought  to  have  remained  in  his  own  country,  and 
borne  his  testimony  there,  where  it  was  more  wanted,  and  at  length  he 
actually  returned  to  Berlin,  worked  at  his  trade,  led  a  most  exemplary 
life  for  two  or  three  years,  when  he  was  taken  ill  and  died.  Tholuck 
was  with  him  at  his  close,  which  he  said  was  triumphant ;  this  also  made 
a  great  impression  on  his  mind. 

Eighth  Month  29th. — I  feel  in  my  right  place,  and  am  glad  we  came 
here.  Dr.  Schweiger,  a  friend  of  Professor  Tholuck,  called  ;  he  is  a 
lecturer  on  chemistry,  and  went  with  us  to  see  the  great  Orphan  House 
established  by  the  excellent  Francke,  a  Moravian.  It  is  like  a  little 
town,  containing  many  spacious  buildings;  here  are  two  thousand  stu- 
dents, distributed  in  a  great  number  of  schools.  The  history  of  the 
institution  is  very  interesting. 

The  following  particulars  are  contained  in  a  printed  account  of  it, 
given  me  by  Dr.  Niemeyer,  the  worthy  Director,  who  is  also  a  friend 


238 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


of  Tholuck's  ;  they  afTord  a  striking  and  encouraging  example  of  what 
may  be  effected,  under  the  divine  blessing,  by  individual  exertion, 
guided  by  that  wisdom  which  is  from  above. 

"  Augustus  Hermann  Francke,  founder  of  the  Orphan  House  at 
Halle,  was  born  at  Lubeck,  1663  ;  the  extraordinary  powers  of  his 
comprehensive  mind  were  early  developed,  and  in  his  tenth  year  he 
asked  his  mother  for  a  little  room  which  he  might  call  his  own,  where 
he  might  study  and  pray  without  interruption.  This  request  was 
granted,  and  it  was  his  habit,  when  he  returned  from  his  teachers,  to 
retire  thure,  and,  closing  the  door,  engage  in  earnest  prayer. 

He  was  early  distinguished  for  his  attention  to  theological  studies, 
and  the  great  object,  in  all  his  pursuits,  seems  to  have  been  the  promo- 
tion of  practical  Christianity.  He  felt  and  owned  that  a  knowledge  of 
theology,  as  a  mere  science,  could  not  produce  a  change  of  heart,  and 
was  deeply  sensible  of  !he  need  of  practical  piety.  He  often  regretted  that 
the  influence  of  evil  example  had,  in  degree,  blunted  the  tenderness  of  his 
feelings,  and  led  him  to  neglect  the  early  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
but  when  he  was  at  Leipsic,  in  the  twenty-fourth  year  of  his  age,  sur- 
rounded with  the  temptations  of  worldly  society,  he  says,  '  God  of  his 
mercy  sent  His  Spirit,  to  lead  me  away  from  every  earthly  good,  and 
inclined  me  to  humble  myself  before  Him,  and  to  pray  for  grace  to 
serve  Him  in  newness  of  life.' 

Although  thus  favoured  with  the  visitations  of  divine  grace,  the  mind 
of  Francke  was,  at  times,  distressed  with  a  sense  that  he  had  yet  no 
saving  knowledge  of  his  God  and  Saviour,  and  was  without  that  faith 
which  consists  not  in  an  exercise  of  the  intellect,  but  in  humble  trust  in 
a  crucified  Redeemer.  On  one  of  these  occasions,  when  deeply  tried 
with  doubts  and  fears,  he  knelt  down,  and,  in  anguish  of  soul,  uttered 
the  petition,  '0  God,  if  thou  be  God,  manifest  thyself  to  me!'  to  his 
inexpressible  comfort  and  joy,  his  doubts  were  dispelled,  the  cloud 
was  removed,  and  he  arose  from  his  knees  with  a  feeling  of  peace,  of 
which  no  words  could  convey  an  idea.  This  season  was  ever  remem- 
bered by  him  with  grateful  commemoration  of  the  mercy  extended,  in 
granting  him  'the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God,  in  the 
face  of  Jesus  Christ.'  Yet,  though  favoured  with  a  trust  that  he  was 
not  under  condemnation  for  his  manifold  sins,  he  observes,  that  it  did 
not  render  him  careless  and  secure,  but  rather  excited  him  daily  to  be 
more  and  more  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  his  mind.  His  constant 
dependence  upon  divine  guidance,  and  his  faith  in  the  efficacy  of 
prayer,  were  remarkably  manifested  in  all  his  undertakings;  and  when 
any  difficulties  arose  or  cares  oppressed  him,  he  was  accustomed  to 
retire,  and  spreading  his  cause  before  Him  who  seeth  in  secret,  cast 
his  burden  upon  the  Lord,  and  petition  for  that  aid,  which  he  often 
thankfully  acknowledged  was  never  sought  in  vain. 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


239 


His  manners  and  deportment  were  characterized  by  much  humility 
and  simplicity.  In  1G91  he  was  appointed  Professor  of  the  Greek  and 
Oriental  languages  in  the  new  university  at  Halle,  and  became  pastor 
of  Glaucha,  a  village  in  the  suburbs  of  that  city.  This  village,  in 
which  all  Francke's  buildings  were  subsequently  erected,  was  in  a 
very  wild  state  when  he  first  commenced  his  pastoral  office ;  luxury 
and  poverty  both  reigned,  beer  shops  and  dancing  houses  occupied  the 
ground  where  the  Orphan  Asylum  now  stands,  and  the  inhabitants  of 
Halle,  forgetful  of  labour  and  industry,  flocked  in  crowds  to  these 
scenes  of  disorder  and  immorality.  Francke  soon  began  openly  to 
catechise  the  neglected  youth  in  the  church  at  Glaucha ;  and,  in  the 
year  1694,  those  works  were  first  commenced,  which  have  been  carried 
forward  in  the  spirit  of  piety  and  love  that  animated  the  soul  of  Francke. 
Small  in  their  beginning — incredibly  swift  in  their  progress — and,  in 
their  accomplishment,  the  medium  of  widely  extended  benevolence." 

After  mentioning  some  of  his  early  charities,  which  led  him  pecu- 
liarly to  see  the  importance  of  affording  instruction  to  children,  the 
■writer  proceeds  to  state,  that, 

"  In  the  year  1695  he  put  up  a  box  in  his  study,  and  wrote  under  it 
this  inscription,  <  Whoso  hath  this  world's  goods,  and  seeth  his  brother 
have  need,  and  shutteth  up  his  bowels  of  compassion  from  him,  how 
dwelleth  the  love  of  God  in  him?'  and  underneath,  'Everyman  accord- 
ing as  he  hath  purposed  in  his  heart,  so  let  him  give :  not  grudgingly, 
or  of  necessity,  for  God  loveth  a  cheerful  giver.'  Trifles  were,  from 
time  to  time,  deposited,  and  in  about  three  months,  a  very  rich  lady 
put  in  seven  florins ;  when  Francke  took  this  in  his  hand  he  exclaimed, 
'This  is  a  noble  capital !  something  appropriate  must  be  founded  with 
it, — I  will  begin  a  school  for  the  poor.'  His  benevolent  resolution  was 
immediately  put  in  practice ;  the  same  day  he  purchased  books, 
appointed  a  poor  student  to  instruct  the  children,  and  promised  him  a 
remuneration.  The  fame  of  this  extraordinary  man's  exertions  for  the 
public  good  extended  far.  Presents  of  clothing  for  the  children,  as 
well  as  money,  were  sent  to  him — his  plans  were  extended — his  funds, 
though  often  very  low,  were  again  and  again  replenished,  and  the  idea 
"was  suggested  to  his  mind  of  supporting  some  poor  students  by  benevo- 
lent contributions.  It  occurred  to  him  that,  in  the  formation  of  mind 
and  character,  much  more  might  be  accomplished  if  the  children  were 
not  only  to  receive  daily  instruction,  but  be  entirely  brought  up  and 
educated.  This  was  the  origin  of  his  resolution  to  found  an  orphan 
asylum,  though  he  was  not  in  the  possession  of  the  smallest  capital  for 
his  purpose.  He  began  in  the  year  1695,  with  four  ;  some  benevolent 
persons  offered  to  be  at  the  expense  of  another,  and  a  fifth  was  soon 
found;  for  several  days  successively  the  number  increased,  and  at 
length,  in  the  year  1697,  the  foundation  stone  was  laid  of  those  exten- 


240 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


sive  buildings  in  which,  since  that  period,  many  thousands  of  different 
classes  have  received  a  useful  and  liberal  education.  i 

At  the  Royal  Pedagogium,  where  the  course  of  instruction  embraces 
the  higher  branches  of  learning,  the  students  pay  for  themselves. 

The  Latin  and  German  schools  are  for  less  wealthy  pupils ;  and  at 
the  orphan  establishment  from  one  to  two  hundred  children  are  educated 
gratuitously. 

The  Canstien  Bible  press,  which  is  attached  to  this  great  concern, 
was  instituted  by  the  Baron  von  Canstien,  an  intimate  friend  of  Francke, 
distinguished  by  his  active  zeal  for  the  promotion  of  Christianity.  The 
object  of  it  was  to  furnish  the  Bible  at  a  cheap  rate,  by  stereotyping  it. 
From  this  press  have  already  been  issued  two  millions  of  copies  of  the 
whole  Bible,  and  one  million  of  the  New  Testament.  The  profit  belongs 
to  the  press,  and  is  devoted  to  rendering  every  new  edition  still  cheaper 
than  the  former. 

On  Canstien's  death,  he  left  his  library,  and  a  part  of  his  fortune,  to 
the  orphan  asylum. 

The  benevolent  founder  of  this  combination  of  charitable  institutions 
died  in  1727,  after  devoting  himself  to  his  favourite  establishment  for 
thirty-three  years." 

"We  visited  several  of  the  schools,  and  found  that  in  some  of  the 
lower  classes,  parts  of  the  British  system  were  adopted.  Dr.  Schweiger 
afterwards  took  us  to  see  his  own  lecture  room  and  apparatus  ;  he  is 
really  a  scientific  man,  and  showed  us  some  curious  experiments.  On 
returning  to  the  hotel,  we  were  visited  by  some  excellent  young  men, 
pupils  of  Tholuck ;  his  professional  engagements  prevented  him  from 
accompanying  them,  which  we  regretted,  as  they  understood  but  little 
French ;  however,  with  my  small  knowledge  of  German,  and  the  help 
of  a  German  Bible,  some  subjects  of  importance  were  made  intelligible 
to  them,  and  I  believe  they  were  encouraged.  We  felt  comforted,  and 
they  parted  from  us  in  much  christian  affection.* 

Soon  after  they  were  gone  Tholuck  came  in,  just  to  take  leave.  We 
felt  him  very  near  to  us  in  spirit,  and  I  trust  that  he  also  has  been  a 
little  encouraged  by  our  visit  here.  In  a  note  which  we  received  from 
him  he  says,  <  Excepting  a  number  of  pious  students,  whose  intercourse 
I  enjoy,  and  some  other  pious  persons,  I  am  so  rarely  favoured  with 
spiritual  communion,  that  it  is  truly  a  gratification  to  me  to  enjoy  your 

*  In  a  letter  which  William  Allen  received  from  a  correspondent  at  Halle,  dated  1834, 
is  the  following  paragraph  : — 

"  My  dear  friend,  it  will  give  you  much  pleasure  to  learn,  that  the  few  minutes  which  you 
spent  with  the  students  when  at  Halle,  have  not  been  lost  upon  them.  They  say  that  they 
will  never  forget  the  impression  they  have  received, — indeed  there  is  a  testimony  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  which  is  felt  even  when  the  mouth  is  impeded  from  uttering  the  sentiments  of 
the  heart." 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


241 


company.'  He  is  considered  to  have  been  a  great  blessing  to  many 
of  the  students. 

In  the  afternoon  we  set  off  in  the  diligence  for  Weimar,  which  we 
reached  early  the  next  morning.  We  were  thoughtful  respecting  how 
to  proceed  in  this  place,  but  way  has  opened.  We  called  upon  a  per- 
son whose  name  was  given  to  us  at  the  Bible  house,  and  were  received 
in  the  most  friendly  manner.  We  found  him  a  very  interesting  man  ; 
he  says  there  are  several  benevolent  societies  here,  and  that  the  Grand 
Duchess  is  very  active  in  deeds  of  charity.  Peucer,  for  that  is  the 
name  of  our  friend,  gave  us  an  excellent  account  of  the  late  Duke,  who 
reigned  fifty  years,  and  established  some  excellent  institutions. 

Hence  we  went  to  call  upon  Dr.  von  Froriep,  who  was  not  at  home, 
but  afterwards  sent  to  request  we  would  take  tea  with  him,  which  we 
agreed  to  do.  He  lives  in  a  beautiful  situation  just  out  of  the  town  ; 
he  gave  us  a  very  friendly  reception,  and  said  that  when  he  was  in 
London,  I  had  furnished  him  with  an  introduction  to  E.  J.  Fry.  We 
had  some  very  interesting  and  important  conversation.  He  says  he 
will  take  care  that  we  shall  see  the  Grand  Duchess,  of  whose  active 
benevolence  he  spoke  in  high  terms." 

This  excellent  lady,  the  sister  of  the  late  Emperor  Alexander  of 
Russia,  was  early  trained  in  habits  of  benevolence  and  piety  by  her 
distinguished  mother,  the  Empress  Dowager,  to  whom,  as  the  reader 
may  remember,  reference  was  frequently  made  by  William  Allen,  when 
visiting  Petersburg  and  Moscow. 

Eighth  Month  ^\st. — Our  friend  Peucer  called,  and  took  us  to  see 
some  of  the  institutions.  We  were  exceeding  gratified  with  the  atten- 
tion paid  here  to  the  education  of  all  ranks  of  the  people,  and  particu- 
larly with  a  reformatory  for  juvenile  offenders,  where  they  are  made  to 
cultivate  the  land.  There  is  a  very  wise  provision  for  orphans,  who 
are  placed  out  in  the  country,  under  certain  regulations.  The  Bour- 
geois School  is  an  elegant  building, — indeed,  I  have  never  before  seen 
such  school  rooms ;  at  one  of  the  schools  of  industry  the  girls  are 
instructed  in  the  work  of  a  laundress,  and  are  sent,  six  at  a  time,  to  a 
suitable  person  to  be  taught  washing.  An  alms-house  is  just  preparing 
for  twenty  poor  old  women,  and  in  another  building  is  an  asylum  for 
twelve  old  faithful  servants.  We  were  much  pleased  with  a  soup 
house,  where  two  hundred  persons  in  a  day,  are  supplied  with  about  a 
quart  of  good  soup.  In  these  charities,  as  well  as  in  a  refuge  for  dis- 
charged prisoners,  the  Grand  Duchess  takes  much  interest,  and  to  her 
maternal  oversight  and  patronage,  may  be  attributed  the  excellent 
order  and  the  judicious  arrangements  which  distinguish  them.  The 
utmost  cleanliness  was  every  where  apparent. 

About  twelve  o'clock.  Dr.  Froriep  called,  having  made  an  appoint- 
ment with  the  Grand  Duchess  to  receive  us  at  the  palace  in  town.  We 

Vol.  II.  16 


242 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


were  ushered  into  an  ante-chamber,  and  from  thence  were  conducted 
to  the  apartment  in  which  she  was  standing  by  one  of  her  ladies ;  she 
is  an  agreeable  looking  person,  and  we  were  soon  engaged  in  free  con. 
versation.  The  hereditary  Prince  Charles,  her  only  surviving  son, 
came  into  the  room,  and  she  introduced  him  to  us.  She  made  parti- 
cular inquiry  respecting  what  we  had  seen,  and  seemed  much  interested 
in  the  subject  of  my  colonies  at  home.  It  is  very  remarkable,  that  in 
conversing  upon  these  plans  for  the  poor,  she  made  use  of  the  same 
language  which  her  brother,  the  Emperor  Alexander,  had  applied  in 
reference  to  the  Scripture  Lessons,  viz.,  '  Surely  Divine  Providence  has 
sent  you  to  do  this  for  us.'  The  longer  we  staid,  the  more  interested 
the  Duchess  seemed  in  the  conversation  ;  she  requested  to  see  us  again, 
and  wished  us  to  dine  with  her  in  the  country  to-morrow.  We  begged 
to  decline  the  invitation  to  dinner,  but  were  desirous  of  being  allowed 
another  interview,  feeling  our  minds  drawn  towards  her  in  christian 
solicitude. 

We  took  tea  with  Dr.  Froriep,  his  wife  and  daughter,  and  were  after- 
wards joined  by  some  of  their  benevolent  friends. 

J\inth  Month  \st. — We  were  very  busily  engaged  this  morning  in 
cutting  and  pasting  the  texts  for  the  German  Scripture  Lessons.  At 
half-past  eleven,  we  went  to  Dr.  Froriep's,  when  his  wife  accompanied 
us  to  an  infant  school,  where  the  children  were  remarkably  clean  and 
neat  in  their  appearance.    They  have  soup  for  dinner  every  day,  and 
the  Grand  Duchess  orders  that  those  who  have  attended  regularly  the 
whole  week,  shall  receive  bread  to  the  value  of  a  groschen  (about  three 
half-pence)  at  the  end  of  it.    This  has  been  found  to  have  a  very  good 
effect  in  securing  the  attendance  of  the  children.    In  the  evening,  Dr. 
Froriep  called,  and  took  us  to  the  palace  at  Belvidere,  where  we  had 
been  invited  to  take  tea ;  it  is  a  beautiful  place ;  we  walked  about  the 
garden,  in  which  there  is  a  rich  collection  of  foreign  plants,  and  then 
went  to  the  Grand  Duchess,  who  received  us  very  kindly.    An  oppor- 
tunity for  introducing  religious  subjects  was  our  great  object ;  this  was 
had,  much  to  our  satisfaction,  and  we  were  rejoiced  to  find  that  such 
topics  were  most  acceptable  to  her.    She  seemed  reluctant  to  part  with 
us,  and  she  said  she  should  always  be  glad  to  see  us  at  Weimar.  We 
were  comforted  in  this  day's  work,  and  on  returning  to  our  hotel,  pro- 
ceeded with  pasting  the  Scripture  Lessons,  which  we  worked  at  till 
midnight. 

JVinth  Month  2nd  We  paid  several  calling  visits  to  take  leave,  and 

had  satisfactory  religious  communication  with  some  of  our  friends.  I 
was  glad  to  learn  that  the  Bible  is  very  generally  to  be  found  in  the 
houses  here,  and  that  at  all  the  schools  every  child  must  have  a  Bible. 

2rd. — Having  completed  half  the  Scripture  Lessons,  I  forwarded 
them  in  a  packet  to  Eisner  of  Berlin.    We  started  early  for  Leipsic, 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLKN. 


243 


and  in  the  afternoon  passed  the  village  of  Lutzen,  remarkable  for  the 
battle  which  took  place  in  its  vicinity  in  1632,  when  Gustavus  Adolphiis 
of  Sweden  gained  a  victory  over  the  Austrians,  bvit  lost  his  life.  A 
large  rough  stone,  on  which  is  marked,  '  G.  A.,  1632,'  denotes  the 
place  where  the  body  of  Gustavus  was  found.  Here,  in  1813,  Napoleon 
defeated  the  combined  forces  of  Russia  and  Prussia  ;  thus,  on  these 
plains,  have  many  thousands  of  human  victims  been  offered  up  to  the 
Moloch  of  ambition  and  worldly  policy.  The  Prussian  territory  termi- 
nates about  three  miles  from  Lutzen,  when  we  enter  Saxony.  All  the 
way  to  Leipsic  is  one  vast  plain,  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach.  Here 
again  there  was  a  scene  of  dreadful  carnage  in  1813,  when  the  French 
army  was  completely  defeated,  and  numbers  perished  owing  to  their 
retreat  being  cut  ofT  by  Napoleon,  who,  in  order  to  save  himself,  blew 
up  the  bridge  over  the  Elster,  leaving  no  passage  for  the  army.  Breiten- 
feld,  three-quarters  of  a  league  from  Leipsic,  is  celebrated  for  the  defeat 
of  Tilly  in  the  Thirty  years'  war.  We  reached  this  large  town  about 
six  o'clock,  and  put  up  at  the  Hotel  de  Russie. 

J\'int/i  Month  4th. — This  is  a  great  holiday  here,  to"  commemorate 
the  anniversary  of  the  constitution,  which  the  people  gained  about  two 
years  ago.  They  are  now  represented  in  an  Assembly,  or  Tiers  Etaty 
by  persons  of  their  own  choosing.  Stephen  and  I  were  intensely 
engaged  all  day  at  the  German  Scripture  Lessons,  and  finished  them  at 
right,  but  I  was  too  much  tired. 

5^/;. — As  we  had  a  list  of  the  names  of  several  persons  residing  here, 
we  set  out  this  morning  to  endeavour  to  find  them.  Our  first  attempt 
was  unsuccessful;  the  party  was  not  at  home.  We  felt  ourselves 
strangers  wandering  about  in  a  strange  city,  and  our  spirits  were  rather 
low.  On  one  occasion,  we  were  kindly  accosted  in  the  street  by  a 
gentleman  who  seemed  desirous  of  serving  us,  and  being  just  come 
from  Dresden,  he  gave  us  some  useful  hints  respecting  that  city. 
Meeting  with  Dr.  Lindner,  of  whom  we  went  in  search,  seemed  to  be 
the  opening  of  the  door  at  Leipsic.  He  made  an  appointment  for  us 
to  meet  some  friends  at  his  house  in  the  afternoon,  and  on  going  there, 
we  found  Volckman,  the  friend  of  Adolphus  Bach,  Reclam,  a  nice 
active  man,  a  bookseller.  Professor  Seyflfarth,  who  has  been  in  England, 
and  is  acquainted  with  John  Guillemard,  and  several  young  men  who 
are  studying  theology,  with  a  view  to  be  missionaries ;  I  felt  much  for 
them.  It  appears  that  here,  as  at  Halle,  the  contagion  of  infidelity  has 
spread  in  the  University ;  refined  speculations  upon  Scripture,  and  the 
exaltation  of  human  reason,  are  fbade  the  subject  of  eloquent  dis- 
courses, and  efforts  have  been  publicly  made  to  counteract  the  doctrines 
of  a  pious  pastor,  who  is  much  valued  by  the  friends  of  revealed  religion 
among  the  students.  We  were  comforted,  however,  in  believing  that, 
to  the  little  company  then  met  together,  a  crucified  Saviour  is  precious; 


244 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


they  are  not  ashamed  to  confess  him  before  men,  notwithstanding  the 
overwhehning  majority  by  which  they  are  opposed,  and  we  spent  a  very 
interesting  evening.  We  fixed  with  Dr.  Lindner  (o  have  a  meeting  at 
his  house,  with  some  of  the  students  to-morrow  evening.  Dr.  Seyffarth 
has  told  me  of  a  channel  by  which  the  Scripture  Lessons  may  be 
distributed  where  they  are  much  wanted,  and  where  it  is  difficult  to 
circulate  the  Bible. 

Stephen  read  our  evening  chapter,  after  which  we  had  a  lime  of 
silence  together,  when  he  expressed  a  few  words  very  appropriate  to 
our  present  situation.  We  may  thankfully  acknowledge  that  we  are 
encouraged  to  go  on,  and  to  trust. 

JVint/i  Month  6th. — We  passed  through  the  market  this  morning, 
which  was  crowded,  being  market  day.  Deep  red  and  blue  are  the 
prevailing  colours  in  the  dress  of  the  country  people,  and  strike  the  eye 
in  every  group  of  figures.  Under  the  clock,  in  the  great  square,  is  a 
large  ball  to  represent  the  moon,  one  part  is  gilt,  and  the  other  black ; 
at  new  moon  the  black  side  is  exhibited,  then  a  little  of  the  gilding, 
which  is  gradually  increased,  until  the  full  moon,  when  the  whole  of 
the  gilded  side  appears.  Thus  the  country  people  are  shown  what 
they  have  to  expect  from  this  luminary,  on  returning  home.  We 
called  on  Reclam,  the  bookseller ;  he  translates  and  prints  religious 
works  from  England,  and  Erskine's  is  amongst  them.  I  wish  him  to 
have  J.  J.  Gurney's  Evidences  to  translate.  Leipsic  is  the  very  focal 
point  for  circulation.  We  visited  some  public  institutions  this  morn- 
ing, and  had  a  very  satisfactory  conference  with  Frege,  the  banker, 
who  seemed  pleased  and  interested  with  the  objects  of  our  journey, 
and  has  given  us  an  introduction  to  the  Minister  of  State,  at  Vienna. 
Persons  seem  struck  with  seeing  us  travelling  thus,  without  any  object 
of  self-gratification,  but  merely  with  a  view  to  promote  the  good  of 
others. 

We  dined  with  Dr.  Hahn,  who  is  one  of  the  principal  professors 
here,  and  is  a  remarkably  amiable,  sweet-spirited  man.  We  met  Dr. 
Lindner,  Senator  Volckman,  Seyffarth,  &c.  There  was  a  short  pause 
before  dinner,  the  company  all  standing,  but  at  the  close  of  dinner, 
when  they  rose,  Stephen  requested  them  to  stop,  and,  after  a  little 
silence,  he  was  engaged  in  supplication ;  his  prayer  was  sweet  and 
suitable.  We  then  parted  under  very  kind  feelings.  Between  five 
and  six  we  went  to  Dr.  Lindner's,  and  found  about  thirteen  of  the 
students  ready  to  receive  us,  also  our  dear  friends,  Professor  Seyffarth, 
and  Reclam.  The  solemnity  which  covered  us  on  first  sitting  down  in 
silence,  will,  I  believe,  be  long  and  beneficially  remembered  by  some 
present.  Many  important  truths  were  pressed  upon  the  minds  of  the 
students,  and  we  felt  much  relieved  by  this  opportunity.  The  young 
men  seemed  tender  and  affectionate. 


1S32. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


245 


JVinth  Month  1th. — Three  of  the  students  came  to  us  early  this 
morning,  and  had  much  religious  conversation  ;  they  staid  about  an 
hour,  and  appeared  in  a  very  tender  state.  They  expressed  their  be- 
lief that  we  had  been  mercifully  sent  to  them,  and  in  a  note  which  we 
afterwards  received  from  one  of  these  young  men,  he  thus  expresses 
himself : — 

« You  have  preached  the  gospel  to  us  this  morning,  and  the  word  of 
God  has  not  passed  before  us  without  effect.  I  am  no  flatterer,  but  I 
assuredly  believe  that  God  himself  sent  you  to  us.' 

Professor  Seyffarth  called,  and  went  with  us  to  take  leave  of  several 
of  our  friends.  There  is  something  very  interesting  about  him;  he 
has  made  some  curious  investigations  and  discoveries  relative  to  the 
antiquities  of  Egypt,  which  tend  to  confirm  the  statements  in  the  Bible. 

8//i  I  awoke  early  ;  my  mind  immediately  turned  to  the  Lord,  with 

fervent  prayer  for  His  continued  support  and  protection,  and  for  those 
dearest  to  me.  We  were  in  the  public  diligence,  on  our  way  to  Dres- 
den, before  six  o'clock.  During  the  first  part  of  our  journey,  the 
country  was  flat  and  open,  but  after  passing  Klappendorf  it  assumed  a 
different  aspect ;  we  saw  hills  covered  with  vineyards,  the  prospects 
were  beautiful,  and,  proceeding  farther,  we  perceived  the  Elbe  on  our" 
left,  and  huge  masses  of  rock  by  the  road  side,  like  granite  or  felspar. 
At  Meissen,  there  are  some  large  buildings,  besides  the  castle,  which 
is  on  a  commanding  eminence  ;  the  views  from  its  turrets,  and  from 
the  mountains  of  St.  Martin  and  Blossen,  are  said  to  be  most  extensive. 
On  these  two  mountains,  is  found  the  Saxon  Cochineal,  or  Coccus 
Polonicus.  The  road  from  Meissen  to  Dresden,  fifteen  miles,  presents 
romantic  and  beautiful  views.  The  vines  on  the  sides  of  the  steep  hills 
close  to  us,  were  planted  on  terraces,  of  which  there  are  six  or  seven, 
one  above  another,  like  so  many  walls ;  this  is  to  keep  the  earth  from 
being  washed  down  by  the  rains.  We  reached  Dresden  between  five 
and  six  o'clock. 

Mnth  Month  9ih — We  called  upon  the  Minister  of  State,  Count  Von 
Lindenau,  and  had  a  very  satisfactory  interview  ;  his  manner  was  so  kind 
and  open  that  we  consulted  him  about  Vienna,  and  he  said  he  would 
speak  to  Count  Colleredo,  the  Austrian  Minister,  and  try  to  procure  for 
us  an  interview  with  him.  He  is  afraid  of  our  going  to  Prague,  on 
account  of  the  prevalence  of  the  cholera,  which  is  very  bad  in  Bohemia. 
We  were  with  him  above  an  hour,  and  he  wishes  to  see  us  again.  We 
returned  to  our  hotel,  where  we  sat  down  together,  and  spent  about  an 
hour  in  silent  worship  ;  the  feeling  during  part  of  the  time  was  remark- 
ably sweet ;  towards  the  conclusion,  dear  Stephen  was  engaged  in 
thanksgiving  and  prayer. 

10th. — We  have  made  several  calls  to-day,  and  have  agreed  that  a 
meeting  shall  be  appointed  for  to-morrow  evening,  at  Nauman's,  at  the 


246 


LIPE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832- 


orphan  house.  We  endeavoured  to  persuade  a  lady,  who  is  much 
respected,  and  speaks  several  languages,  to  act  as  interpreter,  and  at 
length  she  reluctantly  consented.  Dresden  has  this  advantage  over 
the  beautiful  city  of  Berlin,  that  its  drains  are  underground. 

llih. — We  went  by  appointment  to  Count  Colleredo,  the  Austrian 
Minister,  and  £ound  him  a  clever  man,  and  affable  in  his  manners ;  we 
had  much  useful  conversation,  and  had  satisfaction  in  the  visit.  The 
Count  was  so  kind  as  to  ofTer  to  give  us  a  letter  to  the  Governor  of 
Prague.  We  then  went  to  tlie  palace  to  wait  upon  Prince  Frederick, 
the  heir  apparent.  He  received  us  with  much  affability,  and  many 
topics  of  interest  were  brought  forward  during  the  interview.  He  said 
that  his  younger  brother,  Prince  John,  interested  himself  very  much 
about  benevolent  societies,  and  that  he  was  now  busy  in  forming  a 
temperance  society.  He  seemed  anxious  that  we  should  see  him,  and 
sent  after  him  several  times  ;  he  was  however  not  at  home.  We  fully 
explained  the  object  of  our  visit,  and  said  that  our  only  reason  for 
wishing  to  see  persons  in  his  station  was,  on  account  of  the  power  they 
possessed  of  doing  good  to  their  fellow-creatures,  and  of  being  exten- 
sively useful.  He  expressed  himself  kindly,  and  took  leave  of  us  very 
respectfully.  We  returned  to  our  hotel,  and  between  two  and  three, 
received  a  message  from  Prince  John  that  he  wished  to  see  us  ;  we 
accordingly  went  to  his  apartments,  and  had  some  interesting  and  im- 
portant conversation  with  him.  He  was  kind  and  affable,  and  this  also 
was  a  very  satisfactory  interview  ;  we  presented  him  with  several  pub- 
lications, and  with  the  rules  for  temperance  societies. 

In  the  afternoon  we  went  to  the  orphan  house,  where  the  meeting  was 
appointed  ;  there  were  from  sixty  to  eighty  persons  present,  but  our 
friend  who  had  agreed  to  interpret  for  us,  was  not  to  be  found  ;  how- 
ever, our  great  Master,  as  I  humbly  believe,  provided  for  us  in  the 
needful  time.  Stephen  informed  the  company  in  French,  how  we  were 
circumstanced,  and  requested  that  some  person  would  be  so  obliging 
as  to  interpret  what  might  be  communicated.  A  lady,  beyond  middle 
age,  having  the  air  and  manner  of  a  person  who  had  been  highly  edu- 
cated, kindly  came  forward;  it  was  the  Baroness  Drechsel,  of  Silesia, 
a  well-known  religious  character,  who,  in  addition  to  her  own  language, 
could  speak  French  and  English.  There  was  a  sweet  pause,  and  Ste- 
phen then  rose  and  spoke  for  a  considerable  time  in  French  ;  the 
Baroness  stood  by  him,  and  interpreted  sentence  by  sentence,  into 
German,  very  faithfully  and  with  great  feeling.  The  people  were  as 
quiet  and  attentive  as  in  a  meeting  of  Friends.  After  he  sat  down,  Dr. 
Leonardi,  a  tender-spirited  pastor,  rose  and  expressed  a  few  sentences 
in  German,  which  the  Baroness  interpreted  into  French.  There  was 
again  a  pause,  and  feeling  much  for  the  people,  I  was  led  to  address 
them,  in  English,  the  Baroness  interpreting  for  me  into  German.  Be- 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


247 


fore  the  meeting  concluded,  Stephen  was  engaged  in  prayer,  which 
was  not  interpreted.  The  solemnity  which  prevailed  in  this  meeting 
was  remarkably  striking.  The  Baroness  seemed  much  impressed  ;* 
and  the  hearts  of  many  were  brought  into  tenderness.  Pastor  Leonardi 
mentioned  the  gratitude  he  felt  that  the  gospel  had  been  thus  preached, 
and  expressed  a  hope  that  the  impression  then  made  would  long  con- 
tinue. Several  persons  came  up  to  us  affectionately,  and  in  passing 
through  the  market-place,  an  elderly  woman  accosted  us,  and,  taking 
us  by  the  hand,  desired  that  the  Lord  might  be  with  and  support  us. 
After  this  favoured  time,  we  returned  to  our  hotel  with  thankful  hearts. 

JYinth  Month  12th. — We  had  an  interview  this  morning  with  Count 
Lindenau,  and  also  with  several  persons  who  were  at  the  meeting  last 
evenino;  We  heard  a  dismal  account  of  the  state  of  religion  here. 

About  half-past  six,  we  left  our  hotel  with  peaceful  minds,  and  went 
to  the  Post,  to  proceed  in  the  diligence  to  the  Moravian  settlement  at 
Ilerrnhut.  As  I  rode  along  in  the  night,  I  felt  that  I  could  not  look 
forward  to  home,  without  visiting  Vienna,  though,  at  present,  I  do  not 
see  for  what  object ;  I  must,  however,  go  on  in  the  faith.  I  had  much 
peace  and  comfort  during  my  ride.  We  reached  Herrnhut  about  five 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  after  a  few  hours  rest,  went  to  call  upon 

*  This  excellent  lady  retained  a  warm  and  grateful  remembrance  of  the  impressions 
received  at  this  meeting,  and  afterwards  corresponded  with  William  Allen  ;  she  introduced 
a  lady  to  his  notice,  whose  little  son  was  subsequently  a  pupil  at  Lindfield  ;  he  was  one  of 
the  Polish  refugees.  In  a  letter,  dated  2nd  January,  1837,  she  says, — "  Yesterday,  we 
began  a  new  year;  my  wishes  for  you  reached  to  heaven,  that,  for  the  benefits  done  to  your 
fellow  creatures,  our  Heavenly  Father  may  spread  His  blessings  upon  you,  your  house,  and 
all  that  belong  to  you.  Keep  me  in  your  remembrance, — in  your  friendship.  If  God  should 
grant  me  life  and  health,  I  purpose  to  go  for  some  weeks  to  England.  How  happy  should 
I  be  to  converse  with  you — to  tell  you  all  my  feelings,  all  my  gratitude,  all  the  esteem  and 
regard  with  which  I  am,  dear  Sir, 

Your  faithful  friend  and  obedient  servant, 

B.  Drechsel." 

In  the  Ninth  Month  of  the  same  year,  she  writes, — "  I  had  proposed  to  myself  the  great 
pleasure  of  seeing  you,  and  of  proving  to  you  de  vive  voix,  how  dear  your  acquaintance  is 
to  me,  and  the  honour  of  your  christian  remembrance.  But  God  has  ordered  it  otherwise, 
and  we  must  submit  to  His  holy  will.  A  dangerous  illness  has  overtaken  me,  which  con- 
fined  me  fourteen  weeks  to  my  bed,  without  hope  of  recovery.  But  my  friend,  (allow  me 
ever  to  use  so  sweet  a  tide,)  what  experience  I  have  had  of  Divine  Goodness  during  this 
illness,  and  of  the  infinite  mercy  of  God  !  This  has  led  me  more  and  more  into  a  state  of 
entire  submission  to  His  will.  In  those  hours  of  weakness,  feebleness,  and  nothingness,  I 
had  a  strong  consolation  which  brought  comfort  and  peace.  A  voice,  as  in  a  dream,  seemed 
to  say  to  me,  '  I  will  never  leave  thee  ;  I  will  be  with  thee  in  time  of  need.'  Pray  for  me 
that  I  may  never  wander  more,  for  if  God  help  me  not,  I  am  lost :  the  words,  '  I  will  be 
with  thee  in  time  of  need,'  still  vibrate  in  my  heart. 

Keep  me  in  your  remembrance,  and  believe  me,  that  my  entire  devotcdness  and  esteem 
will  end  but  with  my  life. 

Your  obedient, 

B.  Dhechsel." 

A  few  weeks  after  the  above  letter  was  written,  William  Allen  received  the  intelligence 
that  this  excellent  lady  had  departed  in  great  peace. 


248 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832, 


Count  Donha,  to  whom  we  were  recommended  from  Dresden,  He 
received  us  with  much  kindness,  and  even  with  joy,  and  soon  intro- 
duced us  to  the  Pastor  Stengard,  and  to  several  more  of  his  friends, 
Herrnhut  is  a  regular  town ;  every  house  in  it  belongs  to  the  Moravians, 
and  the  total  number  of  inhabitants  is  estimated  at  about  one  thousand. 
An  air  of  tranquillity  and  peace  reigns  throughout,  and  distinguishes  it 
from  any  other  place  which  I  have  ever  before  visited.    The  plainness, 
neatness,  christian  simplicity  and  sweetness  of  manner,  observable  in 
many  of  the  females,  afforded  a  gratifying  proof  of  their  being  under 
the  influence  of  the  spirit  of  their  Divine  Master.    We  had  much  edify- 
ing conversation  with  several  of  the  members  of  this  community  ;  we 
were,  however,  grieved  to  learn,  that,  during  the  war  of  1813,  some 
of  the  young  men  had  been  unfaithful  to  their  principle  against  bearing 
arras,  and  that  now  they  are  no  longer  exempt  from  being  called  into 
service.    We  had  a  public  meeting  for  worship  at  this  place ;  it  was 
attended  by  the  principal  members,  and  proved  a  solemn  and  satisfac- 
tory opportunity.    We  took  a  walk  to  Bethelsdorf,  about  a  mile  from 
Herrnhut,  and  on  our  way,  visited  the  neat  burying-ground.    Over  the 
entrance,  in  letters  of  gold,  is  this  portion  of  Scripture,  in  German, 
'  Now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,'  and  at  the  other  side  of  the  gate 
is  written, — <  And  become  the  first-fruits  of  them  that  slept.'  How 
sweet  and  precious  are  these  words,  and  how  appropriate  in  such  a 
place !    There  are  rows  of  trees  in  the  ground,  and  a  broad  path-way 
through  the  middle,  the  bodies  of  the  men  are  laid  at  one  side,  and 
those  of  the  women  at  the  other.  The  grave-stones  are  all  alike.  They 
are  placed  flat,  in  rows,  with  the  simple  name  engraved  upon  each, 
except  in  the  case  of  Count  Zinzendorf,  the  founder,  and  three  of  his 
family,  to  whose  memory  large  tombs  are  erected. 

Minth  Month  15th. — Count  Donha  parted  with  us  in  much  affection  ; 
he  gave  me,  as  a  keepsake,  a  collection  of  hymns,  in  English.  We 
proceeded  by  a  very  bad  road  to  Rumburg,  which  is  the  Austrian  fron- 
tier, and  here  we  left  Saxony.  We  had  some  trouble  with  the  oflScers, 
who,  though  not  disposed  to  be  uncivil,  were  perplexed  about  the  pass- 
ports ;  we  were,  however,  much  assisted  by  two  nice  young  men  from 
Vienna,  who  met  with  us  at  the  inn,  and  seemed  to  feel  a  real  pleasure 
in  being  useful  to  us.  They  further  assisted  us  in  our  arrangements  for 
proceeding  to  Prague,  which  we  reached  the  following  day, 

nth  Prague  is  a  very  large  city,  through  which  the  river  Moldau 

runs.  We  went  this  morning  to  deliver  our  letter  from  Count  Colleredo 
to  the  Governor,  but  found  he  was  gone  to  Italy ;  we,  however, 
requested  to  see  the  Vice-Governor,  who  admitted  us  ;  he  is  a  sedate 
agreeable  man,  and  the  longer  we  staid,  the  more  he  appeared  inte- 
rested in  the  objects  engaging  our  attention ;  he  gave  us  the  last  report 
in  manuscript  of  the  state  of  the  great  prison,  and  kindly  sent  a  person 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


249 


from  his  chancellerie  to  take  us  to  see  it.  We  walked  about  two  miles, 
and  had  much  interesting  conversation  with  our  conductor,  who  seems 
a  religiously  disposed  young  man ;  he  said  we  should  pass  his  resi- 
dence, and  begged  we  would  call  and  see  his  sister,  which  we  did ; 
she  seems  to  be  a  sincere  inquirer  after  truth,  and  accompanied  us  to 
the  prison,  where  there  are  nearly  seven  hundred  prisoners.  In  the 
Third  Month  last,  a  great  number  died  of  cholera.  A  considerable 
manufactory  is  carried  on  here,  which,  so  far,  is  excellent,  but  classifi- 
cation is  much  wanted.  We  are  to  send  the  managers  our  Prison  Dis- 
cipline Reports.  We  afterwards  called  upon  a  Lutheran  Pastor,  at  the 
outskirts  of  the  city.  We  learn  that  attention  is  paid  to  the  education 
of  the  poor  in  this  place,  but  their  minds  are  in  great  bondage.  On 
returning  to  our  hotel,  we  found  the  head  waiter  in  our  room,  reading 
a  French  Bible,  so  I  gave  him  my  German  copy,  which  I  bought  on 
(he  road;  he  was  exceedingly  thankful,  and  kissed  my  hand  with 
delight.  There  was  a  good  deal  of  feeling  and  tenderness  of  spirit 
about  this  man. 

We  took  our  places  in  the  diligence,  which  sets  off  for  Vienna  about 
five  o'clock.  The  principal  person  at  the  office  was  particularly  kind, 
and  reserved  the  two  best  seats  for  us  ;  this  was  of  more  importance 
than  usual,  as  we  had  a  journey  in  prospect  of  thirty-six  hours.  We 
started  in  the  afternoon,  as  proposed,  and  reached  Vienna  just  at  sun- 
rise, on  the  19th,  a  very  fine  morning.  After  breakfast  I  went  to  find 
Prince  Paul  Esterhazy,  who  was  in  the  city,  and  received  me  most 
cordially,  expressing  much  satisfaction  at  my  coming  here.  I  fully 
explained  to  him  the  object  of  our  visit,  and  I  believe  he  quite  under- 
stood it.  He  appointed  us  to  call  upon  him  on  sixth-day  next,  when 
he  wishes  to  talk  about  our  plans  for  the  poor,  and  to  see  what  can  be 
done  upon  his  estates  in  Hungary.  I  am  revising  my  <  Colonies  at 
Home,'  and  adapting  it  for  the  Continent. 

J\mth  Month  20th. — When  I  awoke  in  the  night,  and  this  morning 
also,  my  mind  was  turned  to  the  Lord  with  humble  mental  prayer,  that 
He  would  be  with  me  indeed — that  He  would  be  pleased  to  put  down 
in  me  all  that  is  opposed  to  His  divine  will — that  He  would  be  with  and 
bless  my  beloved  wife  and  our  precious  nieces,  with  those  dearest  to 
us,  and  preserve  us  all  to  His  heavenly  kingdom.  I  am  constantly 
looking  forward  to  the  end  of  all  things  here  ;  may  our  gracious  Master 
preserve  His  unprofitable  servant  to  the  end,  and  at  the  end  receive  him, 
through  the  efficacy  of  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant.    Amen  ! 

We  went  to  the  bankers,  Arnstein  and  Eskeles,  for  them  to  sign  a 
document  for  our  billet  of  residence.  The  Baron  Eskeles  pressed  us 
to  dine  with  him,  at  his  country  seat,  on  first-day;  this  we  begged  to 
decline,  but  expressed  our  willingness  to  take  tea  with  him  some  other 
,  evening.  I  had  a  precious  quiet  time  in  ray  own  chamber  this  evening. 


250 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


JVinth  Month  21st  About  ten  o'clock  we  went  to  Prince  Esterhazy, 

and  had  a  long  conference  with  him.  He  says  there  is  a  great  mixture 
in  the  people  of  Hungary, — that  the  real  Hungarians  lead  a  roving  life, 
like  the  Nomades, — that  they  are  contented  and  happy,  and  would  not 
consent  to  change  their  way  of  life,  but  that  the  Sclavonians  would  be 
more  easily  civilized.  He  says  the  feudal  system  was  abolished  in 
Hungary  in  the  time  of  the  Empress  Maria  Theresa,  and  that  there  is 
complete  liberty  of  conscience.  We  conversed  about  prisons,  in  which 
he  seems  interested,  and  said  he  thought  we  might  be  permitted  to  see 
them,  but  he  expressed  his  fears  respecting  anything  being  published  ; 
we  told  him  of  the  care  that  we  had  uniformly  exercised  in  this  respect, 
with  which  he  seemed  pleased.  We  spoke  of  schools,  and  of  the 
Scripture  Lessons  in  Russia,  and  dwelt  strongly  upon  the  Bible,  as 
being  the  most  excellent  system  of  morals,  as  well  as  religion,  that  the 
world  has  ever  seen  ;  observing,  that  if  the  doctrines  taught  in  the 
Bible,  were  to  prevail  in  this  Empire,  it  would  tend,  more  than  any 
thing  else,  to  the  security  of  the  government,  while  the  infidel  principles 
which  were  publicly  taught  in  Germany,  tended  to  the  subversion  of 
government.  Here  he  was  silent.  I  gave  him  one  of  the  '  Hints  on 
Schools  of  Agriculture,'  and  '  Thoughts  on  the  Importance  of  Religion.' 
He  pointed  out  to  us  on  the  map,  where  his  nearest  estate  is  situated, 
and  urged  us  to  visit  it,  saying,  it  was  not  farther  than  from  London  to 
Brighton,  and  he  would  send  us  to  his  chateau  in  a  little  carriage  of  his 
own.  We  thought  it  best  to  accept  his  invitation,  and  he  will  send 
for  us  to-morrow  at  eight  o'clock.  We  are  to  stay  the  night  there,  and 
return  the  next  day ;  and  he  wishes  to  see  us  the  following  morning. 

The  houses  in  Vienna  have  a  character  of  their  own,  different  from 
Berlin  and  other  cities;  they  are  white  plastered,  ornamented  about  the 
windows,  and  are  very  high  ;  the  streets  are  narrow  and  gloomy,  with- 
out foot-paths.  The  environs  are  very  fine.  We  went,  about  half-past 
five,  to  take  tea  at  the  country  seat  of  the  Baron  Eskeles,  which  is  near 
the  palace  at  Schonbrunn.  It  was  some  trial  to  us  to  go  into  a  large 
company,  all  strangers  to  us,  in  our  simple  manner  ;  however,  I  felt  in 
my  place:  we  were  soon  engaged  in  conversation,  and  I  had  no  doubt 
about  the  propriety  of  our  being  there.  Such  visits  have  the  effect  of 
making  the  principles  we  profess  more  known.  I  had  some  religious 
cortversation  with  a  Roman  Catholic  lady,  who  seemed  in  a  feeling, 
tender  state.  We  returned  to  the  hotel  about  nine  o'clock,  well  satis- 
fied with  our  visit. 

JYinth  Month  22nd. — About  eight  o'clock  we  set  off"  in  the  carriage 
provided  for  us  by  Prince  Paul  Esterhazy,  who  also  sent  a  servant  with 
orders  that  we  should  be  furnished  with  horses,  post  free,  all  the  way 
to  his  palace  at  Eisensfadt  and  back,  and  be  attended  to  whilst  there ; 
his  kindness  is  indeed  great.    We  passed  extensive  plains  of  grass, 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


251 


which  would  answer  admirably  for  rural  colonies.  After  proceeding  a 
considerable  distance,  the  vineyards  become  numerous.  This  country 
is  celebrated  for  its  wines.  We  had  very  fine  horses,  and  between 
twelve  and  one  reached  the  palace,  which  is  a  great  noass  of  building, 
on  a  commanding  eminence  at  the  foot  of  the  Carpathian  mountains  ;  it 
contains  one  hundred  and  six  apartments.  Great  attention  was  shown 
to  us,  and  w-e  were  very  hospitably  entertained.  After  dinner,  a  car- 
riage was  in  readiness  to  take  us  round  the  grounds,  and  to  some  of  the 
neighbouring  villages.  The  servants  seemed  to  have  had  their  orders, 
and  we  were  accompanied  by  the  head  gardener,  a  nice  intelligent 
young  man,  who  spoke  French  well.  There  are  three  distinct  sets  of 
people  in  these  parts,  besides  Jews,  viz.,  Hungarians,  Croatians,  and 
Germans ;  nearly  one  half  of  the  Hungarians  are  Protestants,  and  are 
permitted  the  free  exercise  of  their  religion.  The  Croatians  are  Roman 
Catholics.  The  villages  of  Osliph  and  Gresch  are  inhabited  by  Croats  ; 
they  have  long  hair,  and  wear  large  broad-brimmed  hats  with  low 
crowns.  I  was  not  satisfied  with  merely  an  external  view  of  their 
dwellings,  so  we  stopped  and  went  into  some  of  the  houses,  which,  I 
suppose  on  account  of  the  cholera,  have  been  recently  white-washed 
both  within  and  without ;  they  stand  in  rows  on  each  side  of  a  wide 
road  ;  the  gable  ends,  with  two  windows  in  them,  are  uniformly  placed 
towards  the  road  ;  the  walls  are  thick,  and  of  stones  and  mud  plastered  ; 
the  upper  part  is  often  of  wood,  and  the  covering  is  of  thatch.  The 
peasants  are  all  required  to  keep  their  cottages  in  repair.  There  are  four 
different  classes  of  them,  and  they  all  cultivate  their  land  ;  each  of  the 
first  class  has  fifty  acres,  those  of  the  second  class  have  twenty-five 
acres, — of  the  third,  four  acres,  and  of  the  fourth  class,  two  acres.  A 
man  of  the  third  class,  invited  us  into  his  house  ;  the  kitchen  is  a  kind 
of  recess,  without  a  window  ;  the  smoke  is  carried  oflT  by  an  open 
chimney.  There  was  one  large  room,  in  which  the  whole  family  live 
and  sleep ;  in  this  there  was  a  four-post  bedstead,  with  a  good  bed, 
curtains,  &c.,  and  a  smaller  bed,  without  hangings,  for  the  children  ; 
they  each  had  quilted  coverlets  made  by  the  mistress  of  the  house,  and 
there  was  an  appearance  of  neatness  and  comfort  in  this  apartment.  The 
peasant  informed  us  that  half  his  land  was  in  vineyards,  and  half  arable  ; 
he  possessed  two  oxen,  a  cow,  and  a  pig.  There  is  a  certain  sum  levied 
upon  every  family,  whether  there  are  children  or  not,  for  the  support 
of  the  schools  ;  a  tax  is  also  paid  to  the  Emperor,  to  the  Prince,  and 
to  the  Priest ;  and  after  all  the  requisitions  are  complied  with,  the 
peasant  says  he  has  only  about  one-fifth  of  his  crops  for  himself.  The 
population  of  Hungary  is  estimated  at  eight  millions,  and  during  the 
last  eighteen  months,  one  million  of  persons  are  said  to  have  died  of 
cholera.  It  ceased  only  in  the  forepart  of  this  month.  It  is  not  a  little 
remarkable,  in  looking  back,  to  see  how  exactly  at  the  right  time  we 


252 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


seem  to  have  undertaken  this  journey.  The  property  of  Prince  Ester- 
hazy,  in  Hungary,  is  immense ;  he  derives  a  revenue  from  above  eight 
hundred  thousand  peasants.  Some  of  the  villages  which  we  passed 
are  inhabited  by  Germans. 

Fine  marble  is  found  here,  and  on  our  way  we  stopped  to  see  a  marble 
quarry.  I  was  tired  when  we  returned  to  the  palace,  but  this  has  been 
an  important  day. 

JYinth  Month  23rd  We  rode  a  considerable  distance  this  morning, 

to  the  town  of  Oedenburg,  where  a  large  proportion  of  the  inhabitants 
are  Hungarians.  About  half  the  population  consists  of  Protestants,  and 
we  called  upon  the  Lutheran  Pastor,  with  whom  we  were  much  pleased; 
he  informed  us  that  the  Protestants  are  at  liberty  to  print  Bibles  and  to 
purchase  them,  but  the  price  is  very  high,  and  they  are  not  allowed  to 
receive  them  from  any  Bible  Society.  The  Hungarians,  Sclavonians, 
and  Germans,  are  all  in  want  of  them ;  I  have  thought,  if  they  conld 
have  a  copy  of  our  Scripture  Lessons  in  German,  they  might  print  an 
edition,  and  we  could  assist  them  with  at  least  a  part  of  the  funds  from 
the  Bavarian  subscription.*  Five  thousand  New  Testaments  were 
printed  here  some  time  since,  but  the  whole  edition  is  now  exhausted. 
The  pastor  thinks  that,  speaking  in  general  terms,  all  the  children  of 
fourteen  years  of  age  can  read,  and  he  considers  the  state  of  morals 
better  in  Hungary  than  in  Germany :  with  regard  to  the  agricultural 
population,  he  says  that  there  is  an  astonishing  diversity  in  diflferent 
parts,  but  there  is  not  so  much  oppression  in  the  interior,  as  in  those 
parts  bordering  upon  Turkey  ;  he  does  not  think  that  Socinian  principles 
have  made  their  way  here.  We  came  back  to  Eisenstadt  to  dinner, 
and  were  provided  with  excellent  horses  to  return  to  Vienna,  which 
we  reached  in  the  evening ;  the  sun-set  was  remarkably  fine,  and  the 
clouds  were  of  a  beautiful  crimson,  such  as  I  have  very  rarely  witnessed. 
Stephen  and  I  had  a  sweet  time  of  divine  worship,  and  I  felt  my  mind 
comforted  and  tendered. 

JYinth  Month  2Uh. — On  going  to  the  house  of  Prince  Esterhazy,  we 
found  that  he  was  not  at  home,  and  had  left  a  message  that  he  was 
obliged  to  go  out,  and  could  not  tell  exactly  at  what  hour  he  might 
return  ;  we  therefore  arranged  to  be  sent  for  when  he  wished  to  see  us, 
and  proceeded  to  call  upon  a  Lutheran  Pastor ;  from  him  we  obtained 

*  This  object  was  in  some  measure  attained,  by  the  circulation  in  Hungary  of  the  Scrip- 
ture Lessons  which  were  printed  at  Berlin,  under  the  care  of  Samuel  Eisner.  In  a  letter  to 
William  Allen,  written  about  two  years  after  this  date,  S.  Eisner  says, — "The  society  for 
printing  religious  tracts  at  Berlin,  has  had  five  thousand  copies  of  the  Scripture  Lessons 
printed  and  circulated  to  its  correspondents  in  the  Prussian  dominions,  and  they  have  every 
where  been  received  with  marks  of  approbation.  The  other  five  thousand,  (printed  by 
order  of  S.  G.  and  W.  A.),  as  well  as  five  thousand  copies  of  the  '  Thoughts  on  the  Import- 
ance of  Religion,'  have  been  mostly  sent  to  foreign  countries,  chiefly  to  Russia,  Poland, 
Hungary,  and  Bohemia,  where  a  wide  door  is  open  to  receive  them,  and,  in  Hungary  and 
Bohemia  especially,  there  is  a  great  desire  for  such  spiritual  nourishment." 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


253 


much  valuable  information.  It  appears  that  Protestants  are  tolerated 
here,  but  despised  ;  that  worldly-mindedness  prevails,  and  that  what 
pleases  the  ear,  is  preferred  to  real,  vital  Christianity.  The  Bible  is 
read  a  little  in  the  schools,  but  the  chief  dependence  of  the  people  is 
on  the  catechism.  In  Transylvania  the  case  is  different;  there  the 
Scriptures  are  taught  in  the  schools,  and  generally  valued. 

J\''i>ith  Month  2bth  My  mind  was  supported  and  comforted  during 

the  night,  and  whenever  I  awoke,  sustaining  Goodness  was  felt  to  be 
near. 

A  message  arrived  from  the  Prince,  requesting  us  to  go  to  him  ;  he 
received  us  most  kindly,  and  expressed  his  pleasure  in  our  having  been 
to  Eisenstadt.  We  then  spoke  of  our  journey,  of  the  improvements 
he  might  make  with  regard  to  the  cultivation  of  the  land,  and  in  ameli- 
orating the  condition  of  the  peasantry,  and  conversed  upon  several 
subjects  of  importance.  He  freely  acknowledged  his  sense  of  the 
responsibility  of  the  trust  committed  to  him,  and  said  it  was  his  earnest 
desire  to  promote  the  welfare  of  the  people.  He  observed,  that  if  his 
life  were  spared,  he  fully  intended,  in  two  or  three  years,  to  take  leave 
of  politics,  at  least  of  the  active  part  he  had  taken  in  them  for  the  last 
seventeen  years,  and  devote  his  time  and  attention  to  improving  the 
condition  of  the  peasantry  in  Hungary.  We  had  a  long  and  interesting 
conference. 

If  I  had  chosen  to  make  myself  known  at  Vienna,  in  my  scientific 
character,  I  might  have  been  introduced  to  the  Emperor,  with  other 
men  of  science  just  now  assembled  here,  from  different  parts,  but  I  was 
most  easy  to  keep  in  retirement. 

In  the  evening,  Stephen  and  I  took  a  walk  on  the  outskirts  of  the 
city  by  the  ramparts.  The  sky  was  a  beautiful  blue,  very  different  from 
what  we  see  in  England.  The  trees,  and  walks,  palaces,  and  public 
buildings,  are  very  fine  ;  I  felt  a  melancholy  pleasure  in  pacing  along 
the  interior  square  of  the  palace,  where  I  had  the  interview  with  the 
dear  Emperor  Alexander,  in  1822.  As  we  walked  along,  engaged  in 
serious  conversation,  Stephen  expressed  his  belief,  that  after  all  my 
trials,  my  sun  would  yet  go  down  in  brightness.  0,  that  it  may  be 
so!  I  can  appeal  to  my  Lord  and  Master,  in  the  language  of  Peter, 
'Lord,  thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee,'  and  I  love  thy  cause,  however 
conscious  I  may  be  of  my  short-comings,  and  that  I  am  indeed  an  un- 
profitable servant.  O  that  I  may  be  received  within  the  gates  of  that 
city  which  hath  foundations,  whose  builder  and  maker  is  God. 

J\''in(/i  Month  26th. — Several  persons  called  upon  us  this  morning, 
amongst  whom  was  a  young  man  under  deep  religious  feeling,  who 
wishes  to  join  the  Reformed  Church  ;  he  is  at  present  a  student  in 
medicine.  He  is  desirous  of  going  to  England  or  America,  but  as  he 
does  not  speak  English,  we  recommended  him  to  Basle.  We  had  much 
important  conversation  with  the  protestant  clergyman  here,  who  is  a 


254 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


very  agreeable  man  ;  and  when  I  reflect  upon  our  intercourse  with  him, 
upon  the  openings  in  Hungary,  and  particularly  the  conference  with 
the  Minister  at  Oedenburg,  my  faith  is  confirmed,  and  I  believe  that 
my  impressions  respecting  Vienna  were  in  accordance  with  the  divine 
will.  We  now  felt  released  from  this  city,  though  much  regret  has 
been  expressed  at  our  short  stay,  and  it  is  plain  that  we  should  have 
found  work  to  do  if  we  had  remained  longer.  We  supped  at  the  table 
d'  hole,  and  about  nine  o'clock  had  our  luggage  taken  to  the  port ;  the 
principal  officer  there,  having  met  with  us  the  evening  we  were  at 
Baron  Eskeles,  at  Hitsingen,  was  very  civil,  and  helped  us  through 
nicely.  We  had  comfortable  seats  in  the  diligence,  and  shortly  after 
started  for  Munich.  Though  we  did  not  feel  ourselves  justified  in 
making  a  longer  stay,  yet  we  left  Vienna  with  mournful  feelings,  reflect- 
ing upon  the  superstition,  bigotry,  and  worldly-mindedness  which 
prevail.  The  suspicion  under  which  we  move  about,  is  also  very  dis- 
couraging. The  next  morning  we  had  superb  views  of  the  Danube, 
with  mountains,  rocks,  and  forests ;  we  passed  many  towns  in  our 
route,  and  on  sixth-day  arrived  at  Brennau,  the  Austrian  frontier  ;  here 
there  was  some  delay  about  our  passports,  but  at  length  the  difficulties 
were  all  surmounted,  and  we  proceeded  towards  Munich,  which  we 
reached  at  six  o'clock  on  seventh-day  morning,  having  travelled  about 
three  hundred  miles  without  stopping  to  rest.  We  were  sorry  to  find 
that  the  King  of  Bavaria  was  absent  to  AschafTenburg.  We  are  very 
deficient  in  introductions  for  this  place,  I  therefore  advised  our  seeking 
out  the  protestant  clergyman,  which  we  did,  and  found  him  a  clever 
man.  W^e  were  glad  to  learn  that  his  sentiments  are  wholly  opposed 
to  those  of  the  Socinians,  or  Rationalists, — indeed  he  says  that  the 
King  of  Bavaria  would  not  permit  such  doctrine  to  be  preached.  W^e 
had  much  interesting  conversation  with  him  in  his  summer-house,  in  a 
large  garden,  and  in  the  evening  took  a  v.-alk  in  the  beautiful  public 
gardens. 

Ninth  Month  30th. — After  some  search,  with  the  assistance  of  a  valet- 
de-place,  we  found  Joseph  de  Baader,  a  person  well  known  to  Stephen 
twenty  years  ago  ;  he  seems  likely  to  be  very  useful  to  us.  Stephen 
and  I  had  a  solemn  time  of  silent  worship,  which  felt  to  me  strength- 
ening. We  dined  at  the  public  table,  where  we  met  with  some 
interesting  persons.  In  the  afternoon,  Joseph  de  Baader  called,  and 
accompanied  us  to  Dr.  Ringseis,  with  whom  we  found  Baron  Freyberg, 
and  had  an  opportunity  of  conversing  upon  several  topics  of  much 
interest.  In  the  evening,  we-received  a  message  from  Prince  Oettingen 
Wallerstein,  the  Minister  of  the  Interior,  who  had  heard  of  our  arrival 
from  Dr.  Ringseis,  requesting  to  see  us  about  eight  o'clock;  on  our 
going  to  him  he  received  us  with  the  utmost  cordiality.  The  state  of 
the  poor  in  Bavaria,  was  one  of  our  great  objects  with  him  ;  he  said 
this  subject  was  of  immense  importance  to  the  government  at  the  present 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


255 


juncture,  when  they  were  distressed  with  their  poor,  and  knew  not 
what  to  do  with  them.  This  of  course  opened  the  way  for  an  expla- 
nation of  the  plan  of  rural  colonies,  and  we  also  conversed  freely  on 
other  subjects.  It  was  between  nine  and  ten  o'clock  when  we  came 
away,  and  the  Prince  took  leave  of  us  very  kindly,  appointing  us  to 
meet  him  again.  Thus  has  our  Gracious  Master  wonderfully  opened 
the  way  for  us.  We  returned  to  our  hotel  with  thankful  hearts,  and 
were  sweetly  comforted  together,  in  a  sense  of  the  Lord's  goodness."  ^ 

During  the  two  following  days,  Stephen  Grellet  and  William  Allen 
were  much  occupied  in  endeavouring  to  perform  the  work  whereunto 
they  believed  themselves  called;  they  met  with  some  interesting  persons 
of  various  classes,  and  were  treated  with  great  kindness  by  the  English 
Ambassador,  Lord  Erskine  ;  they  had  also  farther  communication  with 
Prince  Oettingen  Wallerstein,  who  was  very  desirous  that  they  should 
visit  the  colonies  on  the  Donaumoos,  between  Ingolstadt  and  Neuburg, 
where  a  great  experiment  was  then  in  progress,  under  the  direction  of 
the  Bavarian  government.  After  fully  considering  the  subject,  they 
believed  it  best  to  acquiesce  in  the  proposition ;  the  Prince  appointed 
Joseph  de  Baader  to  accompany  them  as  an  interpreter,  and  on  the  3rd 
of  Tenth  Month  they  left  Munich  for  Neuburg,  where  they  lodged  that 
night.    The  next  morning,  W.  A.  says — 

"  In  company  with  an  intelligent,  agreeable  young  man,  a  Protestant, 
we  proceeded  to  the  Donaumoos,  or  the  Bog  of  the  Danube,  an  exten- 
sive plain,  stretching  nearly  from  Neuburg  to  Ingolstadt.  There  are 
several  villages,  some  larger,  others  smaller,  containing  a  population  of 
about  three  thousand.  There  is  complete  liberty  of  conscience  in 
this  country,  a  striking  contrast  to  Austria,  where  bigotry  and  super- 
stition reign.  Many  of  the  inhabitants  are  Protestants,  and  the  village 
of  Maxweiler  is  a  small,  but  very  interesting  settlement  of  Mennonites. 
W^e  felt  such  a  flow  of  christian  love  towards  them,  that  we  requested 
they  would  assemble  in  one  of  their  houses,  in  order  that  we  might 
have  a  season  of  divine  worship  together.  It  was  remarkable  how 
soon  they  were  collected ;  we  were  favoured  with  a  covering  of  solem- 
nity and  peace,  wherein  many  hearts  were  contrited,  and  it  was  a  time 
which  I  believe  will  long  be  remembered.  De  Baader  interpreted  what 
was  addressed  to  them,  and  he  did  it  beautifully ;  he  seemed  deeply 
impressed  with  what  he  had  to  repeat ;  this  was  a  most  satisfactory 
opportunity.  We  distributed  a  number  of  tracts,  which  were  gratefully 
received,  both  in  this  and  other  villages — indeed  they  were  eagerly 
sought  for.  The  cottages  of  the  Mennonites,  the  excellent  culture  of 
their  land,  their  cleanliness,  and  manners  altogether,  are  much  superior 
to  the  generality  of  the  colonists,  but  none  of  them  appear  to  have  a 
regular  system  of  cultivating  their  land,  and  there  are  scarcely  any 
gardens  throughout  the  colony.  Roads' have  been  made,  and  canals 
cut  in  every  direction.    From,  Maxweiler  we  went  to  Carlshuld, 


256 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


remarkable  on  account  of  the  secession  of  a  Priest,  with  a  great  part  of 
his  flock,  from  the  Roman  Catholic  religion  ;  and  although  he  has  been 
induced  to  recant,  as  well  as  many  of  his  followers,  others  of  them  still 
adhere  to,  the  Protestant  faith.  There  are  schools  in  the  different  vil- 
lages, and  the  children  appear  to  be  generally  taught  to  read.  We 
understand  that  the  colony  is  furnished  with  Bibles  from  the  Bible 
Society.  This  is  a  very  interesting  place,  and  one  might  spend  a 
month  here  very  well.  The  people  greatly  need  improvement  in 
habits  of  cleanliness,  and  I  think  if  the  women  could  be  employed 
within  doors,  instead  of  working  out  in  the  fields,  it  would  be  a  great 
benefit ;  they  almost  universally  go  without  shoes  and  stockings,  as 
well  as  the  children.  I  was  tired  when  we  returned  to  the  inn,  but 
very  thankful  for  this  memorable  day. 

Tenth  Month  oth. — Rose  about  five.  I  had  it  strongly  on  my  mind 
to  write  a  letter  to  the  Prince  Oettingen  Wallerstein,  which  I  did,  and 
gave  it  to  Joseph  de  Baader,  to  put  into  his  hands  to-morrow ;  it  con- 
tained observations  on  what  we  had  seen,  with  some  hints." 

In  this  letter,  William  Allen  says — 

"  My  dear  friend  Stephen  Grellet  and  I  were  much  struck  with  the 
magnitude  of  this  undertaking,  and  pleased  by  observing  that  no  dis- 
tinction was  made  between  Roman  Catholics  and  Protestants,  but  that 
they  were  encouraged  by  a  paternal  government  to  live  together  in 
peace  and  harmony,  all  worshipping  God  in  the  way  which  they  believed 
most  acceptable  in  His  sight.  This  great  feature  in  your  plan  is  con- 
sistent with  sound  policy,  with  the  best  interests  of  the  state,  and  with 
true  christian  feeling,  and  could  not  but  lead  us  earnestly  to  desire  your 
success. 

I  have  suggested  to  the  inspector  the  importance  of  letting  the  colo- 
nists have  gardens,  and  of  furnishing  them  with  fruit  trees.  We  could 
not  but  regret  the  extreme  dirtiness  of  many  of  their  houses  and  per- 
sons, and  think  that  if  some  of  the  most  respectable  females  in  the 
neighbourhood  were  recommended  to  form  associations  in  order  to  visit 
the  cottagers,  to  promote  works  of  industry  amongst  the  women,  to 
speak  kindly  to  them,  and  give  them  advice  about  their  household 
affairs,  and  whatever  might  conduce  to  their  welfare,  it  would  have  a 
very  happy  effect. 

.  Please  to  present  us  most  respectfully  to  the  King,  and  assure  him 
that  we  should  have  been  glad  of  an  opportunity  of  expressing  to  him 
in  person  the  strong  desires  which  we  feel  for  his  happiness,  and  that 
of  his  people,  and  our  prayer  is  that  the  divine  blessing  may  rest  upon 
him  and  them,  and  that  by  a  continuance  of  the  enlightened  policy 
which  has  led  to  the  measures  we  have  witnessed,  he  may  not  only 
strengthen  and  benefit  his  own  kingdom,  but  afford  to  other  nations  an 
example  worthy  of  imitation." 

"  Some  of  the  poor  people  came  all  the  way  from  the  colony  this 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


257 


morning  to  beg  for  more  tracts;  they  told  us  that  after  we  were  gone, 
the  cottagers  assembled  in  groups  to  hear  them  read,  and  that  several 
were  affected  to  tears.  One  person  was  very  anxious  to  induce  the 
possessor  of  a  tract  to  let  him  have  it,  but  the  man  replied  that  he  would 
not  part  with  it,  even  if  any  one  were  to  give  him  two  dollars.  We 
regretted  much  not  having  a  larger  supply  with  us,  but  our  chief  stock 
had  consisted  of  the  '  Thoughts,'  and  '  Brief  Remarks,'  which  we  had 
received  from  Louis  Seebohm,  and  all  these  were  gone.* 

We  took  a  cordial  leave  of  De  Baader,  and  about  twelve  o'clock,  set 
off  from  Neuburg  on  our  way  to  Stuttgard.  We  lodged  at  Augsburg, 
a  place  memorable  for  Luther's  famous  confession,  and  the  next  day 
proceeded  to  Ulm,  a  large  gloomy  town  on  the  Danube,  and  the  fron 
tier  of  Wurtemburg  ;  from  thence  we  went  by  Geisslingen,  Goeppingen, 
and  Plochingen,  to  Stuttgard.  Our  road  lay  through  a  romantic  and 
delightful  country, — rocks,  steep  hills  covered  with  trees,  rich  in  autum- 
nal tints,  and  vineyards  planted  on  terraces,  like  Greece.  The  people 
in  general  were  well  clothed,  and  there  was  much  fine  Indian  corn  hung 

*  Some  time  after  William  Allen's  return  home,  he  forwarded  a  number  of  books  and 
tracts  to  the  colonists  of  the  Donaumoos,  together  with  various  kinds  of  seeds  suited  to 
their  soil  and  climate.  The  following  grateful  acknowledgment,  written  nearly  two  years 
after  the  above  visit  was  paid,  shows  with  what  lively  feelings  they  recurred  to  this  memo- 
rable occasion : — 

"  Maxweilcr,  3rd  nf  Ninth  Month,  (September,)  1834. 
"  Deak  Friends,  and  much  honoured  Brethren  in  Jesus  Christ, 
William  Allen  and  Stephen  Grellet: 

We  well  remember  the  kind  visit  which  you  paid  us  in  christian  love,  the  10th  of  Oc- 
tober, 1832,  in  our  little  colony  of  Maxweiler ;  it  was  at  an  unexpected  time,  yet  we  cannot 
but  believe,  that  it  was  the  Lord  Jesus  who,  in  his  infinite  love,  sent  such  dear  friends  to 
us,  to  increase  our  love  to  God,  and  our  faith  in  the  Saviour:  we  doubt  not  your  words 
were  dictated  by  the  Holy  Spirit;  they  flowed  from  your  lips  in  love,  and  under  this  feeling, 
they  penetrated  our  hearts.  Since  that  time  we  have  very  often  spoken  of  you,  and  thought 
of  the  fatigue  and  difficulties  you  encountered  in  your  journey  to  seek  out  Christians,  and 
exhort  them  to  love  and  have  faith  in  the  Saviour.  Yes — we  desire  to  be  often  visited  by 
such  friends,  and  to  be  confirmed  in  the  christian  fiith,  but,  as  we  cannot  enjoy  that  advan- 
tage, may  we  be  united  in  spirit,  and  when  we  have  finished  our  short  pilgrimage  here,  may 
our  Lord,  through  His  divine  grace,  grant  eternal  felicity  to  you  and  us,  that  we  may  rejoice 
together  without  interruption,  and  without  end  !    Yes,  Lord  Jesus,  may  it  be  so!  Amen. 

Dear  Brethren  in  our  Lord  Jesus,  we  hope  you  will  receive  these  lines  in  that  love  in 
which  they  are  written.  We  have  learnt  that  you  have  travelled  far  with  the  sole  view  of 
contributing  to  the  spiritual  and  temporal  good  of  the  brethren,  which  we  can  indeed  bear 
witness  to  ourselves,  and  that  you  are  disposed  to  do  all  in  your  power  to  assist  in  pro- 
moting the  prosperity  of  our  colony.  Facts  have  |)roved  your  charity  towards  us  ;  and  that 
the  inward  man  may  be  renewed,  you  have  sent  us  some  edifying  works, — lively  testimo- 
nies of  your  love.  May  the  Lord  reward  you  hereafter,  according  to  His  good  pleasure. 
We  can  only  express  our  gratitude  to  you  in  words,  but  may  the  Lord  condescend  to  pre- 
pare our  hearts  to  render  thanksgiving  unto  Him,  and  enable  us,  in  our  prayers  for  you,  to 
feel  the  gratitude  we  owe  for  your  goodness.  There  is  a  great  desire  to  receive  the  publi- 
cations you  have  sent,  and  we  doubt  not  they  will  be  road  by  many,  with  attention,  and  be 
instrumental  in  leading  to  the  salvation  of  the  soul." 

After  some  information  respecting  the  agricultural  state  of  the  colony,  &c.,  tlie  letter 
concludes,  and  is  signed  bv  the  minister  and  two  other  persons. 

Vol.  H.  "  17 


258 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


up  against  the  outside  of  the  houses.  We  reac^ied  Stuttgard  soon  after 
six,  and  were  well  accommodated  at  the  hotel,  Kiinig  von  England." 

While  at  Stuttgard,  both  Stephen  Grellet  and  William  Allen,  to  their 
mutual  comfort,  renewed  the  intercourse  which  in  former  years  they 
had  enjoyed  with  several  serious  persons  in  that  city,  and  they  also 
became  acquainted  with  others,  who  were  sincerely  desiring  to  follow 
their  Lord  and  Saviour.  With  this  class,  they  not  only  had  an  oppor- 
tunity of  much  useful  and  religious  conversation,  but  also  held  a  meeting 
for  divine  worship.  On  their  first  arrival,  the  King  was  not  in  Stutt- 
gard, but  W.  A.  says — 

"We  had  an  interview  with  the  Queen,  who  received  us  very 
cordially,  and  conversed  freely  with  us,  as  with  christian  brethren. 
There  was  a  sweet  solemnity  over  us,  and  Stephen  and  I  were  both 
engaged  in  communicating  counsel  and  encouragement:  she  evinced 
much  religious  sensibility,  and  on  our  taking  leave,  when  I  exhorted 
her  to  hold  fast,  she  replied  that  she  hoped  she  should,  and  begged  us 
to  pray  for  her.  Her  two  daughters  were  with  her,  the  younger  about 
six  years  old.  It  was  a  memorable  opportunity,  and  afforded  us  peace. 
We  afterwards  received  a  note  from  the  Queen,  expressive  of  much 
christian  feeling. 

I  have  been  favoured  to-day  with  a  sense  of  the  overshadowing  of 
divine  regard,  which  has  been  comforting  and  strengthening.  I  have 
nothing  to  depend  upon  in  time  or  eternity,  but  the  unmerited  rnercy  of 
God  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Tenth  Month  Wth., — The  King  having  returned  to  Stuttgard,  we 
received  a  note  appointing  us  to  meet  him  at  twelve  o'clock ;  we 
accordingly  attended  at  the  palace  at  the  time  proposed,  and  were  very 
kindly  received.  We  had  much  satisfactory  conversation,  particularly 
on  religious  subjects,  and,  on  taking  leave,  he  parted  with  us  very 
affectionately. 

There  are  many  useful  institutions  here,  and  we  find  that,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  great  benefit  arising  from  infant  schools  for  the  poor,  one 
has  been  opened  for  the  children  of  persons  in  good  circumstances.  I 
ought  to  have  seen  the  agricultural  establishments  for  the  poor  at  Korn- 
thal  and  Wilhelmsdorf,  but  time  presses." 

Stephen  Grellet  and  William  Allen  had,  for  some  time,  believed 
that  Stuttgard  would  be  the  point  at  which  they  should  separate,  the 
former  having  a  prospect  of  going  to  Strasburg,  the  Ban  de  la  Roche, 
and  Switzerland,  and  the  latter  purposing  to  return  home.  They  felt 
much  on  this  occasion,  but  believing  that  their  work  here  was  accom- 
plished, they  parted  in  great  unity  of  spirit,  S.  G,  setting  out  that  after- 
noon for  Strasburg,  and  W.  A.  proceeding,  the  next  morning,  towards 
Frankfort,  where  he  arrived  on  the  13th.  He  visited  Dr.  Pinkerton 
and  his  family,  then  went  to  Mayence,  and  from  thence  down  the  Rhine 
to  Cologne.    He  mentions,  with  interest,  the  beauty  of  the  scenery, 


1832. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


259 


and  was  also  pleased  to  meet  with  agreeable  company.  From  Cologne 
he  travelled  by  land  to  Dusseldorf,  from  which  place  he  pursued  his 
course  by  a  steamer  to  Rotterdam.  In  speaking  of  the  voyage  on  the 
Rhine,  he  says — 

"  We  passed  some  rafts  of  timber  with  houses  upon  them,  and  a  con- 
siderable number  of  people,  I  should  think  that  some  of  them  were 
nearly  three  hundred  yards  long,  and  of  proportionate  breadth  ;  they 
were  floating  down  the  stream. 

My  mind  was  a  good  deal  tendered  in  reading  the  Bible  to-day,  and 
I  was  comforted  in  the  solid  conviction  that  we  have  revelation  to  rest 
upon.  Oh  !  the  sweetness  of  that  inward  feeling,  under  which  we  can 
truly  adopt  the  language,  'I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,' — yea,  he 
liveth,  God  over  all,  blessed  for  ever! 

We  did  not  reach  Rotterdam  till  midnight ;  the  next  morning  thanks- 
giving, prayer,  and  praise  ascended  to  ray  God,  and  I  felt  that  His 
peace  was  worth  all  the  world. 

About  twelve  o'clock  I  set  off"  in  the  stage  for  the  Hague,  and  in  the 
carriage  met  with  a  Dutch  gentleman,  a  member  of  the  Societe  de 
Bienfaisance  ;  we  had  much  interesting  conversation  about  the  colonies, 
&c.  I  had  a  satisfactory  interview  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Minister 
of  the  Interior,  and  returned  to  Rotterdam  the  next  day. 

Tenth  Month  20th. — We  started  about  half-past  seven,  in  the 
steamboat  for  London.  I  had  a  peaceful  retrospect  of  our  labours 
during  our  late  journey,  in  which  I  have  travelled  about  three  thousand 
miles,  and  was  favoured  to  reach  home  in  safety,  on  first-day,  the  21st ; 
I  met  with  a  joyful  reception,  and,  in  humble  gratitude,  can  set  up  my 
Ebenezer." 

Stephen  Grellet,  in  writing  to  William  Allen  from  Strasburg,  under 
date  of  10th  Month  12th,  says— 

"  Soon  after  we  parted,  the  recollection  of  our  reading  in  the  morning 
was  sweet,  particularly  the  latter  part  of  the  chapter,  (Acts  xx.,)  the 
parting  of  Paul,  with  those  who  came  to  him  from  Ephesus.  My  nature 
deeply  felt  the  separation  from  a  beloved  brother,  and  very  nearly 
attached  co-worker  in  the  service  that  our  great  Master  has  had  for  us 
in  these  nations,  yet  I  was  comforted  in  the  hope  springing  up,  that  we 
should  mingle  again  in  actual  attempts  unitedly  to  serve  Him,  in  some 
farther  portion  of  the  work.  I  reflected,  with  grateful  feelings,  on  the 
help  that  the  Lord  had  granted  us,  and  on  the  sensible  guidance  of  His 
divine  spirit,  in  directing  our  steps  aright  during  our  various  journey- 
ings,  and  also  that  he  had  enabled  us  to  close  our  united  engagements 
as  we  have  done,  peacefully.  I  did  not  doubt,  my  dear  brother,  but 
that  thou  wouklst  carry  thy  sheaves  with  thee,  and,  in  the  retrospect, 
feel  that  peace  which  the  Lord  alone  giveth.  '  Thou  wilt  ordain  peace 
for  us,  for  thou  only  hast  wrought  all  our  works  in  us.' 

Last  evening,  whilst  a  servant  was  in  search  of  Weguelin,  he  acci- 


260 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1832. 


dentally  met  with  professor  Ehrmann,  who,  hearing  that  he  was  engaged 
on  behalf  of  an  American,  thought  of  Isaac  Hammer,  and  sought  me 
out  at  the  inn.  On  hearing  of  thee,  he  was  overjoyed,  but  felt  tried 
that  thou  hadst  been  so  near,  and  that  he  had  not  seen  thee  ;  this  was 
also  the  case  with  Weguelin.  Several  here  remember  thee  in  near  affec- 
tion, and  desire  their  christian  love." 

In  a  subsequent  letter  from  Basle,  he  writes — 
<<  I  went  yesterday  to  Blumhardt  and  Spitder ;  they  are  both  delighted 
with  the  account  of  thy  '  Colonies  at  Home.'  Blumhardt  says  it  is  the 
very  thing  they  want  for  their  missionaries  in  various  parts,  especially 
on  the  Caucasus,  and  that  it  would  also  be  useful  in  this  neighbourhood. 
Spittler  thinks  it  might  be  admirably  connected  with  his  plan  for  schools, 
and  the  training  of  schoolmasters,  which  thou  art  acquainted  with. 
He  says,  thy  yearly  contribution  is  a  great  assistance  to  them,  and  that 
thy  aid  was,  in  the  first  instance,  the  main  help  in  promoting  the 
establishment,  for  they  were  under  great  discouragement  when  they 
received  it.  We  afterwards  went  to  Beuggen  to  visit  the  institution ; 
it  is  an  orphan  house,  as  well  as  a  school  for  training  masters,  and  truly 
it  deserves  the  interest  thou  hast  taken  in  it.  There  are  now  about 
eighty  children,  and  twenty-four  young  men  preparing  for  masters.  I 
had  a  meeting  appointed  in  the  afternoon,  and  to  the  poor  the  Gospel 
was  preached.  Zeller,  the  inspecter,  and  his  wife,  are  well  qualified 
for  the  station,  as  father  and  mother  to  the  orphans  ;  they  rule  by  love. 
Much  love  is  sent  to  thee  from  that  family,  also  from  Blumhardt  and 
Spittler.  All  who  know  thee  regret  that  thou  art  not  with  me  ;  thy  visit 
has  left  a  sweet  impression  on  their  minds." 

After  mentioning  some  other  meetings  and  religious  visits,  S.G.  says — 
"  I  miss  thee  very  much  in  these  engagements,  but  I  try  to  keep  close 
to,  and  lean  upon,  my  only  help.  Perhaps  I  may  contemplate  thee  this 
evening  as  at  Stoke  Newington,  enjoying  the  comfort  of  being  restored 
to  the  bosom  of  thy  dear  family.  We  may  truly  say,  the  Lord  has 
been  very  good  and  gracious  to  us,  and  that  none  of  his  promises  have 
failed  ;  and  yet  how  often  have  we  to  take  up  the  language,  <  Why  art 
thou  cast  down,  0  my  soul!'  &c.,  let  us,  however,  attend  very  closely 
to  the  charge,  '  Hope  thou  in  God.'  " 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1832 — 1833. — Correspondence — Journey  to  the  Continent — Paris — Bourdeaux — Rejoins  S. 
Grellet  at  Bayonne — Philanthropic  Exertions  there — They  proceed  together  to  Madrid — 
Visits  to  Individuals  and  Institutions  there — Communication  to  tlie  King — Interview  with 
the  King  and  Queen — Departure  for  Valencia — Engagements  there  and  at  Barcelona — 
Second  Communication  to  the  King — Cross  the  Pyrenees  to  Perpignan — Toulouse — Re- 
turn by  Bayonne,  Bourdeaux,  Paris,  and  Calais,  to  Stoke  Newington. 

Soon  after  William  Allen's  return  home,  he  was  much  occupied  in 
attending  the  conferences  of  Friends  held  in  London,  on  the  revision 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


261 


of  the  Rules  of  Discipline  of  their  Religious  Society.  The  12th  of 
Eleventh  Month,  he  mentions  being  at  the  Morning  Meeting,  where 
the  extensive  concern  of  Daniel  Wheeler  to  visit,  in  the  love  of  the 
gospel,  the  inhabitants  of  some  of  the  islands  of  the  Pacific  Ocean,  New 
South  Wales,  and  Van  Dieman's  Land,  was  laid  before  the  meeting, 
and  says — 

"A  certificate  was  ordered  under  a  covering  of  solemnity. 

Eleventh  Month  28th. — I  had  a  long  and  interesting  conversation 
with  Lord  Brougham,  respecting  my  late  journey  ;  he  says,  that  he  will 
send  any  of  ray  packages  to  foreign  courts  by  the  Ambassadors'  bags, 
so  that  communication  is  now  open  to  the  continent,  as  well  as  to  the 
colonies." 

William  Allen  received  a  letter  from  Stephen  Grellet,  dated  from 
Turin,  in  which  he  writes — 

"  I  have  visited  the  family  of  the  banker,  Vertu,  and  seen  the  young 
man  who,  at  thy  request,  was  sent  as  special  courier  to  Verona,  in 
1822.  He  mentioned  to  me,  having  heard  from  Baron  Wylie,  that  thy 
letter  to  the  Emperor  Alexander,  of  which  he  was  the  bearer,*  was 
sent  to  him  the  evening  of  its  arrival,  that  the  Emperor  was  then  out, 
but  on  returning  late  at  night,  he  read  the  letter.  Baron  Wylie,  before 
retiring  to  bed,  went  into  his  apartment ;  it  was  then  two  o'clock,  a.  m., 
and  he  found  Alexander  sitting  at  the  table  in  tears  ;  surprised  at  the 
sight,  and  full  of  fears,  he  inquired  what  had  occurred  thus  to  afflict 
him  :  the  dear  Emperor,  pointing  to  thy  letter,  said,  '  Read  that,  and 
see  whether  I  can  help  being  afflicted  for  these  dear  Waldenses.'  It 
was  then  that  he  bestowed  the  gift  for  the  establishment  of  the  hospital 
at  La  Tour,  which  I  have  lately  visited." 

Although  W.  A.  believed  it  right  to  separate  from  Stephen  Grellet  at 
Stuttgard,  and  to  return  home  for  a  time,  yet  he  was  not  then  without 
thoughts  of  joining  him  again  in  a  visit  to  some  parts  of  Spain  and  the 
South  of  France,  and,  in  addressing  him  soon  after  the  receipt  of  this 
letter,  he  says — 

"  And  now,  my  dear  friend,  with  regard  to  Spain,  thou  knowest  how 
ray  heart  is  in  the  work,  and  how  strongly  I  am  attached  to  thee  in  the 
bonds  of  the  gospel ;  but  I  do  not  yet  see  my  way." 

<<  Tioelffh  Month  26th. — The  evening  being  fine,  I  treated  myself 
with  going  into  ray  observatory,  and  had  some  beautiful  observations. 

29th. — Accompanied  several  members  of  the  Capital  Punishment 
Committee,  to  Lord  Chief  Justice  Denman.  I  read  to  him  the  address 
of  the  society,  and  we  had  much  interesting  conversation  on  the  subject 
of  the  criminal  code  and  prison  discipline. 

First  Month  10th,  1833. — Called  upon  Lord  .John  Russell,  and  was 
very  kindly  received.    I  gave  him  some  account  of  our  late  journey  on 

*  See  page  81. 


262 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


the  continent,  with  the  objects  which  we  had  in  view,  and  asked  for 
letters  of  introduction  to  ^Madrid,  for  Stephen  Grellet ;  I  also  mentioned 
that  there  was  some  probability  of  my  joining  hira.  He  readily  agreed 
to  give  the  letters,  but  seemed  to  wish  that  /  might  not  go." 

The  foreign  correspondence  into  which  this  journey  introduced 
William  Allen,  engaged  a  large  portion  of  his  time.  He  adapted  his 
plan  of  rural  colonies  to  different  countries,  and  sent  a  manuscript  copy 
to  most  of  the  Rulers  whom  he  had  visited.  The  King  of  Bavaria,  in 
acknowledging  the  receipt  of  it,  writes — 

"I  recollect  the  interview  when  I  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  you 
at  Tegernsee,  in  1822.  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  the  continued 
philanthropic  concern  which  you  preserve  for  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Donaumoos,  and  shall  certainly  omit  nothing  that  may  be  applicable 
to  the  ground  and  climate  of  the  colonies,  and  what  farther  you  will  be 
so  kind  as  to  furnish,  according  to  your  offering,  in  plants  and  seeds, 
will  be  with  thankfulness  accepted. 

I  am,  with  sentiments  of  true  esteem, 

Your  affectionate 

Lewis." 

The  King  of  Wurtemburg,  after  mentioning  the  pleasure  which  he 
had  received  from  the  letter  and  manuscript,  together  with  some  small 
publications  and  reports,  says — 

"  In  expressing  to  you  ray  thanks  for  the  communication  of  these 
writings,  I  beg  you  to  be  persuaded  that  I  feel  an  interest  in  them, 
proportioned  to  the  philanthropy  which  dictated  them,  and  I  shall 
willingly,  as  much  as  lies  in  my  power,  promote  the  object  you  have  in 
view,  which  is,  to  spread  prosperity  and  true  happiness  among  men, 
by  labouring  to  diminish  the  misery  which  still  weighs  down  the  poorer 
classes  in  every  country.  With  this  view  I  have  transmitted  your 
works  to  the  authorities  of  my  kingdom,  who  are  charged  with  the 
care  of  the  subjects  referred  to,  and  shall  esteem  myself  happy  if  it 
shall  please  Divine  Providence  to  crown  my  efforts  with  complete  suc- 
cess." 

Having  noticed,  in  some  of  the  English  periodicals,  affecting  accounts 
of  the  extreme  destitution  and  suffering  of  many  of  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Donaumoos,  in  consequence  of  the  failure  of  the  harvest,  and  the 
almost  total  destruction  of  the  potato  crop,  William  Allen  wrote  to 
inquire  into  the  truth  of  the  statements.  In  replying  to  his  letter,  Joseph 
de  Baader  says — 

'<  The  misery  of  these  poor  people  is,  at  this  moment,  really  beyond 
all  description,  and  not  in  the  least  exaggerated." 

William  Allen  immediately  raised  a  subscription  amongst  his  friends, 
which  was  forwarded  to  Prince  Oettingen  Wallerstein,  with  a  request 
that  it  should  be  distributed  amongst  the  most  necessitous  families, 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


263 


without  any  distinction  with  regard  to  rehgion.  A  satisfactory  account 
was  received  of  the  appropriation  of  the  money.  The  aid  thus  afforded 
proved  most  seasonable,  and  thanks  were  conveyed  on  behalf  of  the 
King  of  Bavaria,  "for  the  benevolent  and  generous  support  procured 
for  the  relief  of  the  Colonists  on  the  Donaumoos." 

"  First  Month  \Gth. — The  prospect  of  duty  to  rejoin  dear  Stephen 
Grellet,  for  a  short  time,  in  his  religious  engagements  on  the  Conti- 
nent, has  weighed  heavily  upon  my  mind  for  days  and  nights  past,  and 
so  increases  that  I  must  give  up,  and  stand  resigned  to  obey  it.  The 
greatest  pang  that  I  feel  is,  leaving  my  beloved  wife,  who  requires  ray 
tenderest  care  ;  my  concerns  at  Lindfield  are  also  very  important,  but 
I  must  commit  every  thing  to  my  Divine  Master.  He  has  graciously 
been  with  me  all  my  life  long,  to  the  present  hour.  In  the  evening,  I 
had  some  very  comforting  conversation  with  my  precious  wife  respect- 
ing my  future  prospects.    She  feels  deeply,  but  freely  gives  me  up. 

18</i  Called  on  Lord  John  Russell,  who  was  very  kind,  and  gave 

me  a  letter  to  present  to  our  Ambassador  at  Madrid,  but  he  is  still 
averse  to  my  venturing  into  Spain.  Humble  dependence,  prudence, 
and  circumspection,  must  be  our  watch-words." 

The  next  day,  William  Allen  received  the  following  touching  letter 
from  his  old  and  valued  friend,  Thomas  Clarkson  : — 

"  Play  ford,  January  ISfh,  1833. 

"  Dear  William  Allen, 

"  You  know,  when  I  was  in  London  last,  that  two  cataracts  had 
been  formed  on  my  eyes ;  they  have  continued  increasing  and  obscur- 
ing my  sight  since  that  time.  About  fourteen  days  ago,  I  lost  all 
power  of  reading,  which  has  greatly  abridged  my  former  comforts,  and 
since  then,  the  power  of  seeing  to  write — that  is,  I  can  scarcely  see 
where  or  how  to  direct  my  pen,  and  this  has  become  so  alarmingly  the 
case  in  the  last  two  days,  that  I  doubt  whether  this  very  letter,  which 
I  am  now  trying  to  write  to  you,  will  not  be  the  last  that  I  shall  ever 
write,  unless  my  eyes  should  be  relieved  by  an  operation  ;  and  believ- 
ing that  this  may  possibly  be  the  last  act  that  I  may  be  capable  of  per- 
forming, in  the  way  of  writing,  I  feel  it  near  my  heart  to  dedicate  it  to 
you,  and  to  declare  thereby  the  unfeigned  love  and  affection  which  I 
have  borne  for  you  unceasingly,  from  the  first  of  our  acquaintance  to 
this  very  hour,  and  that  these  feelings  cannot  be  done  away  so  long  as 
my  life  and  memory  remain.  We  have,  dear  William  Allen,  laboured 
together  in  some  of  the  most  interesting  subjects  that  can  engage  the 
mind  of  man,  and  have  advanced  them  in  their  way  to  a  happy  issue, 
as  far  as  we  could  have  reason  to  expect,  considering  the  ignorance 
and  prejudices  of  men  ;  and  I  am  sure  that  the  recollection  of  these 
labours,  in  conjunction  with  you,  will  often  bring  you  to  my  mind,  and 
create  pleasure  while  I  am  living  in  the  world  of  darkness.    And  here 


264 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


let  me  observe,  that  though  I  may  be  destined  to  Hve  in  a  world  where 
all  earthly  objects  are  invisible  to  me,  you  are  not  to  bemoan  my  situa- 
tion— it  may  be  good  for  me — good  for  my  eternal  interests,  and  better 
than  I  could  have  devised  for  myself.  But  I  feel  that  I  must  conclude 
on  account  of  my  eyes.  I  fear  that  this  will  be  a  very  unconnected 
letter,  as  I  have  no  means  of  reading  what  I  write. 

I  remain,  dear  William  Allen, 
With  the  greatest  regard,  yours  most  affectionately, 
Thomas  Clarkson."* 

First  Month  23c?. — He  writes,  "Meeting  at  Gracechurch  Street; 
silent,  but  I  had  a  little  secret  support.  In  the  evening,  I  read  the  first 
chapter  of  Jeremiah,  and  was  comforted  with  some  passages  in  it. 

First  Month  24^/«. — Much  engaged  in  preparing  for  my  journey.  I 
went  up  to  the  Foreign  Office,  where  I  received  some  letters  for  the 
continent,  which  had  been  kindly  prepared  for  me.  John  Osborne,  who 
has  been  in  Antigua,  and  is  interested  about  Sierra  Leone,  called  with 
some  beautiful  specimens  of  the  fibres  of  the  Phormium  Tenax  ;  he 
says,  that  it  has  been  cultivated  on  a  small  island  near  Sierra  Leone, 
that  it  has  been  sent  over  to  this  country,  and  manufactured  at  Barnsley 
in  Yorkshire,  and  he  produced  specimens  of  towelling,  and  a  table- 
cloth, which  appeared  very  strong. 

2bth. — I  was  occupied  nearly  all  the  morning  in  writing  letters ;  my 
heart  was  heavy  in  the  prospect  of  parting  with  my  beloved  wife,  but  I 
firmly  believe,  that  He  who  gave  her  to  me,  has  made  it  ray  duty  again 
to  leave  her  for  a  season.  A  holy  feeling  seemed  to  come  over  us 
before  we  separated,  under  which  I  knelt  down  and  committed  her,  my 
dearest  earthly  treasure,  to  the  care  and  keeping  of  our  blessed  Re- 
deemer. I  left  home  about  four,  and  went  up  to  Downing  Street,  where 
Sir  George  Shee  was  very  kind,  and  gave  me  a  leathern  bag,  containing 
despatches.  I  then  came  to  Plough  Court,  where  I  had  more  letters  to 
write,  and  several  things  to  attend  to.  It  was  a  trying  time,  but  I  felt 
the  prevalence  of  Divine  Good,  and  before  I  went  down  to  the  vessel 
in  which  I  was  to  set  out  for  Calais,  I  had  a  time  of  religious  retirement 
with  dear  L.  and  some  Friends  who  called  to  see  me ;  we  were  a  little 
comforted  together,  and  took  leave  under  this  feeling.  We  did  not 
quit  the  Custom  House  Quay  till  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and,  about 
four  the  following  afternoon,  came  up  to  the  pier  at  Calais.  I  had  the 
care  of  a  young  person  from  London,  who  was  going  to  Paris,  and  we 
proceeded  that  evening  in  the  diligence,  a  very  tedious  mode  of  convey- 
ance, and  it  was  late  the  next  evening  before  I  reached  Meurice's  Hotel. 

2)QtJi. — I  had  a  kind  visit  from  Dr.  Waterhouse  ;  wrote  a  note  to  the 
Duke  de  Broglie,  but  he  was  gone  to  the  Chamber  of  Deputies ;  the 

*  Some  time  after  this  period,  Thomas  Clarkson  had  an  operation  performed  upon  one 
eye,  by  which  his  sight  was  so  far  restored  as  to  enable  him  to  pursue  tliose  active  labours 
in  the  cause  of  philanthropy,  for  which  he  Ind  been  long  distinguished. 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


265 


Duchess,  however,  sent  to  the  hotel  for  me,  and  I  had  a  short  interview 
with  her,  and  left  some  papers  for  the  Duke  ;  she  hegged  I  would  visit 
them  on  my  way  back.  In  the  evening  I  went  to  the  post,  having 
engaged  to  go  by  the  mail  to  Bourdeaux,  and  whilst  waiting  in  the 
yard,  saw  the  couriers  arrive  on  their  white  horses,  which  is  a  distin- 
guishing badge  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Paris,  for  the  conveyance  of 
persons  connected  with  the  government. 

We  set  off"  at  half-past  six  o'clock,  and  travelled  to  Bourdeaux,  a 
distance  of  three  hundred  and  ninety  miles,  without  stopping  longer 
than  to  change  horses,  and  for  meals,  a  very  short  time  for  which  is 
allowed.  We  were  not  quite  forty-eight  hours  on  the  road.  Amongst 
the  numerous  towns  through  which  we  passed,  was  Chatellerault,  famous 
for  the  manufacture  of  knives  and  scissors.  At  Bourdeaux  we  crossed 
the  Garonne,  over  a  splendid  stone  bridge,  which  has  been  constructed 
since  I  was  last  here.  When  Bonaparte  was  in  this  city,  he  remarked 
that  it  was  a  great  pity  there  was  no  bridge  in  this  place ;  he  was  told 
that  it  was  impossible  to  erect  one,  in  consequence  of  the  depth  and 
rapidity  of  the  river;  he  replied,  '  Nothing  is  impossible.'  Plans  were 
instantly  ordered,  and  the  bridge  was  begun  in  a  few  days. 

I  took  up  my  quarters  at  the  Hotel  de  France,  and  sent  for  Francis 
Martin,  who  was  rejoiced  to  see  me.  My  mind  was  comforted  in  the 
Lord. 

Second  Month  2nd  Francis  Martin  came  to  breakfast  with  me,  and 

we  had  much  important  conversation  ;  he  says  that  there  is  a  great  reli- 
gious movement  near  the  town  of  Auch,  in  the  province  of  Beam,  and 
also  about  Toulouse.  He  has  lately  been  engaged,  on  behalf  of  the 
British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  in  superintending  the  translation  of 
the  New  Testament  into  the  Basque  language,  a  sort  of  patois  spoken 
in  these  parts.  In  the  evening  I  set  out  in  the  mail  for  Bayonne ;  part 
of  our  road  lay  through  a  wild,  uncultivated  district,  in  the  department 
of  Landes ;  the  few  people  scattered  over  it,  are  but  half  civilized,  and 
their  dress  and  manners  are  peculiar.  Here  are  great  numbers  of  fir 
trees,  from  which  turpentine  is  procured  ;  a  deep  slit  is  cut  in  the  bark 
a  few  feet  from  the  ground,  and  from  this  incision  the  turpentine  exudes  ; 
we  passed  many  thus  cut.  The  cork  tree  also  grows  in  this  neighbour- 
hood. We  reached  Bayonne  about  seven  o'clock  the  following  even- 
ing;  when  the  carriage  stopped,  dear  S.  Grellet  was  at  the  door  ready 
to  welcome  me,  and  we  were  rejoiced  to  meet ;  he  has  provided  good 
private  lodgings,  which,  as  we  have  to  perform  quarantine  here,  on 
account  of  the  cholera,  will  be  much  more  comfortable  than  beins  at 
the  hotel ;  indeed,  we  are  well  provided  with  all  outward  accommoda- 
tions, and  are  above  all  favoured  with  peace  of  mind,  which  is  great 
cause  for  thankfulness.  Before  we  retired  to  rest,  S.  G.  read  a  Psalm, 
and  also  the  sixth  verse  of  the  seventh  chapter  of  II  Corinthians, 


266 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


'Nevertheless,  God  that  comforteth  them  that  are  cast  down,  comforted 
us  by  the  coming  of  Titus.' 

Second  Month  Ath. — I  have  had  a  very  good  night,  and  feel  quite  in 
my  place.  We  went  to  the  Spanish  Consul's  office,  to  have  my  name 
entered  on  the  list  of  persons  about  to  go  to  Irun.  It  seems  that  the 
names  are  only  forwarded  once  a  fortnight,  and  that  to-morrow^  will  be 
the  day  to  transmit  them,  so  that  I  just  arrived  at  the  right  lime,  and 
Stephen,  who  has  been  here  eight  days,  could  not  proceed  before  me. 
We  find  that  such  is  the  Spaniards' dread  of  cholera,  that  the  quarantine 
here  is  fifteen  days.  During  S.  G.'s  stay,  he  has  been  well  employed  in 
endeavouring  to  discover  openings  for  usefulness,  and  has  become 
acquainted  with  several  public  spirited  individuals.  The  Prefect  called 
upon  us  to-day ;  he  seems  a  very  agreeable  man,  is  much  interested 
about  the  poor,  and  is  quite  prepared  to  adopt  some  measures  which 
we  suggest  as  likely  to  be  beneficial ;  he  intends  to  have  a  meeting 
convened  of  persons  willing  to  co-operate. 

5th. — We  called  upon  the  British  Consul  this  morning,  and  also  upon 
Veisaz,  at  the  Depository  of  the  Bible  Society ;  he  circulates  tracts 
extensively,  by  means  of  colporteurs,  and  is  very  anxious  for  a  good 
one  on  the  evil  efTects  of  lotteries.  We  find  that  a  few  pious  persons 
meet  for  religious  worship  in  his  apartment  on  first-days,  and  we  propose 
to  join  them.  The  secretary  to  the  Prefect,  a  very  active,  intelligent 
man,  gave  us  much'useful  information ;  he  visits  the  prisons  every  day, 
and  keeps  notes  of  whatever  is  worthy  of  observation.  The  weather 
being  fine,  we  took  a  walk  of  some  miles  towards  the  Bay  of  Biscay, 
and  reached  the  signal  house  at  the  end  of  the  large  pier,  which  is  more 
than  a  mile  in  length  ;  it  is  covered  with  flat  stones,  and  reminded  me 
of  the  Piraeus  at  the  Port  of  Athens.  An  arm  of  the  sea,  like  a  broad 
river,  runs  up  to  Bayonne  ;  we  passed  the  fortifications,  which  are  very 
extensive,  and  there  are  fine  walks  with  rows  of  trees,  near  the  water. 
Proceeding  onw'ards,  we  had  a  view  of  pretty  villages  on  the  opposite 
side,  and  at  length  came  to  the  open  Bay.  The  tide  was  coming  in, 
and  we  could  see  the  white  foam  of  the  breakers,  rising  majestically  at 
the  mouth  of  the  harbour. 

At  six  o'clock,  we  went  by  appointment  to  the  office  of  the 
prefect,  where  we  met  almost  all  the  public  authorities ;  the  mayor,  the 
generals,  the  prefect,  the  secretary,  and  the  members  of  different  com- 
missions, about  twenty  or  thirty  persons.  They  were  exceedingly  kind, 
and  we  had  a  very  interesting  conference.  They  have  a  great  number 
of  poor  at  Bayonne,  and  have  been  in  the  habit  of  distributing  money 
among  them  to  a  considerable  amount,  but  with  little  or  no  discrimination. 
They  feel  the  necessity  of  doing  something  effectual  for  their  relief,  and 
are  very  desirous  of  information  respecting  the  way  in  which  these 
matters  are  managed  with  us.   We  explained  our  views  and  plans,  and 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


267 


the  business  was  thoroughly  discussed.  It  ended  in  the  mayor 
undertaking  to  forna  a  provisional  committee,  in  order  to  prepare  a  plan 
which  should  be  submitted  to  a  future  meeting,  to  be  held  in  a  few 
days.    This  was  a  very  satisfactory  opportunity. 

Second  Month  8fh. — I  have  been  much  engaged  for  the  last  few  days 
in  working  at  plans  for  Bayonne,  which  Stephen  has  translated  into 
French.  Haubman  and  the  sub-prefect  called  and  conducted  us  to  the 
mayor,  to  whom  the  propositions  were  read,  and  we  afterwards  met  a 
committee  convened  upon  this  business.  They  seem  quite  in  earnest, 
and  there  is  no  doubt  but  some  effectual  measures  will  be  adopted.  We 
left  the  manuscript  with  them." 

In  the  opening  paragraph  of  the  manuscript,  the  subject  is  thus 
introduced : — 

The  situation  of  the  beggars,  and  of  the  poor  in  general  at  Bayonne, 
having  long  claimed  the  serious  attention  of  the  principal  inhabitants, 
it  was  resolved  to  form  a  society,  to  be  called  <  La  Societe  de  Bienfaisance 
de  Bayonne.' " 

The  objects  of  the  committee  are  then  stated,  and  are  very  similar  to 
those  embraced  by  our  District  Visiting  Societies,  though  some  of 
them,  relative  to  providing  employment  for  the  poor,  are  of  a  more  ex- 
tensive nature.  It  is  shown  that  with  every  effort  to  relieve  distress, 
raising  the  standard  of  morals,  and  promoting  useful  instruction,  should 
be  kept  in  view. 

In  continuing  his  diary,  of  the  8th,  William  Allen  writes — 

"Intelligence  arrived  to-day  that  the  Spanish  quarantine  is  lessened 
full  one  half,  so  we  are  in  hopes  of  getting  off  by  second  or  third- day. 

Second  Month  9ih. — We  went  to-day  to  see  the  schools  for  the 
children  of  the  poor;  they  are  called  ' Ecoles  Chretiennes,' and  are 
wholly  under  the  care  of  the  priests,  the  Frlres  Ignorantms ;  the  princi- 
pal person  is  a  young  man  of  pleasing  manners,  and  seems  to  have 
much  talent.  From  the  reading  and  spelling  of  the  boys  it  is  evident 
that  great  pains  have  been  taken  with  them.  There  are  three  hundred 
and  fifty  in  this  establishment,  and  there  is  another  for  girls,  in  which 
two  hundred  and  fifty  are  receiving  instruction  on  a  similar  plan.  The 
specimens  of  writing  and  of  linear  drawing  are  extremely  beautiful,  and 
the  facility  with  which  some  of  the  boys  worked  questions  in  algebra, 
on  the  black  board,  was  truly  astonishing. 

The  houses  at  Bayonne  are  high,  the  streets  narrow,  and  in  some 
parts  the  footway  is  under  the  houses,  as  at  Berne,  in  Switzerland,  and 
Chester,  in  our  own  country.  I  observed,  as  we  passed  some  of  the 
shops  in  the  evening,  that  shoemakers  had  a  lamp  behind  a  large  glass 
globe  of  water,  which  concentrated  the  light  upon  their  work,  and 
sometimes  there  were  two  globes  with  the  lamp  between,  so  that  two 
persons  might  receive  the  benefit.    Our  kind  friend  Haubman  has  pro- 


268  LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  1833. 

cured  our  certificates  of  health,  and  prepared  everything  for  our  depart- 
ure. In  the  evening  we  went  by  appointment  to  Joseph  Veisaz,  and 
in  his  upper  chamber,  about  four  or  five  stories  high,  we  had  a  satisfac- 
tory religious  raeetingwitha  little  flock  who  assemble  here  occasionally 
for  divine  worship.    We  afterwards  parted  from  them  in  much  love. 

Second  Month  IQth. — Our  friend  Haubman  called  upon  us.  We 
■went  to  the  sub-prefect's  to  breakfast,  and  had  some  very  useful  con- 
versation ;  we  took  an  affectionate  leave,  and  on  returning  to  our 
quarters,  found  the  carriage  which  had  been  engaged  for  us  ready  to 
convey  us  to  Irun.    The  road  was  good,  but  hilly,  the  people  appear 
well  dressed,  and  the  houses  in  general  are  far  superior  to  those  north 
of  Bayonne.    Showy  colours  prevail  in  the  dress  of  the  females.  At 
Behabie,  on  the  borders  of  Spain,  there  is  a  little  river  with  a  bridge 
over  it ;  on  the  middle  of  the  bridge  are  palisades  and  a  gate,  this  is  the 
boundary  between  France  and  Spain,  and  we  stopped  at  an  inn  close 
to  the  bridge,  where  we  were  met  by  gend'armes,  douaniers,  &c.,  but 
producing  the  letters  kindly  given  to  us  by  the  sub-prefect,  our  things 
were  not  examined  at  all  on  the  French  side.  After  much  consultation 
we  learnt  that  we  could  not  go  forward  at  once,  but  must  pass  six  days 
in  the  lazaretto,  that  it  will  not  be  open  for  the  reception  of  any  persons 
until  to-morrow,  but  that  good  apartments  will  be  reserved  for  us.  We 
had  our  things  taken  to  the  inn,  and  in  the  evening  Pierre  Sajus,  the 
head  of  the  police,  came  and  sat  some  time  with  us. 

Wth. — We  called  upon  Pierre  Sajus,  who  made  many  inquiries 
about  our  Religious  Society,  and  I  gave  him  some  tracts.  We  were 
informed  that  the  officers  would  come  to  the  barri(ire  on  the  bridge  to- 
day, and  that  then  we  should  be  admitted.  Accordingly,  between 
three  and  four  o'clock,  we  received  notice  to  repair  thither.  Our  kind 
friend,  Pierre  Sajus,  was  with  us ;  the  Spanish  officer  sat  within  the 
gate ;  our  passports  and  billets  of  health  were  taken  in  tongs  and  put 
into  some  liquid,  and  then  handed  to  him  ;  he  admitted  us  immediately, 
and  we  then  went  to  the  lazaretto,  where  we  have  two  comfortable 
rooms,  near  each  other.  We  are  now  just  by  Irun,  the  first  town  in 
Spain. 

12th. — It  is  no  wonder  that  different  accounts  are  given  of  this  place, 
for  we  find  that  it  is  just  like  many  other  prisons ;  those  who  can  pay  for 
a  good  bed,  have  it;  those  who  cannot,  must  go  into  something  like  a 
great  barn,  and  lie  upon  straw.  The  Commissaire  de  Police  sent  us 
some  newspapers ;  the  aspect  of  things  in  Ireland  seems  stormy ;  I  read 
a  great  deal  of  Macaulay's  digest  of  the  evidence  before  the  House  of 
Commons,  on  the  subject  of  Negro  Slavery,  in  the  Anti-Slavery  Re- 
porter;  it  is  quite  conclusive  in  favour  of  emancipation. 

Second  Month  13th. — A  very  fine  day.  We  walked  backwards  and 
forwards  for  exercise,  in  our  narrow  limits.    We  have  a  monotonous 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


V 


269 


sort  of  life,  and  it  is  complete  imprisonment.  The  weather  is  so  mild 
that  we  have  no  fire. 

16//i. — Our  quarantine  being  ended  to-day,  we  engaged  seats  in  the 
diligence  to  Madrid,  and  left  Irun  at  two  o'clock.  We  were  struck 
with  the  luxuriant  vegetation  in  this  climate,  and  noticed  peas  five  or 
six  inches  high  ;  a  great  deal  of  Indian  corn  is  grown  here,  and  we  saw 
very  fine  crops  of  flax.  Our  road  winding  amongst  the  Pyrenees,  was 
continually  ascending  and  descending,  and  the  number  of  animals 
drawing  the  carriage  varied  from  seven  to  ten  ;  they  are  generally  horses 
and  mules,  but  on  one  occasion  we  had  the  addition  of  four  oxen.  The 
usual  plan  of  travelling  here,  is  to  rest  part  of  the  night,  and  proceed 
again  at  one  or  two  o'clock  in  the  morning.  We  stopped  at  Tolosa,  a 
miserable  town,  with  narrow  disagreeable  streets.  The  entrance  to  the 
inn  was  through  the  stable,  but  we  found  the  beds  clean  and  good. 
The  next  morning  we  proceeded  by  the  light  of  a  lantern,  which  sho\ved 
us  rugged  rocks,  amongst  which  we  heard  the  rushing  of  the  mountain 
torrents.  Our  carriage  was  stuck  fast  before  daylight,  and  two  of  the 
mules  were  placed  behind  to  alter  its  position,  which  was  at  length 
effected,  but  these  roads  are  dangerous  in  the  dark. 

The  inhabitants  of  Biscay  are  a  pecuUar  race,  and  are  called  Basques  ; 
they  have  a  language  of  their  own,  and,  in  some  respects,  a  distinct 
government,  though  subject  to  Spain,  and  their  republic,  for  such  it 
resembles,  extends  nearly  to  Vittoria.  Every  native  Biscayan  is  an 
hidalgo,  or  noble  by  birth.  I  never  saw  such  miserable  houses  in  a 
civilized  country,  as  we  have  passed  to-day.  We  met  a  funeral  pro- 
cession, in  which  the  corpse  was  carried  on  a  kind  of  wide  bed,  with  a 
white  sheet,  but  no  coffin;  the  face  was  quite  exposed,  and  seemed  to 
be  that  of  an  elderly  female  ;  a  great  number  of  boys  were  waiting  at  a 
place  of  worship  near,  and  one  of  them  had  a  crucifix  hung  round  whh 
little  bells.  About  five  o'clock  we  arrived  at  Vittoria  ;  the  streets  are 
almost  as  narrow  as  those  of  Constantinople.  We  stopped  at  the 
douanier,  where  the  people  are  proverbially  vexatious,  and  they  would 
not  let  my  medicine  box  pass ;  we  therefore  committed  it  to  the  care  of 
a  merchant  to  whom  we  had  been  recommended  from  Bayonne,  and  he 
kindly  undertook  to  pay  the  demand  which  might  be  made  upon  it, 
and  forward  it  to  Madrid.  We  had  our  evening  reading,  and  retired 
early  to  bed. 

Secand  Month  18th. — We  set  off  between  two  and  three  o'clock, 
wound  our  way  through  rocky  scenery,  and,  about  nine,  arrived  at 
Pancorbo,  a  place  noted  in  the  wars.  We  afterwards  gradually  left  the 
mountains,  and  saw  an  expanse  of  flat,  poor,  arable  land,  full  of  stones, 
and  no  hedges  or  cottages  to  be  seen.  The  poor  are  crowded  together 
in  wretched  villages.  In  the  afternoon  we  came  to  Burgos,  a  very  large 
place,  containing  several  fine  public  buildings  ;  but  we  only  stopped  to 
change  horses,  and  I  did  not  alight.    There  were  hundreds  of  persons 


270 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


walking  backwards  and  forwards,  in  the  streets,  and  some  with  masks 
on,  it  being  the  time  of  carnival.  The  population  is  estimated  at  four- 
teen thousand,  of  which  it  is  considered  that  about  six  thousand  consist 
of  priests,  monks  and  nuns.  At  six  o'clock  we  came  to  the  first  wood 
we  have  yet  seen.  We  had  a  few  hours'  rest  at  Lerina,  and  at  three 
o'clock  in  the  morning  recommenced  our  journey.  We  passed  some 
vineyards,  and  again  ascended  steep  hills,  and  came  amongst  mountain 
scenery.  At  Cavanillas  we  stopped  for  the  night,  on  account  of  the 
danger  from  banditti,  and  this  so  much  increases  as  we  approach  nearer 
to  Madrid,  that  we  are  not  to  start  to-morrow  till  break  of  day. 

20th. — We  passed  high  craggy  rocks  by  the  side  of  the  road,  and 
behind  these  huge  masses  the  robbers  take  their  stand.  It  is  just  the 
place  for  banditti.  There  are  many  old  round  towers  on  the  hills.  This 
morning  we  saw  olive  trees  for  the  first  time ;  we  noticed  a  great  deal 
of  corn  coming  up  in  drills.  The  plough  used  here,  is  of  the  rudest 
construction,  like  that  of  the  Greeks  and  Romans.  At  half-past  one 
we  entered  the  gates  of  Madrid.  An  armed  man,  on  horseback,  was 
waiting  to  see  that  nothing  was  taken  from  the  diligence,  before  it  had 
been  to  the  post-house.  An  elderly  gentleman,  one  of  the  passengers, 
who  had  been  very  kind  to  us,  and  who  spoke  French  and  Spanish, 
rendered  us  much  assistance,  and  bur  luggage  was  passed  without  any 
difficulty.    I  believe  the  despatches  have  been  of  great  use  to  us. 

We  were  at  some  difficulty  about  lodgings,  and  went  to  Balrhaseda, 
the  banker,  to  make  inquiry.  He  very  kindly  sent  a  young  man  to 
show  us  to  a  respectable  house,  which  was  very  full  ;  but,  after  some 
difficulty,  we  were  at  length  accommodated. 

Second  Month  21st. — Awoke  early.  My  mind  was  turned  to  the 
Lord  in  supplication  for  His  protecting  care,  and  for  direction,  in  this 
act  of  faith,  and  I  felt  a  litde  of  the  calming  influence  of  the  Saviour's 
peace.  S.  G.  and  I  waited  upon  H.  U.  Addington,  the  English  Ambas- 
sador; we  were  kindly  received,  and  had  much  interesting  conversa- 
tion with  him.  He  will  try  to  procure  for  us  an  interview  with  the 
minister  of  the  interior.  Count  d'Ofalia.  We  had  also  a  satisfactory 
audience  with  the  French  Ambassador.  We  saw  Balmaseda,  the 
banker,  at  his  office,  and  found  him  a  very  agreeable  man  indeed.  In 
the  evening,  we  called  upon  Sir  Stratford  Canning,  and  gave  him  a  full 
explanation  of  our  objects,  schools,  Scripture  Lessons,  &c.  I  was 
much  interested  in  his  company.  He  has  engaged  us  to  dine  with  him 
on  seventh-day. 

22nd. — We  again  called  upon  our  ambassador.  He  has  seen  Count 
d'Ofalia,  and  fixed  that  we  should  be  with  him  at  ten  o'clock  this 
evening.  We  accordingly  went  at  the  time  proposed,  and  were  very 
kindly  received.  The  Count  has  been  in  America,  as  well  as  London, 
and  has  known  something  of  the  Society  of  Friends.  He  stated  the 
peculiar  difficulties  that  existed  in  this  country,  and  observed,  that  most 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


271 


of  the  benevolent  institutions  were  in  the  hands  of  the  clergy.  In 
Madrid,  however,  they  are  more  under  the  care  of  government  than 
elsewhere,  and  he  said  he  should  see  the  King  to-morrow,  and  would 
mention  us  to  him.  He  had  no  doubt  of  our  being  permitted  to  visit 
their  institutions,  and  he  should  be  glad  to  do  what  he  could  to  pro- 
mote our  views.  He  wished  us  to  call  upon  him  on  first-day,  at  eleven 
o'clock.    We  had  a  very  satisfactory  interview. 

23}'d. — After  reading  in  the  Scriptures  this  morning,  Stephen  and  I 
had  a  season  of  religious  retirement  to  our  mutual  comfort.  Stephen 
then  went  to  Vanness,  the  American  Ambassador's,  and  settled  that  we 
should  go  there  to-morrow  to  have  a  meeting  for  worship  with  the 
family.  After  his  return,  we  called  upon  J.  D.  de  Balrnaseda,  and 
conversed  with  him  respecting  plans  for  improving  the  condition  of  the 
poor,  &c.  He  is  connected  with  a  large  establishment  at  Salamanca, 
where  a  number  of  persons  are  employed  during  a  part  of  the  year, 
and  bethinks  our  Lindfield  plans  would  be  particularly  useful  there,  as 
land  could  be  easily  procured.  I  find  that  land  in  general  is  in  the 
hands  of  the  grandees  of  Spain,  whose  ancestors  conquered  it  from  the 
Moors.  We  dined  at  Sir  Stratford  Canning's;  Lady  Canning  is  a 
very  agreeable  person,  and  we  were  pleased  with  our  visit.  We  met 
Balrnaseda,  and  a  Biscayan,  who  appeared  to  be  a  person  of  consider- 
able influence,  and  disposed  to  promote  measures  for  the  benefit  of  the 
poor.  As  the  inhabitants  of  Biscay  are  not  under  the  same  restrictions 
as  those  of  other  parts  of  the  kingdom,  he  may  be  very  useful.  I  had 
much  interesting  conversation  with  Sir  S.  C.  Negro  Slavery  in  the 
West  Indies  was  one  of  our  subjects,  and  principles  and  expediency- 
were  also  discussed.  He  seems  to  possess  great  candour,  and  to  be 
open  to  conviction.  Several  gentlemen  were  present,  and  were  speak- 
ing of  that  barbarous  sport,  bull-baiting.  Though  most  of  the  com  pany 
condemned  the  practice,  yet  I  was  sorry  to  see  that  with  some  it  excited 
much  interest. 

Second  Month  2Ath — I  sent  Sir  Stratford  Canning  the  Abstract  of 
the  Evidence  before  the  House  of  Commons  on  the  subject  of  Slavery, 
the  Solemn  Review  of  War,  and  some  other  tracts.  We  went  by 
appointment  to  the  government  house  to  meet  Count  d'Ofalia  ;  he 
received  us  kindly,  as  before,  and  informed  us  that  he  had  mentioned  to 
the  King  the  benevolent  object  of  our  visit,  and  had  obtained  permission 
for  us  to  see  the  charitable  institutions  in  Madrid,  of  which  he  gave  us 
a  list,  and  also  the  prisons.  We  then  conversed  with  him  upon  several 
points,  and  endeavoured  to  convince  him  that,  as  England  was  about 
to  take  measures  for  the  Abolition  of  Slavery,  Spain  ought  to  pursue  the 
same  course.  We  suggested  the  importance  of  devising  some  plan  to 
provide  for  the  beggars,  instead  of  allowing  them  to  importune  persons 
in  the  streets,  and  told  him  what  had  been  done  at  Bayonne  ;  we  also 
mentioned  the  benefits  arising  from  allowing  the  poor  to  have  allotments 


272 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


of  land  ;  he  frankly  confessed  the  difficulties  they  were  under  in  adopt- 
ing any  measures  of  amelioration,  and  after  much  free  and  friendly 
conversation,  we  took  a  respectful  leave,  and  went  to  the  American 
Ambassador's,  where  we  had  a  meeting  for  divine  worship.  There 
was  a  precious  feeling  of  solemnity  on  our  sitting  down  in  silence ; 
S.  G.  was  afterwards  engaged  in  prayer,  and  we  both  spoke  in  minis- 
try. It  was  felt  to  be  a  comforting  and  strengthening  opportunity.  The 
eldest  son  of  the  Ambassador  reads  and  speaks  Spanish  well,  and 
kindly  agreed  to  interpret  for  us  in  our  visits  to  the  different  establish- 
ments. Thus  the  doors  open  wider  and  wider,  and  Stephen  and  I 
agreed,  as  we  walked  along,  that  we  could  not  wish  ourselves  any- 
where but  where  we  now  are.  We  went  to  inform  the  English  Ambas- 
sador of  the  success  of  the  application  respecting  the  public  institutions, 
and  that  we  were  furnished  with  a  letter  containing  the  King's  authority 
to  see  them.  We  learnt  that  a  man  was  assassinated  this  morning  at 
the  door  of  one  of  the  places  of  worship,  and  that  another  had  been 
murdered  in  the  night. 

The  supply  of  water  is  a  great  trade  at  Madrid,  and  is  carried  on  by 
porters  who  come  from  Galicia  and  Asturias,  and  carry  it  on  their 
shoulders  in  little  wooden  casks,  or  copper  vessels,  from  the  great 
fountains  in  the  streets,  into  the  houses :  these  people  are  so  honest  that 
nothing  is  ever  missing  in  the  places  to  which  they  have  access.  They 
are  a  distinct  and  highly  respectable  race,  and  after  working  a  few  years 
at  Madrid,  return  home  to  enjoy  the  fruit  of  their  labours.  Their 
country  is  close  to  that  of  the  Basques,  if  not  forming  a  part  of  it. 

Second  Month  2bth. — Cornelius  Vanness  called,  and  kindly  accom- 
panied us  to  some  of  the  institutions  mentioned  in  our  list.  We  first 
went  to  a  prison  for  women,  where  seventy-five  were  confined.  There 
is  a  committee  consisting  of  three  persons,  who  meet  every  month,  but 
there  is  no  ladies'  committee.  The  prisoners  are  employed,  and  receive 
a  certain  portion  of  their  earnings.  Corporal  punishment  is  not  allowed, 
but  if  any  of  them  are  refractory,  they  may  be  put  into  solitary  confine- 
ment, for  a  time  not  exceeding  twenty-four  hours,  unless  the  committee 
issue  a  special  order  to  this  eflfect.    Most  of  the  prisoners  could  read. 

The  next  place  we  visited  was  the  '  Real  Hermandad  del  Refugio,'' 
a  very  large  building,  which  seems  a  general  refuge,  or,  in  fact,  a 
workhouse.  It  is  calculated  to  hold  six  hundred  persons,  but  now 
contains  eight  hundred  and  ten.  There  are  three  hundred  boys,  and 
one  hundred  and  fifty  girls,  who  are  either  orphans,  or  have  lost  one 
parent,  and  a  large  proportion  of  the  rest  of  the  inmates  are  aged  men 
and  women.  Several  of  the  rooms  are  appropriated  to  works  of  industry. 
There  is  a  good  school-room,  and  a  large  play-ground,  and  the  sleeping 
apartments  seemed  comfortable ;  every  person  has  a  separate  bed.  We 
were  gratified  with  much  that  we  saw  ;  but  with  an  efficient  committee, 
and  some  improvement  in  arrangements,  this  establishment  might  easily 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


273 


be  made  a  model  for  imitation.  From  hence,  we  went  to  a  French 
Hospice,  originally  intended  for  the  reception  of  persons  on  a  pilgrimage, 
but  as  these  are  not  now  common,  poor  French  travellers  are  allowed 
to  receive  relief  here.  We  dined  at  the  American  Minister's,  where  we 
met  an  agreeable  young  man  of  the  name  of  Silliman,  related  to  Pro- 
fessor Silliman,  of  Yale  College.  The  wife  of  the  Minister  is  a  sensible, 
religious-minded  person.  We  had  a  great  deal  of  useful  conversation, 
and  heard  some  anecdotes,  of  the  present  Queen  of  Spain,  which  are 
highly  creditable  to  her.  It  appears,  that  until  lately,  priests,  attendant 
upon  dying  persons,  frequently  induced  them  to  make  their  wills  so  as 
to  bequeath  large  suras  to  ecclesiastical  purposes,  and  often  to  the 
grievous  injury  of  their  own  families;  through  the  influence  of  the 
Queen,  however,  such  wills  are  no  longer  legal. 

Second  Month  26th. — We  visited,  this  morning,  the  ^  Real  Casa 
Indusaj'  or  hospital  for  foundlings.  It  is  said  that  there  is  scarcely  a 
place  in  Europe  where  there  is  so  great  a  proportion  of  these  poor 
little  abandoned  outcasts,  as  at  Madrid.  This  establishment  is  under 
the  special  patronage  of  the  Queen,  by  whose  direction  large  additions 
have  recently  been  made.  The  rooms,  as  is  generally  the  case  with 
the  institutions  here,  are  large  and  airy,  and  the  ceilings  are  lofty.  It 
is  superintended  by  a  committee  of  forty  ladies,  who  meet  every  week, 
and  some  of  them  are  of  the  first  rank  as  grandees.  The  business  seems 
to  be  conducted  with  great  method,  and  every  thing  appeared  neat  and 
clean  throughout ;  twenty-three  nuns  have  the  care  of  the  children  here, 
and  after  remaining  in  this  house  three  or  four  days,  they  are  sent  to 
nurses  in  the  country ;  these  nurses  cannot  obtain  their  pay  widiout 
producing  a  certificate  from  the  priest  of  the  district,  stating  that  the 
child  is  living,  and  that  justice  has  been  done  to  it.  The  daily  average 
of  children  received  is  about  six;  they  are  put  into  a  turning  box,  and 
one  came  in  while  we  were  there.  Nearly  three-fourths  die  before  they 
attain  the  age  of  seven  ;  at  that  age  they  are  sent  to  what  is  called  the 
college,  which  is  in  the  same  pile  of  buildings,  and  here  they  are  taught 
to  read  and  write,  as  well  as  instructed  in  useful  works  of  industry. 
There  are,  at  present,  two  hundred  and  seventy-three  in  the  school  ;  at 
a  suitable  age  the  girls  go  out  to  service,  but  many  become  nuns ;  it  is 
said  that  labourinn-  men  are  desirous  of  obtaining;  wives  who  have  been 
brought  up  at  this  institution,  knowing  the  good  education  which  it 
affords.    A  small  gratuity  is  given  to  the  girls  on  leaving  the  hospital. 

This  is  an  endowed  charity,  and  there  are  ample  funds  for  its  support 
without  any  subscriptions  being  required.  It  was  founded  in  1572, 
and  volumes  of  registers  appear  to  have  been  regularly  kept.  Soon 
after  we  arrived,  a  lady  of  the  rank  of  duchess,  who  is  president  of  the 
committee,  came  in  with  her  brother  and  sister,  and  went  round  with  us. 
We  had  great  reason  to  be  satisfied  with  what  we  saw,  and  yet,  we  are 

Vol.  II.  18 


274 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


much  of  the  oj)inion  that  these  institutions  have  an  injurious  tendency. 
The  usual  number  of  children  under  the  care  of  this  establishment  is 
about  two  thousand  six  liundred  ;  two  hundred  and  three  have  already 
been  received  this  year. 

We  visited  several  other  institutions,  some  of  which  were  in  a  shock- 
ing state.  This  has  been  a  dismal  rainy  day,  and  cold  withal,  but  we 
have  no  other  fire  than  charcoal  in  an  open,  shallow,  brass  pan,  in  a 
frame  on  the  floor,  and  this  gives  us  the  headache. 

Second  Month  2~lh. — We  walked  a  long  way  this  morning  to  the 
Royal  Hospital,  a  very  large  magnificent  pile  of  building,  w'ith  spacious 
corridors,  which  form  nice  walks  for  the  patients.  Those  who  can 
afTord  to  do  so,  pay  a  moderate  sum,  those  who  cannot,  are  received 
gratis.  Every  thing  was  very  dirty  on  the  men's  side,  but  the  wards 
for  the  women,  which  are  served  and  superintended  by  the  sisters  of 
charity,  were  beautifully  clean. 

We  next  visited  an  establishment  for  training  this  class  of  nuns. 
We  were  met  by  some  of  the  elder  sisters,  who  received  us  courteously. 
One  of  the  young  women  being  able  to  speak  French,  a  good  deal  of 
interesting  conversation  took  place,  and  there  was  an  opportunity  for 
much  religious  communication  ;  thus,  in  visiting  institutions  of  this 
nature,  occasions,  from  time  to  time,  occur,  of  introducing  sentiments 
which,  under  the  divine  blessing,  may  induce  serious  and  profitable 
reflection,  expand  the  mind  to  more  enlarged  views  of  christian  duty, 
and  promote  a  knowledge  of  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God.  There 
were  about  twenty  of  the  young  women  present ;  on  our  coming  away, 
the  senior  sisters  evinced  feelings  of  respect  which  I  believe  were  mutual. 
They  directed  the  gardener  to  gather  some  violets  for  us,  and  presented 
us  each  with  a  nosegay.    We  w-ere  really  pleased  with  this  visit. 

We  spent  the  evening  at  the  American  Minister's,  where  we  met 
with  some  interesting  and  agreeable  company,  among  whom  was 
Colonel  Flinter,  an  Irishman,  now  an  officer  in  the  Spanish  service; 
he  has  been  some  time  in  the  Spanish  West  Indies,  as  well  as  in  our 
own  i.^lands,  and  is  about  to  publish  facts  to  show  the  possibility  of  cul- 
tivating sugar  by  free  labour;  this  will  be  important  to  us  at  the  present 
juncture.  He  is  also  zealous  in  the  prison  discipline  cause.  We  had 
a  very  satisfactory  visit. 

Second  Month  28th. — Cornelius  Vanness  kindly  called  this  morning, 
and  accompanied  us  to  the  'House  of  Detention,'  where  about  sixty 
tried  and  untried  prisoners  were  together,  and  most  of  them  at  work ; 
very  few  indeed  were  able  to  read.  One  of  the  prisons  for  Madrid  is 
at  Ceuta,  a  possession  of  the  Spaniards  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  opposite 
to  Gibraltar.  We  afterwards  visited  an  institution  for  women  labouring 
under  incurable  diseases.  This  is  a  most  excellent  establishment,  and 
appeared  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  mitigation  of  sufferings  which, 
though  they  often  claim  the  sympathy  of  the  benevolent,  have  not,  to 


1S33. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


275 


my  knowledtre,  been  so  fully  and  effectually  provided  for  in  any  other 
country  ;  and  whilst  inspecting  the  accommodation  which  it  affords,  we 
could  not  but  desire  the  establishment  of  many  of  a  similar  character, 
in  other  parts.  There  are  three  wards,  each  containing  seventeen  beds, 
with  white  curtains  which  may  be  drawn  all  round,  if  the  patients  wish 
to  be  retired.  The  floors  are  matted,  and  every  thing  was  beautifully 
neat  and  clean.  Two  glass  lanterns  were  suspended  in  each  room. 
There  is  a  splendid  chapel,  with  an  altar,  imagery,  and  candles,  so 
contrived  that  when  the  glass  doors  are  thrown  open,  the  patients  who 
are  in  bed,  can  see  the  mass  performed.  The  sisters  who  have  the 
care  of  this  establishment  were  very  afJable  and  respectful  in  their 
manners ;  there  are  eighteen,  and  several  of  them  had  very  interesting 
countenances.  In  addition  to  their  attendance  on  the  patients,  they 
have  the  care  of  a  school  for  two  hundred  little  children.  We  were 
shown  the  kitchen,  where  the  utensils  appeared  exceedingly  bright  and 
nice.  Some  of  the  younger  sisters  were  ironing.  We  had  much  con- 
versation with  them,  and  were  struck  with  the  air  of  comfort  which 
seemed  to  prevail.  We  walked  round  their  nice  enclosed  garden,  and 
on  coming  into  the  house,  sat  down  together  in  one  of  the  rooms,  when 
Slephen  made  some  very  suitable  remarks,  which  were  well  received. 
We  took  leave  with  mutual  feelings  of  rerard.  This  establishment 
has  pleased  us  more  than  any  we  have  yet  seen. 

We  dined  with  our  Ambassador,  H.  U.  Addington,  and  met  some 
agreeable  persons. 

Third  Month  \st. — We  had  an  appointment  this  morning  to  meet 
Count  d'Ofalia,  at  the  government  office,  and  had  much  conversation 
with  him  respecting  the  state  of  the  public  institutions  that  we  have 
visited.  We  mentioned  to  him  the  marked  difference  which  was 
apparent  between  those  under  the  notice  of  men  only,  and  those  where 
female  superintendence  was  exercised,  and  observed,  that  though  it 
was  scarcely  possible  for  the  government  to  take  up  the  management 
of  benevolent  establishments,  yet  that  it  was  the  interest  of  govern- 
ment to  encourage  individuals  to  give  their  attention  to  this  object, 
and  to  see  that  no  obstruction  was  suffered  to  interfere  with  disinte- 
rested exerlions.  After  speaking  on  the  subject  of  prisons,  the  Count 
directed  his  secretary  to  make  out  an  order  for  us  to  see  the  two 
remaining  ones,  which  were  not  included  in  our  list,  and  signed  and 
sealed  this  document  before  we  left  the  office.  After  this  very  satis- 
factory opportunity,  we  returned  to  our  lodgings,  where  C.  Vanness 
came,  and  took  us  to  call  upon  Count  de  Teba,  whose  wife  is  a  very 
clever  woman,  and  is  secretary  to  one  of  the  Ladies'  Societies.  She  is 
of  Scotch  extraction,  and  speaks  English  well.  I  find  that  one  of  the 
great  obstructions  here  to  settling  the  poor  upon  land,  is  the  tithes 
and  other  imposts,  which  are  very  heavy.  This  lady  says,  that  there  is 
a  very  great  society  for  the  care  of  the  poor,  supported  by  voluntary 


276 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


contributions — that  jNIadrid  is  divided  into  districts,  and  that  there  is  a 
committee  of  three  persons,  and  tlie  Cure  for  each  district.  Colonel 
Flinter  called,  and  read  part  of  his  manuscript  on  the  subject  of  the 
Spanish  Colony  at  Porto  Rico.  Free  labour  is  most  successfully  exer- 
cised there,  and  to  an  extent  of  which  I  had  before  no  idea.  This  is  a 
very  valuable  document,  rich  in  important  facts.* 

Third  Month  2nd. — This  morning  we  visited  the  Great  Prison,  which 
is  a  very  large  building  with  a  magnificent  frontage;  the  Court  House, 
where  the  courts  of  justice  are  held,  is  adjoining.  The  total  number 
of  prisoners  is  three  hundred  and  ninety.  Many  are  committed  for 
murder,  and  two  boys,  apparently  under  fourteen  years  of  age,  are  con- 
fined for  this  crime.  The  countenances  of  some  had  an  awful  expres- 
sion of  wickedness.  Eight  executions  have  already  taken  place  this 
year,  but  there  were  only  three  during  the  whole  of  last  year.  No  fet- 
ters or  chains  were  to  be  seen  in  all  the  prisons,  nor  any  appearance  of 
corporal  punishments  ;  but  we  regretted  the  want  of  classification.  We 
were  accompanied  by  two  gentlemen,  besides  the  jailer  and  his  attend- 
ants, and  were  very  respectfully  treated.  The  prison  is  near  the  great 
square,  where  those  horrible  sacrifices  took  place,  termed,  '  Auto  de 
Fe,'  and  from  the  balcony  of  the  palace,  in  the  centre  of  one  of  the 
angles,  the  royal  family  used  to  witness  the  spectacle.  The  fronts  of 
the  houses  in  the  square  are  very  uniform,  and  some  of  the  streets  of 
Madrid  are  handsome  and  regular.  The  pavement  is  unpleasant  to 
walk  upon,  the  rough  pebbles  being  very  tiring,  though  in  many  places 
there  is  one  line  of  flag  stones. 

Colonel  Downie  took  us  to  visit  the  Countess  de  San  Lorenza,  a 
person  of  large  possessions ;  whilst  we  were  with  her,  the  Danish  Am- 
bassador came  in,  and  said  that  if  we  wished  to  do  good  by  visiting 
prisons,  we  should  go  to  Portugal.  On  returning  to  our  lodgings,  we 
met  Colonel  Flinter,  who  read  us  some  more  of  his  interesting  accounts 
of  Puerto  Rico.  In  the  evening,  we  paid  a  visit  to  the  Count  and 
Countess  Teba,  who  made  many  inquiries  respecting  the  principles  of 
our  Religious  Society. 

Third  Month  3rd. — First-day.    Through  the  influence  of  our  Am- 

*  Col.  Flinter  being  desirous  that  tliis  MS.  should  be  published  in  England,  consigned  it 
to  the  care  of  William  Allen,  under  whose  direction  it  was  printed  b_v  Longman  &  Co.,  in 
1834.  The  title  of  the  work  is,  <'  An  Account  of  the  present  state  of  the  Island  of  Puerto 
Rico;  comprising  numerous  facts  and  documents  illustrative  of  the  state  of  Commerce 
and  Agriculture,  and  of  the  Condition,  Moral  and  Physical,  of  the  various  classes  of  the 
Population  in  that  Island,  as  compared  with  the  Colonies  of  other  European  Powers;  de- 
mons'.rating  the  superiority  of  the  Spanish  Slave  Code,  the  great  advantages  of  Free  over 
Slave  Labour,"  &c. 

In  his  preface  the  Author  says — 

"  Uninfluenced  by  the  spirit  of  party,  unbiassed  by  national  prejudices,  unfettered  by 
sectarian  principles,  I  feel  it  a  duty  I  owe  to  humanity,  to  lay  before  the  public  my  observa- 
tions on  the  condition  of  the  free  coloured  and  slave  population  in  the  West  India  Colooies 
of  Spain,  the  result  of  twenty-one  years'  experience  in  that  quarter  of  the  world." 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


277 


bassador,  the  Minister  Zea  Berraudez  appointed  us  to  meet  him  at  his 
office  at  the  palace,  to-day.  He  received  us  very  courteously ;  having 
resided  several  years  in  England,  he  speaks  our  language  well.  We 
briefly  explained  to  hirn  the  objects  we  had  in  view,  and  ventured  to 
suggest  some  measures  which  we  thought  would  benefit  his  country, 
stating  at  the  same  time,  that  we  were  not  in  the  habit  of  publishing 
our  observations,  but  thought  it  right  in  all  cases  to  submit  them  to  the 
heads  of  the  governments  where  we  had  travelled,  and  who  alone  had 
the  power  of  applying  a  remedy.  This  he  seemed  to  approve,  and  said 
that  any  communication  from  us  should  be  carefully  considered.  We 
therefore  purpose  to  prepare  a  report  in  writing,  to  lay  before  the  King. 
I  gave  him  two  little  manuscripts,  one  respecting  the  Societe  de  Bien- 
faisance,  the  other  about  Rural  Colonies,  requesting  him  to  show  them 
to  the  Queen,  which  he  engaged  to  do. 

W^e  expressed  our  belief,  that  the  diffusion  of  light  and  knowledge 
was  the  only  means  by  which  Spain  could  be  raised  to  the  rank  it  ought 
to  occupy  among  the  nations,  and  represented  to  him  the  importance  of 
government  favouring  attempts  to  promote  this  object.  The  oppor- 
tunity was  altogether  satisfactory,  and  seemed  to  be  just  the  opening 
we  wanted. 

On  our  return,  we  called  upon  a  gentleman  whom  we  found  reading 
one  of  Sir  Walter  Scott's  novels  ;  I  gave  him  a  hint  that  it  was  not  a 
book  suitable  for  that  day  of  the  week ;  this  he  took  in  very  good  part, 
and  it  opened  the  way  for  some  serious  conversation  ;  he  seems  a  good- 
natured,  frank,  open-hearted  man,  whose  views  had  been  very  much 
confined  to  this  world.  I  met  him  again  in  the  evening,  when  he  was 
earnest  for  further  conversation,  and  said  how  much  he  was  struck  with 
what  I  said  to  him  in  the  morning.  He  is  not  a  native  of  Spain,  and 
though  by  profession  a  Protestant,  he  has  no  Bible,  and  has  not  lead  in 
one  for  ten  years  ;  he  was  much  impressed  a  few  evenings  ago,  when 
the  wife  of  the  American  minister  showed  him  her  family  Bible ;  he 
said  it  fdt  comfortable  to  him.  He  is  a  military  man,  and  is  in  the 
habit  of  accompanying  his  soldiers  when  they  go  to  mass,  and  con- 
forming to  all  the  exterior  rites  of  the  Roman  Catholic  religion,  as  part 
of  the  duty  of  his  station.  He  asked  me  if  I  could  give  him  a  Bible, 
which  I  did,  and  wrote  his  name  in  it.  We  dined  at  Sir  Stratford 
Canning's  ;  a  quiet  visit,  witho\it  any  other  company  but  the  two  young 
men  who  are  secretaries,  and  we  had  much  open  discussion  on  serious 
subjects,  particularly  relative  to  our  religious  principles.  We  after- 
wards went  to  the  American  Ambassador's,  where  we  had  a  time  of 
divine  worship  ;  some  young  men  were  present  besides  their  own  family, 
and  it  was  a  refreshing  opportunity. 

Third  Month  Ath. — We  walked  to  the  American  Ambassador's, 
where  our  young  friend  and  interpreter,  Cornelius  Vanness,  was  ready 
to  accompany  us  in  our  visit  to  the  two  prisons  at  the  farther  end  of 


278 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


Madrid,  near  the  Gate  of  St.  Barbara.  The  first  is  for  Galerians,  men 
condemned  to  the  public  works,  who  go  out  every  day  chained  together ; 
the  second  is  newly  constructed,  and  so  large  that  a  plan  of  classifica- 
tion might  easily  be  adopted.  This  must  be  represented  in  our  report 
to  the  government.  Fetters  and  chains  are  used  in  this  prison,  but,  as 
far  as  we  could  observe,  only  in  a  few  instances. 

We  received  an  important  letter  from  the  sub-prefect  of  Bayonne, 
to-day,  informing  us  that  a  '  Societe  de  Bienfaisance'  has  been  established 
in  accordance  with  our  suggestions,  and  enclosing  us  a  copy  of  the  laws 
and  regulations. 

Third  Month  5th. — Much  engaged  to-day  in  drawing  up  our  report 
for  the  government.  D.  M.  Vila  called  ;  he  is  just  returned  from 
England,  and  is  acquainted  wilh  Friends  ;  he  resides  at  Barcelona,  is 
kindly  disposed  to  assist  us,  and  will  give  us  letters  for  that  place. 
We  dined  with  the  Balmasedas,  who  live  in  princely  style ;  they  are 
exceedingly  kind.  In  the  evening  we  went  by  appointment  to  Count 
d'Ofalia  ;  we  informed  him  that  we  had  finished  our  visits,  and  were 
preparing  a  written  report;  he  was  very  cordial  and  friendly,  and  told 
us  that  the  king  had  expressed  a  wish  to  see  us,  if  he  should  be  well 
enough  ;  under  these  circumstances,  therefore,  we  agreed  to  postpone 
our  departure  from  Madrid,  though  the  detention  is  trying.  We  hear 
also  that  there  is  great  danger  of  robbers  in  the  road  we  have  to  travel; 
thus,  here  is  another  exercise  of  faith.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  con- 
ference, feeling  much  love  for,  and  sympathy  wilh,  the  minister,  under 
the  difficult  circumstances  in  which  he  is  placed,  from  the  present 
situation  of  affairs,  I  ventured  to  recommend  him  to  apply  to  our 
gracious  God,  who  is  the  only  true  source  of  help,  and  whom  I  had 
ever  found  a  sure  refuge  and  strength  under  heavy  afflictions.  He 
seemed  cordially  to  feel  what  was  said. 

1th. — The  Report  to  the-King  being  finished  yesterday,  Stephen  has 
been  translating  it  to-day,  and  we  sent  it  to  Count  d'Ofalia  in  the  even- 
ing.   The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  communication  : — 

Stephen  Grellet,  of  North  America,  and  W^illiam  Allen,  of  London, 
in  making  their  acknowledgments  to  the  King  of  Spain,  for  the  per- 
mission he  so  kindly  and  readily  granted  them  to  visit  the  institutions 
at  Madrid,  as  well  prisons,  as  those  for  objects  of  benevolence,  avail 
themselves  of  this  opportunity  to  state,  that  the  motives  which  have 
induced  them  to  leave  their  respective  countries,  and,  for  a  season,  all 
that  is  dearest  to  them  in  life,  are  not  those  of  curiosity,  self-interest, 
or  worldly  policy,  but  are,  they  trust,  of  a  higher  nature,  even  under 
the  influence  of  that  Gospel  which  breathes  peace  on  earth  and  good- 
will towards  men.  They  feel  it  their  duty  to  endeavour  to  promote  all 
that  may  tend  to  the  happiness  of  the  great  human  family,  under  what- 
ever name  its  members  may  be  found,  of  nation,  kindred,  tongue,  or 
people,  or  whatever  may  be  their  profession  as  to  religion. 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


279 


In  Ihe  course  of  the  visits  they  have  performed  within  the  last  few 
days,  their  attention  has  been  forcibly  drawn  to  several  subjects  which 
they  consider  to  be  of  very  great  importance,  and  upon  which  they  beg 
leave  to  submit  a  few  observations. 

MENDICITY. 

The  great  number  of  beggars  continually  soliciting  alms  from  pas- 
sengers in  the  streets,  is  not  only  a  public  annoyance,  but  part  of  a 
system  pregnant  with  mischief;  money  given  indiscriminately,  and 
without  inquiring  into  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  often  goes  to  sup- 
port the  most  idle  and  worthless  of  mankind,  and  to  propagate  a  race 
of  beggars,  which  tends  to  weaken  and  demoralize  the  community  by 
whose  misdirected  charity  they  are  maintained.  This  observation  will 
apply  to  all  manner  of  alms,  wheresoever  and  by  whomsoever  distributed, 
to  persons  whose  cases  have  not  undergone  investigation.  It  is  the 
duty  of  every  individual  who  has  not  a  fortune  to  subsist  upon,  to  earn 
his  support  by  rendering  himself  useful  to  society,  by  manual  labour,  or 
by  his  skill  in  some  necessary  art.  The  great  object,  then,  in  prevent- 
ing mendicity,  will  be,  in  the  first  place,  to  provide  the  means  for 
examining  into  the  circumstances  of  the  poor  in  any  given  place,  by 
forming  a  society  of  benevolent  and  disinterested  persons,  who,  by 
dividing  a  place  into  districts,  and  visiting  the  poor  in  their  habitations, 
by  means  of  sub-committees,  may  distinguish  between  those  who  are 
able  to  work,  if  they  could  get  it  to  do,  and  those  who,  from  age  or 
bodily  infirmities,  are  incapable  of  labour ;  these  latter  should  be  pro- 
vided for,  either  in  their  own  lodgings,  by  a  proper  allowance,  or  in  a 
building  fitted  up  for  the  purpose  ;  while  suitable  employment  should 
be  provided  for  those  who  are  able  to  work.  Stephen  Grellet  and 
William  Allen  are  aware  that  there  exists  at  present,  at  Madrid,  a 
Societe  de  Bienfaisance,  but  it  does  not  appear  to  be  by  any  means, 
adequate  to  remedy  the  evils  complained  of;  and  they  would  respect- 
fully beg  the  attention  of  the  King  to  the  plan  they  have  already  pre- 
sented to  his  ministers  ;  it  will  be  found  to  embrace  a  variety  of  objects 
of  the  greatest  importance  to  Spain. 

The  history  of  all  nations  has  proved  that  ignorance  is  the  parent  of 
vice  and  crime;  it  produces  sloth  and  idleness,  and  a  tendency  to  in- 
dulge in  sensual  pleasures,  connected  with  a  mere  animal  existence; 
while  the  desire  for  useful  knowledge  stimulates  to  the  exertion  of  the 
powers  of  mind,  and  introduces  man  to  pleasures  of  a  higher  order, 
even  of  an  intellectual  nature,  and  at  the  same  time  increases  his  capa- 
city for  usefulness:  hence  they  conceive  that,  if  there  is  one  thing  more 
than  another,  that  should  claim  the  attention  of  government,  it  is  the 
education  of  youth  in  sound  useful  knowledge,  and  moral  and  religious 
principles;  but  if  the  children  of  beggars,  and  of  the  poor  in  general, 
are  suffered  to  grow  up  without  instruction,  so  far  from  being  useful  to 
the  State,  they  will  resemble  pernicious  weeds,  which,  as  they  arrive  at 


280 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


maturity,  scatter  their  noxious  seeds,  and  multiply  the  miseries  insepa- 
rable from  such  a  state  of  society.  The  plan  of  teaching  all  the  children 
of  the  poor  upon  the  cheap  and  effectual  system  of  mutual  instruction, 
would  provide  an  easy  remedy  for  this  evil,  and  by  producing  a  well- 
informed  and  virtuous  population,  would  save  those  large  sums  of  money 
which  are  now  expended  upon  institutions  founded  to  meet  the  conse- 
quences of  vice  and  crime  ;  while  the  security  of  person  and  property, 
and  the  safety  of  government  itself,  would,  in  an  eminent  degree,  be 
promoted.* 

They  would  respectfully  submit,  that  one  great  object  of  government 
should  be  to  discountenance  and  put  down  every  thing  which  tends  to 
demoralization;  the  spirit  of  gambling  acts  powerfully  in  this  way; 
servants  have  been  induced  to  rob  their  employers  in  order  to  purchase 
part  of  a  ticket  in  a  lottery,  resolving,  perhaps,  if  they  should  obtain  a 
prize,  to  pay  back  the  money,  but  losing  the  money,  they  have  lost 
their  integrity,  and  generally  go  on  from  one  crime  to  another,  until 
destruction  is  the  fatal  consequence. 

PEASANTRY. 

In  travelling  through  the  country,  they  have  observed  many  persons 
living  apparently  in  idleness,  dirt,  and  misery,  while  at  the  same  time 
there  are  tracts  of  good  land  but  half  cultivated,  upon  which  they  might 
be  supported  in  great  comfort  by  their  own  honest  industry,  and  yield 
a  rent  to  the  proprietor  of  the  land,  which  might  double  his  revenues. 
The  plans  which  Stephen  Grellet  and  William  Allen  have  submitted  to 
the  government,  under  the  title  of  <  Rural  Colonies,'  are  now  acted 
upon  in  England  with  the  most  happy  effects,  and  they  are  convinced 
that  if  they  were  generally  adopted  in  Spain,  wherever  the  nature  of 
the  soil,  and  the  convenience  of  water  would  admit  of  it,  every  able- 
bodied  poor  man  might  support  himself  and  his  family,  and  the  money 
given  in  alms  to  persons  of  this  description,  be  thus  saved  to  the  coun- 
try. Proprietors  of  land  might  easily  do  it  if  the  government  would 
encourage  them,  by  granting  an  exemption  from  tithes  and  imposts,  for 
five  or  ten  years.    A  society  might  be  formed  under  the  sanction  of 

*  Some  time  after  this  period,  two  gentlemen  were  sent  to  England  by  the  Queen's 
government  in  Spain,  with  directions  to  apply  to  the  committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
School  Society,  for  assistance  to  establish  their  system  of  mutual  instruction  in  that  country. 
Every  facility  was  accordingly  afforded  ;  a  model  school  was  subsequently  opened  at  Madrid, 
and  A.  Villalobos,  one  of  the  gentlemen  referred  to,  thus  writes  respecting  it : — "  Our  insti- 
tution, though  obstructed  in  its  progressive  improvement  by  the  state  of  disturbance  in 
which  this  country  is  unfortunately  involved,  and  the  pacification  of  which  attracts  the  whole 
attention  of  our  government,  goes  on  pretty  well.  The  model  school,  under  the  exclusive 
management  and  superintendence  of  our  friend  Gallardo,  with  upwards  of  three  hundred 
boys,  is  already,  in  its  improved  state,  a  miniature  copy  of  yours.  I  could  never  have 
imagined  that  so  much  could  have  been  done  in  so  short  a  period." 

A  letter  from  the  same  gentleman,  written  from  Madrid,  in  1S39,  states  that  several  other 
schools  had  sprung  up  in  different  parts  of  the  country  upon  the  same  system,  and  that  an 
infant  school  had  also  been  establislied. 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


281 


government,  the  King  and  Queen  being  patron  and  patroness,  for  trie 
promotion  of  Rural  Colonies,  combined  with  various  kinds  of  handi- 
crafts. In  this  way  manufactures,  most  beneficial  to  Spain,  as  those 
for  linen,  silk,  stockings,  &c.,  &c.,  might  be  established — thousands  of 
happy  families  supported,  and  the  prosperity  of  the  government  increased. 

They  were  much  gratified  in  visiting  the  Real  Hermandad  del  Refu- 
gio ;  it  is  an  attempt  to  relieve  distress  in  the  best  possible  way ;  they 
thought  however  that  the  female  part  should  be  more  under  the  care 
of  a  ladies'  committee.  If  the  proposed  Societe  de  Bienfaisance  were 
once  established,  this  place  might  form  a  most  important  part  of  the 
plan.  They  could  but  admire  the  neatness  and  order  that  reigned  in 
all  those  parts  of  the  Real  Casa  Inclusa  that  were  under  the  care  of  the 
ladies,  and  generally  those  establishments  in  Madrid  in  which  they  are 
concerned  do  them  much  honour ;  and  Stephen  Grellet  and  William 
Allen  remark  also  in  England  and  in  North  America,  that  ladies'  com- 
mittees are  of  the  greatest  utility.  It  afforded  them  no  small  degree  of 
pleasure  to  see  the  kind  interest  which  the  King  and  Queen  take  in 
these  useful  establishments,  by  the  alterations  and  improvements  they 
are  introducing  into  several  of  them;  and  they  noticed,  with  much 
gratification,  that  wherever  that  useful  body  of  persons,  the  Sisters  of 
Charity,  bestowed  their  kind  and  disinterested  attention,  the  good  effects 
were  obvious. 

PRISONS. 

With  regard  to  the  prisons  they  must  acknowledge  that,  from  what 
they  had  previously  heard,  they  were,  in  many  respects,  agreeably  dis- 
appointed, and  that  they  found  them  superior  to  those  in  divers  parts 
of  the  continent  which  they  have  visited  ;  with  the  exception,  however, 
of  the  vaulted  chambers  underground,  and  the  want  of  more  light  and 
ventilation  in  some  of  the  rooms  above  stairs,  which  is  so  much  the 
more  necessary,  as  there  are  from  four  to  six  persons  in  those  small 
apartments,  only  ten  feet  by  nine.  It  would  contribute  much  to  the 
health  of  the  prisoners,  and  of  those  who  visit,  if  the  walls  and  all 
parts  were  washed  with  quick-lime  twice  in  the  year.  They  were 
pleased  to  see,  in  the  Casa  y  Corte,  that  chains  and  fetters  were  not  in 
use,  that  the  passages  were  airy,  that  there  was  a  good  supply  of  water, 
and,  they  were  informed,  a  sufficiency  of  food.  They  could  not,  how- 
ever, but  lament  the  want  of  classification,  as  it  obviously  tends  to  the 
increase  of  crime.  Among  criminals  there  are  all  the  degrees  of  guilt, 
from  the  juvenile  oflfender  up  to  the  most  hardened  villain,  and  they 
have  found  both  in  England  and  in  North  America,  that  every  prison, 
in  which  classification  is  neglected,  becomes  a  nursery  for  crimes ;  a 
young  person,  put  in  for  a  trifling  offence,  and  made  to  associate  with 
the  most  abandoned  of  mankind,  becomes  regularly  initiated  into  the 
mystery  of  iniquity,  and  ofien  leaves  the  prison  an  accomplished  villain. 
In  one  of  these  places  of  confinement  which  they  visited  in  this  city, 


282 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


they  saw  a  boy  sent  there  at  the  request  of  his  mother,  for  undutiful 
behaviour.  On  examining  the  list  of  offenders,  it  will  be  found  that 
the  same  person  frequently  returns  to  the  prison  charged  with  fresh 
crimes. 

The  good  el7t?cts  of  classification,  and,  at  the  same  time,  the  adoption 
of  a  system  which  has  for  its  object  the  reformation  of  the  prisoners, 
have  been  most  striking  in  some  of  the  jails  of  New  York  and  Phila- 
delphia, and  on  the  female  side  of  the  prison  at  Newgate,  in  London  ; 
many  of  these  unhappy  beings,  whilst  in  confinement,  have  acquired 
habits  of  industry,  have  been  made  to  look  upon  their  former  guilty 
courses  with  horror,  have  been  effectually  reclaimed,  have  saved  money, 
and,  on  being  discharged,  have  become  respectable  members  of  society. 

In  the  new  prison,  near  the  gate  of  St.  Barbara,  the  premises  are  so 
spacious  that  provision  might  easily  be  made  for  most  effectual  classifi- 
cation. In  the  best  regulated  jails  every  offender  is  locked  up  by  him- 
self at  night,  in  a  separate  cell,  and  he  is  made  to  work  in  the  daytime, 
but  not  permitted  to  converse  with  his  fellow-prisoners ;  a  certain  pro- 
portion of  his  earnings  is  reserved  for  himself  when  he  is  discharged. 
This  is  particularly  the  case  at  the  Maison  de  Force,  at  Ghent,  in  Flan- 
ders;  in  North  America;  and  in  some  parts  of  England.  Committees 
of  benevolent  and  disinterested  individuals  regularly  visit  such  prisons, 
and  a  register  of  conduct  is  kept  in  a  book  provided  for  the  purpose. 
In  England  a  society  has  been  for  many  years  established  for  the  diffu- 
sion of  knowledge  on  the  subject  of  prison  discipline,  and  it  has  been 
the  means  of  introducing  many  improvements  in  that  country.  Reports 
of  its  proceedings  are,  from  time  to  time,  printed  and  published. 

Lastly,  they  would  beg  leave  to  remark  that  the  public  exposure  of 
criminals,  by  making  them  work  in  chains  on  the  streets,  &c.,is  calcu- 
lated to  prevent  all  hope  of  reform,  or  of  their  being  ever  received  again 
into  respectable  society. 

ni:gro  slavery. 

There  is  yet  one  subject  perfectly  distinct  from  the  objects  of  their 
present  visit,  to  which  they  venture  most  earnestly  to  entreat  the  King's 
attention  and  humane  interposition.  They  are  aware  that  the  countries 
of  which  they  are  subjects,  viz.  England  and  North  America,  are  deeply 
involved  in  the  guilt  of  holding  the  natives  of  Africa  and  their  descend- 
ants, most  cruelly  and  unjustly  in  a  state  of  slavery,  and  also  that  Spain, 
in  her  colonies,  has  been  represented  as  treating  this  unhappy  and  de- 
fenceless people  with  kindness  and  tenderness  :  and  yet  the  possessions 
of  Spain,  at  the  present  time,  afford  the  greatest  shelter  and  encourage- 
ment to  those  who  are  engaged  in  the  disgraceful  and  wicked  trafi^ic  in 
the  persons  of  men.  The  British  nation  will  now  very  soon  abolish 
Slavery  in  all  its  Colonies.  What  effect  this  just  and  Christian  mea- 
sure will  have  upon  the  slaves  in  the  colonies  of  other  nations,  it  is  not 
for  the  writer  to  conjecture  ;  but  Spain,  having  shown  in  its  possessions 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


283 


at  Porto  Rico,  that  sugar  and  other  tropical  products  may  be  raised  in 
abundance,  and  even  witli  a  greater  profit  by  free  labour  than  by  the 
labour  of  slaves,  and  that  those  long-oppressed  people  may  be  safely 
emancipated,  has  only  to  finish  her  work,  and  thus  provide  for  the 
security  of  her  own  possessions. 

Grellet  and  Allen  beg  to  conclude  by  expressing  their  sincere  wishes 
for  the  ha])piness  of  the  King  and  Queen,  and  that  they  may  be  made, 
in  the  Divine  Hand,  a  blessing  to  their  subjects.  With  a  country 
possessing  such  rare  local  advantages,  and  with  so  fine  a  people, 
nothing  seems  wanting  but  a  series  of  arrangements,  which  the  King 
has  il  in  his  power  to  make,  to  enable  Spain  not  only  to  equal  other 
countries,  but  to  give  a  fine  example  to  surrounding  nations,  of  what 
may  be  done  when  the  spirit  of  industry  is  roused,  encouraged,  and 
judiciously  applied  to  ameliorate  the  condition  of  the  poorer  classes, 
and  the  general  improvement  of  a  country."' 

'<  Third  Month  8th. — D.  IVI.  Vila  called,  and  took  us  to  see  Gasper 
Remisa,  the  Paymaster  General,  a  very  liberal-minded  man,  and  one 
of  the  most  interesting  persons  we  have  seen  in  this  country.  He  is 
conducting  very  large  public  works,  which  employ  a  great  number  of 
men  ;  and  is  also  cultivating  a  considerable  extent  of  waste  land,  and 
giving  allotments  to  poor  people.  He  seems  very  much  pleased  with 
my  plans,  and  I  left  with  him  the  Abridgment  of  Rural  Colonies,  and 
the  paper  on  Mendicity,  of  which  he  wishes  to  have  a  copy.  He  is 
about  to  establish  a  colony  nine  leagues  from  Toledo,  and  not  far  from 
the  Guadiana  river.  He  wishes  to  have  two  copies  of  the  Scripture 
Lessons,  and  several  tracts,  but  these  things  must  be  printed  in  Spain, 
not  in  England.  He  will  show  them  to  the  King  in  order  to  obtain 
his  authority,  and  then  they  may  be  printed  here  ;  but  the  laws  are  very 
severe, — even  death,  for  circulating  unauthorized  publications,  printed 
in  foreign  parts.    We  had  much  useful  conversation  with  him. 

It  appears  that  in  the  year  1760,  in  the  reign  of  Charles  HI.,  the 
government  encouraged  some  Germans  to  colonize  in  a  fertile  part  of 
Spain.  They  were  called  the  New  Colonies  of  Sierra  Morena.  M. 
Olavide  was  the  founder :  they  were  in  a  flourishing  state  for  several 
years,  but  at  length  the  priests  contrived  to  make  their  way  into  them, 
and  went  so  far  as  to  cause  the  worthy  founder  to  be  thrown  into  the 
Inquisition,  where  he  was  kept  for  eight  years,  and  then  made  his 
retreat  into  France.  These  colonies,  though  greatly  checked,  still 
exist.  The  principal  place  is  La  Carolina.  It  is  south  of  Ciudad-Real, 
and  on  the  high  road  to  Seville.  There  is  another  set  of  colonies,  south 
of  Cordova,  on  the  same  road. 

I  afterwards  called  on  Sir  Stratford  Canning,  and  told  him  our  pro- 
ceedings.— He  is  most  kind  and  friendly.  In  the  evening  we  waited 
upon  Count  d'Ofalia ;  he  told  us  that  he  had  read  our  communication 
to  the  King,  who,  on  hearing  it,  said,  <  I  should  like  to  see^those  gentle- 

I  •  -  . 


284 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


men.'  The  Count  informed  us  that  to-morrow  a  time  would  be  fixed 
for  the  interview. 

9th. — We  called  upon  the  English  Ambassador,  to  show  him  our 
communication  to  the  King  of  Spain.  He  is  glad  to  hear  of  the  recep- 
tion we  have  met  with  in  this  city.  D.  M.  Vila  called,  and  gave  us 
much  useful  and  interesting  information.  He  mentioned  to  us  some 
persons  about  Valencia  and  Barcelona,  who  meet  to  read  tracts,  and 
afterwards  remain  a  time  in  silence ;  he  says  also  that  agriculture  is 
much  attended  to  there. 

Third  Month  10th. — A  note  from  Count  d'Ofalia  arrived  early  this 
morning,  announcing  that  the  King  would  see  us  at  five  o'clock,  and 
requesting  us  to  be  at  his  office  at  eleven.  Thus  way  has  marvellously 
opened  for  us,  and  I  trust  that  we  may  be  favoured  to  depart  in  peace 
on  third-day. 

Though  the  houses  are  covered  with  snow,  and  the  windows  of  my 
sitting  room  are  frozen,  yet  we  cannot  have  a  fire  in  consequence  of  the 
charcoal  affecting  our  health.  We  walked  up  to  the  Minister's  Office, 
and  had  a  long  conversation  with  him.  He  gave  us  a  royal  order  to 
see  the  prisons,  &c.  at  Valencia  and  Barcelona,  and  the  door  is  open 
for  farther  communication  from  thence.  His  conduct  has  been  uniformly 
kind.  On  taking  leave  of  him,  we  went  to  the  American  Minister's, 
and  had  a  very  satisfactory  religious  meeting ;  some  serious-minded 
persons  were  present ;  it  was  a  time  of  divine  favour,  and  greatly  com- 
forted us.  In  the  afternoon  we  were  low,  but  calm,  and  went  to  the 
palace  at  the  time  appointed.  We  found  every  thing  prepared  to 
receive  us,  and  were  shown  from  one  room  to  another,  passing  by 
several  officers,  until,  at  length,  the  last  door  was  opened,  and  we  were 
introduced  into  an  apartment,  in  the  middle  of  which  the  King  and 
Queen  were  standing:  they  were  both  very  plainly  dressed,  and  the 
Queen  was  holding  the  hand  of  the  little  Princess,  their  daughter,  a 
nice  lively  child,  who  seemed  much  diverted  at  seeing  us.  We  men- 
tioned several  subjects  to  the  King  and  Queen,  some  of  a  religious 
nature,  and  though  we  could  not  expect  persons  in  their  exalted  station, 
to  commit  themselves  by  any  decided  remarks,  yet  their  conduct  alto- 
gether, and  what  they  did  say,  evinced  kind  and  respectful  feelings. 
Part  of  the  time  the  King  and  Queen  each  held  a  hand  of  the  child, 
who  is  just  two  years  and  five  months  old.  They  have  another  little 
girl,  who  is  younger.  There  was  no  other  person  in  the  room,  except 
the  nurse,  who  stood  at  some  distance.  Af  er  remaining  from  a  quarter 
to  half-an-hour,  we  took  a  respectful  leave,  under  a  precious  feeling  of 
the  support  of  our  Divine  Master.  We  went,  by  appointment,  to  Sir 
Stratford  Canning's  to  dinner:  they  purposely  avoided  having  any 
other  company,  except  the  secretaries,  and  we  had  a  very  interesting 
visit,  the  time  being  occupied  in  religious  and  useful  conversation. 
Third  Month  11th. — The  retrospect  of  yesterday  affords  comfort. 


1833. 


or  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


285 


We  are  to  set  out  for  Valencia  (o-morrow,  and  we  took  an  afiectionate 
leave  of  several  of  our  friends,  particularly  of  the  gentleman  to  whom  I 
had  given  the  Spanish  Bible;  he  seemed  much  touched  with  his  present, 
and  gave  a  very  interesting  account  of  the  effect  it  had  produced  upon 
the  lad  who  waits  upon  him. 

12ih. — As  we  were  obliged  to  go  to  the  diligence  before  daylight, 
our  man,  Antonio,  begged  leave  to  purchase  a  torch,  two  persons 
having  been  murdered  in  the  streets  last  night,  and  robbed  even  of 
their  clothes.  We  set  off"  at  four  o'clock.  The  land  about  Madrid  is 
arid,  and  Count  d'Ofalia,  in  speaking  of  the  plan  of  rural  colonies, 
mentioned  the  disadvantages  they  were  under  from  occasional  drought. 
He  says  that  in  some  places  there  is  not  enough  water  in  the  summer 
for  more  than  household  purposes,  the  little  river,  Manzanares,  being 
almost  dried  up  :  they  are  sometimes  five  months  without  rain,  and  thus 
the  crops  often  fail. 

The  journey  to  Valencia  is  considered  perilous,  on  account  of  the 
brigands  who  infest  these  roads.  IMuch  of  the  country  through  which 
we  travelled,  is  bare  of  trees,  with  barren,  craggy  rocks  ;  but  we  have 
also  seen  extensive  plains,  both  of  poor  and  fertile  land.  Soon  after 
passing  Aranjuez,  a  large  town  where  there  is  a  royal  palace,  we  came 
to  fields  of  olive  trees.  The  neighbourhood  of  Corral  is  a  very  wild 
part.  The  poor  people  whom  we  see  on  the  road,  have  a  wretched 
appearance,  and  many  of  them  live  in  miserable  hovels,  and  in  holes  in 
the  rocks.  It  was  near  this  place  that  the  very  diligence  we  were  in, 
was  robbed  about  a  fortnight  ago,  though  there  is  an  armed  guard  suffi- 
cient to  resist  three  or  four  men:  when  the  diligence  is  attacked,  how- 
ever, the  banditti  come  down  in  a  body  of  eighteen  or  twenty.  They 
do  not  in  general  personally  ill-use  the  passengers,  only  possess  them- 
selves of  their  money  and  clothes.  Eight  of  the  robbers  have  been 
discovered,  and  are  now  in  custody;  they  were  found  out  in  consequence 
of  a  watch  belonging  to  one  of  the  passengers.  We  stopped  for  a  few 
hours  each  night,  and  reached  Valencia  about  ten  o'clock  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  15th.  As  we  approached  this  place,  we  observed  a  great 
change  in  the  general  aspect  of  the  country;  there  is  much  more 
appearance  of  cultivation,  and  irrigation  is  carried  on  to  a  great  extent. 
The  climate  is  warmer,  and  we  saw  many  orange  trees  loaded  with 
ripe  fruit ;  also  palm  trees  and  aloes,  with  the  Indian  fig  of  a  large  size. 
Many,  even  of  the  young  people,  however,  look  thin  and  sickly,  and 
seem  but  half  clothed. 

In  the  afternoon  we  called  upon  the  governor  and  authorities,  and 
were  kindly  and  respectfully  received.  They  had  previously  been 
apprized  of  our  coming,  by  members  of  the  government  at  Madrid, 
who,  fearing  lest  the  singularity  of  our  manners  and  appearance  might 
lead  the  populace  to  offer  any  insult,  not  only  sent  orders  that  we 
should  be  attended  by  officers  when  we  visited  the  prisons,  &c.,  but 


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1833. 


caused  an  article  to  be  inserted  in  the  Gazette,  gi^''"g  information  of 
our  religious  peculiarities.  We  had  offers  of  cavalry  to  protect  us 
from  the  banditti  on  the  road,  but  this,  of  course,  we  were  not  free  to 
accept.  We  certainly  have  great  reason  to  speak  highly  of  the  manner 
in  which  we  have  been  treated  by  the  Spanish  government. 

The  streets  of  Valencia  are  very  narrow  ;  they  are  not  paved,  and  it 
is  much  easier  walking  than  at  Madrid.  It  is  quite  a  manufacturing 
place  ;  we  see  a  great  deal  going  forward  in  the  shops  as  we  pass,  and 
the  people  seem  very  industrious.  Several  persons  called  upon  us  in 
the  evening. 

Third  Month  16th — Rose  at  five,  much  refreshed.  I  feel  All-sus- 
taining Goodness  near  to  help.  Two  officers  came  to  escort  us  to  the 
institutions,  and  we  began  our  visits  to  the  prisons  ;  we  went  first  to 
the  San  Narsi,  in  which  there  are,  at  present,  two  hundred  and  nine 
men,  and  twenty  women.  Robbery  is  the  most  common  crime,  but 
many  are  in  confinement  for  having  contraband  articles,  and  for  poli- 
tical offences ;  one  poor  old  blind  woman  was  sentenced  to  nine  days 
imprisonment,  on  account  of  having  two  ounces  of  contraband  tobacco. 
There  are  some  boys  here  only  thirteen  or  fourteen  years  of  age.  The 
want  of  classification  is  very  apparent^.  The  expenses  of  this  prison 
are  paid,  in  part,  by  fines  upon  the  prisoners,  and  partly  by  public 
benevolence. 

We  next  went  to  the  Torre  de  Serranos,  the  prison  for  the  city ;  I 
think  I  never  before  saw  one  so  strong ;  instruments  of  torture  were 
formerly  used  here,  but  they  are  now  discontinued,  and  we  only  found 
one  man  in  chains.  Our  kind  conductors  then  took  us  a  considerable 
distance  to  the  military  prison,  where  a  great  number  are  confined. 
Here,  again,  there  is  no  classification,  and  many  of  the  prisoners  who 
have  been  committed  for  small  offences,  are  associated  with  assassins. 
Though  this  place  is  also  very  strongly  secured,  yet  about  one-third  of 
the  men  are  in  chains.  Before  we  left  the  building,  we  were  taken  to 
the  top  of  one  of  the  lofiy  towers,  from  whence  there  is  an  extensive 
panoramic  view  of  Valencia  and  the  surrounding  country,  with  the  sea, 
and  the  distant  mountains  covered  whh  snow  ;  but  my  eye  dwelt  with 
peculiar  pleasure  on  the  road  leading  to  Barcelona,  because  that  is  the 
high  road  to  my  beloved  wife  and  all  that  is  dearest  to  me  in  this 
world.  We  have,  however,  to  look  back  with  admiration  and  reverent 
thankfulness  at  the  steps  by  which  we  have  been  led  along,  and  the 
particular  time  in  which  this  visit  has  been  performed.  Here  the  officers 
took  leave  of  us,  and  a  French  physician,  who  called  upon  us  last 
evening,  took  us  to  see  the  French  Consul.  I  was  most  agreeably 
impressed  with  his  manners  and  appearance  ;  he  speaks  ten  different 
languages,  and  has  published  several  literary  works,  but  above  all,  his 
heart  seems  devoted  to  useful  and  benevolent  objects.  He  showed  us 
some  valuable  statistical  documents  relative  to  criminals.    It  is  quite 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


287 


time  that  tlie  governments  of  all  countries  should  make  the  prevention 
of  crime  one  of  their  first  studies.  Tliey  should  carefully  investigate 
the  causes  oi  demoralization,  and  endeavour  to  remove  as  many  of  them 
as  possible.  His  account  of  the  corruption  of  the  officers  of  justice,  is 
shocking  ;  indeed,  it  seems  that  every  thing  is  to  be  bought  with 
money,  and  that  assassins  who  have  wealth,  escape  almost  invariably: 
the  power  of  the  priests  is  enormous.  The  people  who  cultivate  the 
lands  of  this  fertile  and  beautiful  country,  can  scarcely  live  on  account 
of  the  demands  of  the  clergy,  and  various  other  imposts. 

The  consul  and  his  secretary  came  to  our  hotel  in  the  evening,  when 
we  had  some  very  interesting  conversation.  This  young  man  is  calcu- 
lated to  do  much  good.  We  saw  his  pretty  garden  this  morning,  and, 
though  surrounded  with  buildings,  it  contains  trees  loaded  with  ripe 
oranges,  and  many  beautiful  flowers;  one  ranunculus  in  particular  was 
remarkably  fine. 

Third  Month  11th — At  the  close  of  our  reading  after  breakfast,  we 
were  comforted  in  a  time  of  silent  religious  retirement.  About  ten 
o'clock,  our  friends  came  and  conducted  us  first  to  the  <  Real  Casa  de 
Benejicencia,^  or  Royal  House  of  Beneficence;  this  is  a  large  workhouse 
in  which  the  poor  are  employed,  and  about  four  hundred  of  them  are 
boarded  and  lodged  on  the  premises ;  others  come  to  work  for  their 
food,  and  return  home  at  night,  and  a  great  number  are  supplied  with 
tickets  to  receive  rations  of  soup.  This  was  truly  a  delightful  sight. 
Various  manufactures  are  carried  on  in  this  extensive  establishment, 
and  there  is  also  a  school  for  the  children.  The  rooms  appeared 
exceedingly  clean.  The  Marquis  de  Cruelles,  who  met  us  at  the  work- 
house, seems  very  active  in  the  superintendence  of  the  charity. 

We  next  visited  the  Royal  House  of  Mercy,  an  extensive  building, 
very  clean,  where  about  eight  hundred  men,  women,  and  children,  are 
provided  for.  Here  also  there  are  various  works  of  industry  going 
forward,  and  we  saw  the  manufacture  of  wool,  cotton,  and  flax. 

The  great  hospital,  which  came  next  in  course,  is  a  magnificent  edifice, 
■with  a  large  dome  in  the  centre;  this  gives  light  to  the  rooms,  which 
are  arranged  in  the  form  of  a  cross,  so  that  when  mass  is  celebrated,  it 
may  be  seen  by  all  the  patients.  Eight  hundred  and  fifty  are  now  in 
the  house,  and  there  are  also  six  hundred  foundlings  under  care  ;  eight 
hundred  is  the  average  number  received  every  year,  and  of  these,  it  is 
said,  four  out  of  five  die.  In  some  of  the  rooms,  on  the  women's  side, 
there  are  arrangements  for  receiving  a  higher  class  of  patients,  the  funds 
for  which  are  furnished  by  a  subscription  raised  by  ladies  for  this  object. 
About  fifty  sisters  of  charity  attend  at  this  hospital.  The  insane  depart- 
ment obviously  needs  a  change  of  system. 

Afier  visiting  some  smaller  institutions,  we  returned  to  our  lodgings, 
rather  wearied;  we  had  some  comfortable  religious  conversation,  and 


288 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


were  again  refreshed  with  a  precious  sense  of  the  goodness  and  mercy 
of  the  Lord. 

Third  Month  18fh. — Our  friends,  the  officers,  came  for  us  about  ten 
o'clock,  and  we  visited  two  more  interesting  estabUshraents,  which 
finishes  our  business  here.  The  first  was  a  prison  for  women,  contain- 
ing between  one  and  two  hundred.  We  found  most  of  them  at  work, 
and  all  were  so  neat  and  clean  in  their  persons,  that  the  place  had  more 
the  effect  of  such  a  manufactory  as  Lanark,  than  a  prison.  I  was  greatly 
pleased,  and  certainly  never  before  saw  any  thing  of  the  kind  to  equal 
it.  An  account  is  regularly  kept  of  the  earnings  of  the  women,  and 
they  receive  a  certain  proportion  on  being  discharged.  Some  of  these 
poor  people  have  been  entirely  reclaimed.  There  is  a  matron  in  the 
prison,  who  appears  to  be  a  very  clever  woman,  and  there  is  also  a 
ladies'  committee.  The  other  institution  is  a  large  asylum  for  orphans  ; 
here  also  every  thing  seemed  perfectly  clean  and  neat,  and  the  children 
appear  to  receive  a  good  education.  About  forty  of  the  boys  go  out  to 
different  churches  every  day,  with  little  locked  up  boxes,  begging  for 
the  establishment. 

Stephen  has  been  but  poorly  this  evening,  and  I  turned  cook  myself, 
and  made  him  some  arrow-root  from  what  Lady  Canning  had  been  so 
kind  as  to  give  me.  On  retiring  to  bed,  I  read  for  some  time  in  John 
Richardson's  Journal,  a  volume  of  Friends'  Library,  greatly  to  my 
comfort. 

19th  Stephen  is  much  belter.  P.  Serraire  took  me  into  the  country 

this  morning,  to  visit  some  of  the  peasants  in  their  cottages.  I  was 
sorry  to  find  them  so  borne  down  by  tithes  and  imposts,  that  when 
these  and  their  rent  are  paid,  they  have  very  little  left.  Their  cottages 
are  of  earth,  one  chamber  is  usually  partitioned  off,  and  the  other  apart- 
ment is  for  kitchen,  stable,  pig-stye,  and  fowl  house,  all  under  the  same 
roof;  the  ceilings  were  formed  of  strong  reeds,  and  the  space  under 
the  roof  was  used  for  silk  worms,  the  eggs  of  which  were  put  into  a 
basket,  and  placed  between  the  mattrasses  and  the  bed  for  warmth. 
The  mulberry  trees  were  just  beginning  to  bud.  The  peasants  here  grow 
much  lucerne,  and  were  cutting  it.  They  seem  to  have  between  two 
and  three  English  acres  each ;  here  also  they  use  a  rude  kind  of  plough, 
such  as  was  employed  by  the  Greeks,  and  Romans,  and  this  only 
scratches  the  ground  ;  if  the  land  were  well  cultivated  it  would  yield 
twice  the  profit. 

This  afternoon  we  received  kind  visits  from  several  who  called  to 
take  leave,  particularly  the  officers,  who  have  been  most  respectfully 
attentive,  and  our  good  friend  P:  Serraire ;  there  was  also  a  young 
priest  and  his  friend,  with  whom  we  had  some  interesting  religious 
conversation.  All  parted  from  us  with  affectionate  feeling,  and  in  the 
evening  we  took  our  seats  in  the  coupe  of  the  diligence,  for  Barcelona, 
which  we  reached  on  the  morning  of  the  22nd.    We  passed  through  a 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


289 


great  deal  of  wiM,  rocky,  mountainous  scenery,  and,  at  times,  had  fine 
views  of  the  Mediterranean  ;  we  crossed  the  Ebro  near  Tortosa :  here, 
and  about  Tarragona,  the  country  becomes  more  fertile,  but  it  is  very 
much  rendered  so  by  diligent  irrigation,  and  this  seems  to  have  an 
injurious  effect  upon  the  health  of  the  inhabitants. 

After  breakfast,  as  my  dear  Stephen  was  much  indisposed,  I  went 
alone  to  Kennet,  Carey  and  Co.,  who  were  very  kind,  and  directed 
me  where  to  find  different  persons.  John  Montague,  who  acts  as 
British  Consul,  and  speaks  Spanish  well,  accompanied  me  to  wait  on 
the  Captain  General,  who  I  found  had  received  the  King's  order  to 
attend  us  ;  accordingly,  in  the  afternoon,  we  visited  the  '  General  Hos- 
pital,' which  consists  of  several  parts.  All  persons  requiring  medical 
care,  are  admitted  here,  without  distinction  of  country  or  religion.  It 
is  also  a  foundling  hospital,  a  hospital  for  the  insane,  and  a  school  of 
medicine  and  surgery.  I  saw  the  physician  going  round,  accompanied 
by  his  pupils.  The  wards  were  clean  and  airy,  and  the  food  and 
attendance  seemed  to  be  sufficient.  I  find,  that  from  six  to  seven 
hundred  foundlings  are,  on  an  average,  admitted  in  the  year,  and  that 
scarcely  one  hundred  survive  to  the  end  of  the  first  year.  I  could  not 
ascertain  how  many  die  afterwards;  but  that  there  is  great  mortality  in 
this  department  is  quite  plain." 

In  referring  to  the  institutions  of  this  class  in  Spain,  W.  A.  gives  an 
affecting  picture  of  the  state  of  morals  in  that  country.  The  insane 
department  in  the  General  Hospital  is  represented  as  requiring  a  com- 
plete change  of  system. 

"  Third  Month  23rd. — Some  spiritual  refreshment  on  waking.  Dear 
Stephen  is  much  better,  which  is  quite  reviving.  He  was  not  well 
enough  to  go  out ;  but  being  very  urgent  with  me  to  perform  the  visita- 
tions without  him,  I  agreed  to  do  so,  and  the  English  Vice  Consul, 
John  Montague,  kindly  gave  up  the  day  to  accompany  me.  An  officer 
from  the  Captain  General,  escorted  us  first  to  '  La  Real  Casa  de  Caridad,^ 
or  the  Royal  House  of  Charity,  a  large  and  very  interesting  establish- 
ment, containing  about  one  thousand  persons;  all  are  received,  without 
any  exception,  as  it  regards  either  country  or  religion.  A  complete 
register  is  kept  of  the  cases  admitted,  and  apparently  very  regular 
accounts.  The  whole  is  managed  by  six  directors,  nominated  by  the 
King,  together  with  the  Captain  General  of  Barcelona,  who  is  the  presi- 
dent. The  committees  are  held  every  week,  and  one  of  the  members, 
in  turn,  is  appointed  daily  visitor  for  a  month.  There  is  a  large  manu- 
factory of  various  articles,  and  also  a  pottery  connected  with  the 
concern.  No  corporal  punishment  is  allowed  ;  but  when  any  of  the 
inmates  behave  amiss,  they  are  prohibited  from  going  out  on  first-days, 
— a  privilege  which  they  otherwise  enjoy.  Persons  are  admitted  to 
the  charity  on  presenting  a  petition  to  the  directors,  and  producing  a 

Vol.  II.  19 


290 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


certificate  from  the  police,  and  from  the  priest  of  the  district  in  which 
they  have  resided.  They  appeared  very  comfortable,  and  every  thing 
seemed  neat  and  clean.  There  is  a  large  proportion  of  children  here  ; 
the  dormitories  are  very  extensive,  some  of  them  containing  one  hundred 
and  thirty  beds ;  but  they  are  inspected  by  a  sister  of  charity,  who 
sleeps  in  a  small  apartment  adjoining. 

We  next  visited  a  prison  for  women,  which  is  called  the  Galera ; 
it  contains  about  two  hundred  and  five  prisoners,  but  it  has  more  the 
appearance  of  a  manufactory  than  a  prison.  In  one  large  room,  various 
works  of  industry  were  carried  on,  as  spinning,  carding,  &c.  The 
women  receive  a  portion  of  their  earnings ;  they  were  clean  in  their 
persons,  and  the  dormitories  seemed  in  excellent  order,  but  classifica- 
tion is  greatly  wanted,  and  we  learn  by  the  register  that  there  are  few 
cases  of  reform.  Several  are  imprisoned  for  murder,  and  one  woman 
was  stated  to  have  committed  '  various  murders.^  In  Spain,  few  are 
put  to  death  for  this  crime  ;  they  are  usually  sentenced  to  confinement 
for  a  term  of  years. 

We  then  called  upon  the  regent,  John  de  la  Dehesa,  who  is  the  chief 
judge,  and  a  literary  man  ;  he  received  me  very  kindly,  and  professed 
great  respect  for  the  members  of  our  Religious  Society,  on  account,  as 
he  said,  'of  their  benevolence.'  He  presented  me  with  two  copies  of 
a  work  he  has  published,  one  for  Stephen  and  one  for  myself;  he  accom- 
panied us  to  the  great  prison,  but  really  it  is  in  a  very  bad  state  ;  painful 
as  was  the  task,  however,  I  went  all  over  it.  The  Regent  says,  that 
the  government  have  it  in  contemplation  to  improve  the  state  of  the 
prisons  generally,  and  also  that  the  Queen  has  given  orders  for  the 
establishment  of  schools  in  all  the  villages. 

I  returned  to  the  hotel  to  dinner,  and  in  the  afternoon  set  out  again 
with  John  Montague,  and  ray  kind  young  friend,  George  Crawford 
Rew,  nephew  to  Wm.  Crawford  of  London  ;  the  officer  also  accompa- 
nied us.  We  saw  the  dungeons  at  the  fortifications,  from  whence  the 
prisoners  have  been  lately  removed  to  the  Citadel,  which  place  we  next 
visited.  Here  the  authorities  had  begun  to  act  upon  enlightened  plans, 
by  establishing  schools  for  the  young,  and  encouraging  works  of  indus- 
try, but  that  tyrant,  the  Count  d'Espagne,  who  had,  till  lately,  ruled  the 
nation  with  a  rod  of  iron,  put  a  stop  to  these  measures,  upon  the  plea 
that  they  only  tended  to  make  people  more  expert  in  mischief ;  he 
seemed  to  delight  in  massacre,  and  we  heard  some  dreadful  instances 
of  his  brutality.  Persons  belonging  to  the  first  families  in  Barcelona, 
have  been  immured  in  these  horrid  dungeons,  and  then  murdered  by 
his  orders.  0,  what  reason  have  we  to  be  thankful  that  our  foith  was 
strengthened,  and  that  we  came  here  just  at  the  right  time.  May  we  be 
encouraged  for  the  future,  to  trust  in  the  Divine  Arm,  and  not  be  afraid. 

The  prisoners  were  only  removed  here  three  days  ago,  by  order  of 
the  Queen,  and  the  plans  which  had  been  broken  up,  are  about  to  be 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


291 


resumed.  We  had  a  long  walk  to  the  Citadel,  but  it  gave  us  an  oppor- 
tunity of  seeing  a  little  of  the  mode  of  cultivating  the  land  in  the  out- 
skirts of  the  town:  vegetation  is  very  luxuriant;  green  peas  are  in 
perfection,  just  as  we  see  them  in  England  in  the  Sixth  Month,  and 
beans  are  in  full  blossom. 

On  returning  to  the  inn,  I  found  Stephen  in  close  conversation  with 
Don  Felix  Torres  Araat,  an  ecclesiastic,  high  in  the  church,  to  whom 
we  had  a  letter  of  introduction  from  Gaspard  Remisa,  of  Madrid  ;  he 
has  been  engaged  for  years  in  a  work  upon  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and 
has  translated  the  whole  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  including  the 
Apocrypha,  into  pure  Castilian  Spanish,  which  is  to  be  more  elegant 
than  the  translation  of  our  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society ;  he  en- 
countered much  opposition  in  the  course  of  his  labours,  but  he  has 
succeeded  in  bringing  out  one  edition  of  his  work,  in  which  he  has 
printed  the  text  of  the  Latin  Vulgate,  with  short  notes.  It  was  eagerly 
received,  and  he  commenced  a  second  edition ;  this  the  enemies  of 
truth  retarded  for  a  time,  but  now  his  prospect  brightens,  and  he  hopes 
to  be  able  to  proceed  with  it.  He  gave  a  very  interesting  account  of 
the  origin  and  progress  of  his  work,  and  we  were  glad  to  find  that  there 
is  a  great  disposition  in  Spain  to  purchase  the  Scriptures.  He  presented 
us  with  a  copy  of  his  translation,  in  nine  volumes ;  he  is  very  animated 
in  conversation,  and  his  courage  and  resolution  reminded  me  of  Luther. 
It  is  remarkable  how  the  Lord  raises  up  instruments  for  the  work  which 
He  has  to  be  done. 

Before  we  retired  to  rest,  we  read  our  chapter,  and  had  some  com- 
fortable religious  conversation  by  our  little  wood  fire. 

Third  Month  2Uh. — First-day.  George  Crawford  Rew  came,  and 
after  a  few  chapters  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Corinthians  had  been  read,  we 
had  a  time  of  religious  worship,  which  proved  a  solemn  and  satisfactory 
season.  Several  visitors  afterwards  called  upon  us,  amongst  whom  was 
the  Regent.  We  had  an  opportunity  for  much  useful  conversation  on 
some  important  subjects,  and,  I  trust,  an  impression  was  made.  The 
work  for  preparing  a  report  to  the  King,  presses  rather  heavily  on  my 
mind. 

Third  Month  25th. — Rose  early,  and  began  to  draw  up  a  report,  or 
second  communication  to  the  King  of  Spain,  respecting  what  we  have 
seen  since  we  left  Madrid.  I  finished  it  after  breakfast,  and  gave  it  to 
Stephen  to  make  any  alteration  or  addition,  which  he  might  think  best, 
and  translate  it  into  French.  There  is,  however,  such  a  remarkable 
unity  in  our  views  and  sentiments,  that  he  seldom  finds  much  to  alter. 
My  mind  now  feels  greatly  relieved.  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the 
address : — 

<'  Stephen  Grellet  and  William  Allen,  in  consequence  of  the  letters 
that  the  King  has  had  the  kindness  to  order  to  be  given  them,  having 
visited  the  principal  establishments,  and  the  prisons  at  Valencia  and 


■292 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


Barcelona,  and  being  now  ready  to  leave  this  kingdom,  request  the 
King  and  Queen  to  permit  them,  before  their  departure,  to  ofTer  them 
their  grateful  acknowledgments  for  the  kindness  wherewith  they  have 
condescended  to  receive  two  strangers,  who  earnestly  desire  the  present 
and  eternal  happiness  of  the  King  and  Queen,  and  the  peace  and  pros- 
perity of  their  subjects. 

All  that  they  have  observed  since  their  departure  from  Madrid,  has 
confirmed  them  more  and  more  in  the  sentiments  expressed  in  their 
former  communication,  and  they  entreat  the  close  attention  of  the  King 
and  Queen  to  the  subject.  They  had  great  pleasure  in  being  informed 
that  it  is  the  royal  intention  to  improve  the  condition  of  the  prisons,  and 
to  take  measures  for  the  classification  of  the  prisoners,  according  to 
their  age  and  degree,  and  the  nature  of  their  crimes,  and  likewise  to 
establish  schools  in  the  villages.  Whilst  the  children  learn  to  read  and 
write  upon  the  plan  of  mutual  instruction,  they  may,  upon  that  system, 
be  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  their  duties  towards  God  and  man,  and 
thus  become  useful  to  the  community,  instead  of  being  injurious  to  it. 

Stephen  Grellet  and  William  Allen  are  convinced,  that  if  the  pious 
and  benevolent  subjects  of  the  King,  of  every  religious  denomination, 
were  encouraged  to  co-operate  in  this  great  object,  the  weight  of  crime 
and  misery  would  soon  be  diminished  in  this  nation.  Very  few  of  the 
criminals  whom  they  have  seen  in  the  prisons  know  how  to  read,  and 
appear  to  be  in  a  state  of  profound  ignorance.  They  notice  also  in 
England,  that  the  worst  crimes  are  committed  by  this  class.  They  beg 
leave  to  observe  that  the  great  success  which  has  attended  the  societies 
formed  both  in  England  and  in  the  United  States  of  North  America,  in 
the  establishment  of  schools,  the  relief  of  the  poor,  the  reform  of  crimi- 
nals, &c.,  is  principally  owing  to  the  adoption  of  a  wise  system  of 
policy  on  the  part  of  the  government,  which  makes  no  distinction  be- 
tween its  faithful  subjects  on  account  of  their  religious  opinions,  but 
unites  the  virtuous  exertions  of  all  towards  the  public  good,  and  thereby 
ensures  to  the  state  its  greatest  security  and  support.  Thus  benevolent 
societies  will  tend  to  suppress  mendicity  ;  school  societies  may  provide 
a  virtuous  and  industrious  population,  commerce  will  flourish,  and  the 
national  prosperity  be  increased  ;  and  they  are  persuaded  that  the  greater 
the  encouragement  given  by  royal  patronage,  to  useful  and  benevolent 
exertions  in  Spain,  the  greater  will  be  the  security  of  the  government, 
and  the  happiness  of  the  people. 

Having  had  some  opportunity  of  visiting  the  peasants  in  their  cot- 
tages in  the  neighbourhood  of  Valencia,  they  were  grieved  to  find  them 
in  a  very  dejected  state,  notwithstanding  all  the  advantages  of  cHmate 
and  soil,  and  facilities  for  obtaining  water  and  manure.  They  are 
generally  in  a  state  of  great  poverty,  occasioned  by  the  heavy  demands 
made  upon  the  produce  of  their  land  ;  in  some  instances,  one  seventh 
part  of  every  one  of  their  crops  is  taken  for  tithe ;  this,  with  additional 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


293 


demands  of  the  clergy,  and  various  other  imposts,  leaves  but  very  little 
for  the  poor  peasant,  and  when  he  brings  even  this  into  the  city  for  sale, 
an  arbitrary  tax  is  exacted  at  the  gates  ;  this  is  the  cause  of  very  serious 
discontent.  They  are  persuaded  that  the  feeling  hearts  of  the  King  and 
Queen,  can  but  compassionate  their  subjects  in  their  distress.  May 
Divine  Wisdom  direct  them  so  as  to  provide  a  remedy  for  this  evil. 

Though  they  found  much  to  approve  and  admire  in  many  parts  of 
the  hospitals,  which  they  visited,  there  is  one  department  to  which  they 
would  beg  to  claim  most  serious  attention,  and  that  is  the  state  of  those 
who  are  confined  on  account  of  insanity.  A  new  method  of  treatment 
has  been  adopted  in  England,  North  America,  Naples,  and  other  parts 
of  Europe,  humane  in  its  principle,  and  most  beneficial  in  its  results ; 
a  considerable  portion  of  these  unhappy  beings,  having,  by  a  mild  sys- 
tem of  treatment,  been  restored  to  their  senses,  and  to  their  families  and 
friends.  Stephen  Grellet  and  William  Allen  beg  leave,  on  their  return 
to  England,  to  transmit,  through  Count  d'Ofalia,  some  publications 
upon  the  subject. 

In  the  further  prosecution  of  their  visits  to  the  prisons,  they  were 
struck  with  observing  the  great  number  committed  for  contraband  pro- 
ceedings, and  would  suggest,  whether  what  relates  to  the  collection  of 
taxes,  might  not  be  susceptible  of  some  improvement ;  and  they  believe 
it  will,  on  thorough  investigation,  be  found,  that  the  officers  having 
low  salaries,  are  led  to  increase  their  revenues  by  taking  bribes,  and 
thus  occasion  a  heavy  loss  to  the  state,  while,  in  many  instances,  acts 
of  great  oppression  are  exercised  upon  the  subject. 

They  salute  the  King  and  the  Queen  in  the  most  respectful  manner, 
and  beg  to  say,  that  it  will  ever  afford  them  sincere  pleasure  to  aid  in 
promoting  the  well-being  of  their  subjects. 

The  interest  which  Grellet  and  Allen  felt  for  the  King  and  Queen, 
during  the  short  time  passed  in  the  royal  presence,  has  left  a  deep 
impression  upon  their  minds  ;  and  their  earnest  prayer,  on  leaving  the 
kingdom,  is,  that  the  Lord  God  Almighty  may,  by  the  power  of  His 
grace,  and  His  love  in  Jesus  Christ,  incline  more  and  more  the  hearts 
of  the  King  and  Queen  to  seek  after  Him  and  strengthen  them  to  place 
their  whole  confidence  in  His  divine  aid,  which  He  is  ever  ready  to 
grant  to  all  those  who,  in  faith,  put  up  their  prayers  unto  Him.  He 
knoweth  the  secret  distress  of  every  heart,  and  He  is  a  God  near  at 
hand  in  every  time  of  trouble.  May  He  bless  the  King  and  the  Queen, 
and  the  dear  young  Princesses,*  during  time  and  eternity,  and  prosper 
every  one  of  their  virtuous  efforts  towards  promoting  the  welfare  of  their 
subjects!" 

"G.  C.  Rew  called,  and  we  went  to  visit  a  dear  friend  of  his, 
Antonio  Bergnes,  a  printer,  who  is  a  very  excellent  man,  and  reads  and 
speaks  English  well ;  he  has  translated  thirty-three  numbers  of  our 

*  The  present  Queen  of  Spain,  and  her  sister,  the  Duchess  de  Montpensier. 


294 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


Useful  Knowledge  works,  on  chemistry  and  natural  philosophy  ;  he  is 
an  admirer  of  Fenelon's  religious  writings,  and  is  quite  willing  to 
translate  and  print  as  many  of  our  tracts  as  the  censors  will  permit.  He 
has  taken  my  Abridgment  of  Rural  Colonies,  and  the  other  little  piece 
on  the  means  of  preventing  mendicity,  and  will  translate  and  publish 
them  in  Spanish:  this  is  an  important  opening.  Rew  told  me  of  an 
excellent  arrangement  that  has  been  made  in  the  commercial  depart- 
ment here,  by  the  appointment  of  a  conciliatory  judge  ;  no  person  can 
go  to  law  upon  commercial  differences,  without  first  laying  the  matter 
before  the  judge,  to  see  if  it  cannot  be  settled  amicably  ;  and  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty  cases,  referred  to  his  decision,  eighty-two  were 
adjusted,  leaving  only  thirty-eight  for  litigation.  We  called  at  the 
French  Consul's  and  afterwards  dined  with  the  judge,  Joachim  Compte, 
who  lives  at  the  village  of  Serrain,  about  three  or  four  miles  distant; 
our  road  was  miserably  bad,  and  I  determined  to  walk  back.  The 
house  of  our  friend  stands  upon  high  ground,  from  whence  there  is  a 
fine  view  of  the  sea ;  he  has  a  large  garden  and  vineyard,  and  in  the 
garden  are  water-courses  for  irrigation.  Our  host  had  invited  several 
of  his  friends,  amongst  whom  was  John  Montague,  and  an  Irishman 
named  Fitzgerald;  there  was  also  a  Spanish  gentleman,  well  acquainted 
with  the  agriculture  of  the  country.  We  had  a  good  deal  of  conver- 
sation on  different  topics,  with  much  openness,  and  there  was  quite  a 
debate  about  the  emancipation  of  slaves.  We  dined  at  two  o'clock, 
and  between  four  and  five,  Rew  and  I  took  leave  of  our  kind  friends, 
and  had  a  very  fine  walk  back  to  the  city,  passing  through  the  village 
of  Garcia,  and  by  a  handsome  broad  walk  about  a  mile  long,  with  trees 
on  each  side,  leading  up  to  the  walls  and  fountains.  Many  of  the  streets 
of  Barcelona  are  very  narrow,  and  the  pavement  is  exceedingly  bad. 
I  found  dear  Stephen  nicely,  and  (hat  he  had  been  out  to  visit  ^  La 
Misericordiay''  an  excellent  establishment  for  aged  women  above  the 
poorest  class.    We  spent  a  comfortable  evening  together. 

Third  Month  26th — Many  persons  called  upon  us  to-day  to  take 
leave,  and  amongst  them  the  good  priest  Torres  Amat,  with  whom  we 
had  a  very  interesting  conference.  He  appears  to  possess  a  liberal 
and  enlightened  mind,  and  should  the  present  order  of  things  in  Spain 
stand,  he  may  be  a  very  useful  instrument.  In  our  visit  to  this  country, 
we  have  met  with  divers  valuable  individuals,  and  with  much  to  claim 
our  sympathy  ;  the  retrospect  of  the  opportunities  which  have  been 
afforded  us  for  religious  communication,  with  persons  of  various  classes, 
and  under  different  circumstances,  is  attended  with  peace,  and  we  have 
been  fully  convinced  of  the  importance  of  personal  association,  in  order 
to  prepare  the  way  for  future  usefulness.  The  foundation  has  been 
laid  for  correspondence  in  the  parts  that  have  been  visited,  and  we  hope 
that  the  openings  will  be  wisely  and  cautiously  improved.  It  is 
encouraging  to  believe,  that,  though  much  hidden  from  outward  obser- 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


295 


vation,  there  is  a  precious  seed  scattered  through  this  nation,  and  we 
trust  that  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  will,  in  His  own  time,  cause  it  to 
spring  up  yet  more  conspicuously,  and  bring  forth  fruit.  We  learnt  that 
a  considerable  number  of  the  Roman  Catholics,  in  many  parts  of  Spain, 
maintain  the  principles  of  Archbishop  Fenelon,  and  are  acquainted  with 
the  nature  of  true  spiritual  worship ;  but  such  is  the  overwhelming 
influence  of  the  priests,  and  there  is  so  much  gross  ignorance  among 
the  people,  that  great  prudence  and  care  are  requisite  in  any  attempts 
to  diffuse  knowledge,  or  to  promote  the  cause  of  truth. 

I  wrote  a  letter  to  Count  Ofalia  to-day,  and  enclosed  in  it  our  report 
to  the  King." 

After  acknowledging  the  kindness  of  the  Count,  William  Allen  says — 
'<  In  visiting  the  prisons  at  Valencia,  and  also  those  at  Barcelona, 
the  want  of  a  system  of  classification  was  every  where  apparent.  In 
one  place  we  saw  a  boy,  about  thirteen  years  of  age,  with  a  fetter  upon 
one  of  his  legs,  and  confined  in  the  same  yard  with  prisoners  who  work 
in  chains,  and  the  only  crime  laid  to  his  charge  was  that  'he  was  a 
vagabond.'  We  are  glad,  however,  to  hear  that  this  subject  has 
claimed  the  notice  of  government.  We  wish  also  to  engage  thy  atten- 
tion to  the  state  of  the  insane  in  the  hospitals." 

After  describing  some  cases  they  had  met  with,  W.  A.  adds — 
"In  our  best  regulated  establishments  in  England,  as  well  as  in  those 
of  North  America,  France,  and  Italy,  a  milder  treatment  has  proved  emi- 
nently successful,  and  we  purpose  on  our  return  to  England,  to  forward 
some  publications  on  the  subject,  which  we  trust  will  be  found  useful. 

To  return  to  prisons :  we  observe  that  many  of  the  prisoners  are 
committed  for  contraband  practices ;  we  would  most  respectfully 
suggest,  whether  this  might  not  form  the  ground  of  an  inquiry,  on  the 
part  of  government,  into  the  nature  and  operation  of  the  restrictions  in 
force,  whether  some  of  them  may  not  be  impolitic.  In  England  where 
commerce  flourishes,  we  find  it  best  to  have  as  few  restrictions  as  pos- 
sible, and  that,  by  lowering  the  tax  or  duty  on  certain  articles,  the 
consumption  of  those  articles  has  so  greatly  increased,  that  the  total 
revenue  to  the  government  has  been  greater  with  the  low  tax,  than  it 
was  before  under  the  high  one.  The  granting  of  monopolies,  and  the 
practice  of  farming  duties,  existed  in  England  many  years  ago,  but 
they  proved  to  be  sources  of  great  oppression,  and  were  consequently 
abolished. 

We  regard  it  as  of  the  highest  importance,  for  every  government  to 
consider  well  what  passes  in  the  tribunals  of  justice,  to  watch  strictly 
the  progress  of  crimes,  as  compared  with  the  population  ;  to  examine 
carefully  into  their  nature,  and  endeavour  as  much  as  possible  to  trace 
them  to  their  causes,  in  order  to  find  the  means  of  preventimi ;  for  what- 
ever tends  to  demoralization  contributes  to  the  production  of  crime, 
and  consequently  of  misery ;  and  as  the  security  of  the  person  and  pro* 


296 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


perty  of  every  member  of  society,  high  and  low,  is  concerned  in  the 
prevention  of  crime,  so  the  government  of  a  country  should  encourage 
all  the  virtuous  members  of  the  community,  to  co-operate  zealously  with 
each  other,  in  the  means  best  calculated  for  this  purpose,  without  any 
reference  to  religious  opinions.  Thus,  in  England,  we  find  that  societies 
and  associations  of  this  description,  are  the  means  of  great  public  good. 

As  ignorance  is  a  fruitful  source  of  vice  and  crime,  we  are  anxious 
to  see  schools  for  the  instruction  of  the  children  of  the  poor  multiplied 
in  all  countries,  and  we  purpose  on  our  return  to  England,  to  forward 
to  thee  some  publications  on  the  subject  of  infant  schools,  which  have 
been  found  highly  useful  with  us. 

We  expect  to  leave  Spain  to-morrow,  but  we  shall  carry  with  us  an 
affectionate  feeling  of  sympathy  for  thee,  our  dear  and  kind  friend  :  in 
the  arduous  situation  in  which,  by  the  dispensations  of  Divine  Provi- 
dence, thou  art  placed,  look  up  to  the  Almighty  Preserver  of  men,  for 
support  in  thy  disinterested  endeavours  to  promote  the  public  good ; 
and  be  assured,  that  while  thy  whole  trust  and  confidence  are  in  Him, 
He  will  preserve  thee,  as  he  has  done  thousands  in  generations  past, 
who  have  committed  themselves  to  His  care  and  protection.  It  is  ou? 
fervent  desire  that  what  was  said  to  Daniel  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  may 
be  applicable  to  thee, — <  Thou  shalt  rest,  and  stand  in  thy  lot  at  the 
end  of  the  days.'    Daniel,  xii.  13." 

<«  Third  Month  21th. — Rose  early.  My  mind  peaceful  in  the  retro- 
spect of  our  labours.  We  set  otF  about  three  in  the  diligence  for 
Perpignan  ;  our  road  was  by  the  sea-side,  and  the  prospects  were  very 
fine.  Many  of  the  houses  are  neat,  and  the  people  seem  industrious. 
The  women  spin  a  good  deal  by  the  hand,  as  they  walk  along.  We 
were  pleased  to  observe  a  number  of  gardens  and  cultivated  plots  of 
ground,  even  in  sandy  soil,  and  cork  trees  are  numerous,  as  well  as 
firs.  At  Gerona,  we  stopped  for  a  part  of  the  night.  This  place  is 
strongly  fortified,  and  is  noted  for  the  resolute  resistance  made  to  the 
power  of  Bonaparte  during  the  wars;  the  inhabitants  sufTered  severely, 
both  by  famine  and  sickness,  and  the  French  also  lost  many  of  their 
troops. 

28th. — We  left  Gerona  about  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  pro- 
ceeded on  our  way  with  three  horses  abreast.  We  entered  the  French 
territory  near  Jonquieres,  and  whilst  winding  amongst  the  rocks  and 
precipices  of  the  Pyrenees,  Stephen  and  I  walked  on  a  considerable 
distance,  admiring  the  grandeur  of  the  scene,  but  with  thankful  hearts, 
admiring  still  more  the  leadings  of  the  Divine  Hand,  which  had  guided 
us  in  this  remarkable  journey.  Soon  after  we  re-entered  our  vehicle 
the  road  became  terrific  ;  there  seemed  scarcely  a  step  between  the 
wheel  of  the  carriage  and  the  edge  of  the  precipice,  and  the  turn  was 
so  sharp  that  I  felt  myself  squeezing  the  lining  of  the  diligence,  and 
scarcely  dared  to  look  down.    Our  driver,  who  appeared  to  be  an  old 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


297 


soldier,  had  lost  his  left  eye,  and  the  danger  was  always  on  tliat  side. 
Tiie  mountain  torrents  struggled  and  roared  amid  the  rocks  beneatli, 
and  though  it  would  have  been  delightful  to  contemplate  the  interesting 
and  magnificent  scenery  around  us,  on  foot,  yet  I  was  heartily  glad  when 
we  approached  the  green  fields  below.  We  did  not  reach  Perpignan  till 
about  nine  o'clock.  It  is  quite  a  comfort  to  come  again  into  a  country 
where  we  can  speak  and  understand  the  language  of  the  inhabitants. 

Third  Month  30lk  We  had  an  agreeable  interview  with  the  prefect 

yesterday  morning,  and  left  Perpignan  for  Toulouse  between  one  and 
two  o'clock.  We  travelled  all  night,  and  early  this  morning  arrived 
at  Limoux :  on  the  road  from  hence,  to  Carcassonne,  there  are  fine 
views  of  the  river  Aude,  and  at  the  entrance  of  the  town  there  is  a  pro- 
menade and  a  fountain.  My  dear  child  and  I  were  at  this  place  in 
1817,  with  Hannah  Field  and  Elizabeth  Barker ;  my  mind  was  ten- 
dered in  dwelling  upon  those  who  were  inexpressibly  dear  to  me,  but 
now  are  on  the  other  side  of  Jordan,  and  I  must  follow  soon.  We 
reached  Toulouse  about  nine  o'clock,  and  found  comfortable  accom- 
modation at  the  Hotel  d'  Europe.  I  felt  reverently  thankful  for  the 
preservation  with  which  we  have  been  so  far  favoured. 

31s/. — First-day.  Three  young  men,  the  sons  of  Courtois  the 
banker,  called;  they  are  of  the  excellent  of  the  earth,  and  to  serve  the 
Great  Master,  and  to  do  good  to  His  creatures,  appears  to  be  the  main 
business  of  their  lives.  They  visit  the  prisons,  give  religious  instruc- 
tion to  the  prisoners,  and  distribute  Bibles  and  tracts  in  the  most 
judicious  manner  ;  their  success  in  this  line  is  wonderful ;  they  employ 
colporteurs,  and  in  many  places  have  entirely  driven  out  of  the  market 
those  very  bad  books  called  '  livres  bleus.'  These  young  men  engaged 
us  to  be  at  their  evening  meeting  at  Chabrand's,  the  pastor's,  at  seven 
o'clock,  where  about  fifty  usually  meet  for  religious  exercises.  They 
fixed  to  come  here  at  four  o'clock,  and  in  the  mean  time,  sent  to  us 
two  of  their  hawkers,  men  who  have  run  great  risks  in  circulating  the 
Scriptures,  and  are  now  ready  to  set  out  again  on  their  travels.  The 
colporteurs  live  in  a  particular  district,  and  the  business  descends  from 
father  to  son.  We  had  much  conversation  with  these  poor  men,  and 
believe  them  to  be  very  sincere.  There  is  a  great  awakening  about  all 
these  parts. 

In  the  evening  we  went  to  Chabrand's ;  he  lives  in  large  rambling 
premises,  which  once  belonged  to  the  Knights  of  Malta.  There  was  a 
pretty  large  company  assembled,  and  after  Chabrand  had  been  engaged 
in  prayer,  standing,  Frank  Courtois  read  a  portion  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment. Chabrand  expounded,  and  after  a  little  time  I  felt  that  I  had 
something  to  communicate,  and  whispered  to  Frank  Courtois  to  inter- 
pret for  me  ;  this  he  did  most  willingly  and  excellently.  Before  we 
separated,  the  company  shook'hands  with  us  affectionately,  and  seemed 
quite  glad  of  our  visit. 


298 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


Fourth  Month  \st. — Oar  three  dear  young  friends  came  to  conduct 
us  to  their  house  to  brealvfast :  their  names  are  Frank,  Louis,  and  Armand 
Courtois.  Chabrand  called,  and  took  us  to  see  a  person  of  considerable 
influence,  the  Marquis  de  Catellan,  a  peer  of  France,  who  seems  much 
interested  in  the  benevolent  part  of  our  work,  and  entered  into  our  plans 
for  the  poor.  We  then  visited  the  schools  on  the  system  of  mutual 
instruction.  There  are,  in  all,  about  seven  hundred  children,  boys  and 
girls,  under  tuition,  but  the  total  population  is  sixty-three  thousand  ; 
consequently  there  ought  to  be  more  schools.  We  called  on  the  Mayor, 
with  whom  we  had  a  very  satisfactory  interview ;  he  seems  an  intelli- 
gent man,  and  is  much  pleased  with  our  suggestions  respecting  a  men- 
dicity society.  At  three  o'clock  we  went  to  dine  with  the  Courtoises, 
and  met  a  large  company.  We  had  a  good  deal  of  religious  conversa- 
tion, and  heard  some  interesting  particulars  respecting  the  three  young 
men,  from  their  pious  and  amiable  mother.  They  are  sweetly  united 
in  bonds  stronger  than  those  of  nature  ;  they  have  but  one  purse,  and 
all  things  in  common,  and  their  letters  are  signed  with  their  three 
names.  The  more  I  see  of  them  the  more  I  love  them — they  seem 
always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  and  are  indeed  a  remark- 
able family.  Their  father  is  a  banker,  and  has  three  brothers  in  the 
business.  The  dear  young  men  accompanied  us  to  the  diligence  office, 
where  we  took  an  affectionate  leave  ;  we  are  nearly  united  in  spirit. 
About  six  o'clock,  we  left  Toulouse  and  proceeded  by  Auch,  Tarbes, 
Pau,  and  Orthez,  to  Bayonne,  which  we  reached  early  on  the  morning 
of  the  4th.  Some  parts  of  the  country  are  very  fine,  and  the  bright 
moonlight  on  the  snowy  Pyrenees  was  beautiful.  In  our  first  day's 
journey,  I  read  a  good  deal  in  a  work  given  me  by  Chabrand,  in  French, 
an  Abridgment  of  the  History  of  the  Old  Testament ;  the  next  day 
many  passages  recurred  with  comfort,  and  as  I  rode  along  my  mind 
was  favoured  with  a  precious  calm.  At  the  village  of  Les  Bordes 
d'Expoey,  the  houses  are  much  superior  to  the  usual  class  in  this  part 
of  France,  and  the  space  up  to  the  foot  of  the  mountains  contains  many 
dwellings  among  well  cultivated  fields,  showing  that  the  land  is  pretty 
much  divided  among  small  proprietors,  which  is  just  what  I  like  to  see. 
There  are  many  fine  trees  in  this  neighbourhood.  At  Pau  we  saw  the 
chateau  where  Henry  the  Fourth  of  France  was  born.  A  gentleman 
whom  we  accidentally  met,  as  we  were  walking  about,  informed  us  that 
the  inhabitants  of  these  parts  are  happy  and  comfortable,  none  are  very 
rich,  but  many  have  small  portions  of  land,  which  are  of  great  use  to 
them  ;  it  seems  that  they  come  to  town  to  sell  their  articles,  and  in  one 
of  the  principal  streets  the  women  sit  in  long  rows,  with  their  baskets 
of  fruit  and  vegetables.  As  we  proceeded  through  Arlixand  Orthez,  at 
which  latter  place  about  half  the  inhabitants  are  protestants,  we  found 
great  numbers  of  cottages  scattered  about,  with  land  attached  to  them, 
and  the  people  and  their  dwellings  were  neat  and  comfortable  ;  here 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


299 


the  good  effects  of  plans  similar  lo  those  in  operation  at  Lindfield,  are 
strikingly  apparent. 

On  entering  Bayonne  again,  my  mind  was  tendered  in  reflecting 
upon  the  mercies  and  preservations  we  have  experienced  since  leaving 
it  about  two  months  ago.  We  called  upon  our  good  friend  the  Sub- 
prefect  D'Ayme,  who,  with  his  son  and  Haubman,  received  us  very 
cordially.  We  find  that  all  their  preparations  for  the  mendicity  society 
have  been  stopped  by  a  dark-spirited  man,  who  I  suspect  is  a  Carlist. 
I  told  Stephen  my  feelings  about  him  when  we  were  here  before  ;  they 
have,  however,  a  prospect  of  ample  funds,  and  a  good  committee,  and 
the  public  feeling  is  with  them,  so  that  I  hope  they  will  ultimately  suc- 
ceed. On  conversing  afterwards  with  the  person  alluded  to,  and  a 
friend  of  his,  they  said,  after  stating  their  objection,  that  the  difficulties 
might  be  overcome,  and  the  undertaking  yet  be  accomplished.  They 
treated  us  with  great  civility.  We  called  upon  Joseph  Veisaz  and  his 
wife,  nice  spirited  people,  whom  we  saw  when  we  were  here  before, 
and  had  some  religious  communication  with  them.  We  have  also  seen 
some  other  well-disposed  persons  to-day,  and  have  had  very  interesting 
conversation  with  several  of  them. 

Fourth  Month  5th. — Secretary  Haubman  called,  and  accompanied 
us  to  the  post.  We  set  out  about  nine  o'clock  for  Bourdeaux,  and  were 
not  allowed  to  stop  more  than  five  minutes  at  any  one  time  upon  the 
road.  We  arrived  at  five  the  following  morning,  and  after  breakfast 
called  upon  Alphonso  La  Harpe,  who,  with  his  wife,  and  their  daughter 
Octavia,  received  us  very  cordially.  We  had  much  conversation  on 
the  subject  of  religion. 

From  what  we  have  heard  since  we  came  here,  it  appears  that  we 
left  Madrid  just  at  the  right  time ;  popular  tumults  have  taken  place, 
and  things  seem  coming  to  a  crisis  in  Spain.  It  is  really  wonderful 
that  we  went  into  that  country  almost  as  soon  as  there  was  an  opening, 
and  left  it  very  shortly  before  that  opening  closed.  Thanks  to  the  Pre- 
server of  men ! 

The  protestant  church  here  seems  to  be  in  a  very  low  state ;  there  is 
much  worldly-mindedness  and  dissipation  prevailing. 

7th. — Francis  IMartin,  Jun.,  came  to  us;  we  conversed  about  having 
an  edition  of  the  Scripture  Lessons  printed  in  the  Basque  language,  and 
also  on  the  establishment  of  an  Infant  School  Society.  Stephen  and  I 
afterwards  had  a  time  of  religious  retirement,  when  he  was  engaged  in 
supplication,  and  my  mind  was  under  a  calm  and  peaceful  feeling. 
Francis  Martin  came  again  in  the  afternoon,  and  took  me  to  see  the  new 
establishment  here  for  the  schools  on  the  system  of  mutual  instruction. 
It  is  in  the  poorest  quarter  of  the  city.  There  is  a  beautiful  school-room 
for  two  hundred  boys,  and  another  for  two  hundred  girls,  and  also  a 
room  for  persons  who  are  training  for  masters  ;  but  the  premises  ought 
to  have  been  much  larger,  as  there  are  now  as  many  pupils  in  attend- 


300 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


ance  as  can  be  accommodated,  and  hundreds  are  waiting  for  admission. 
All  is  done  at  the  expense  of  the  government,  which  seems  now  in 
earnest  to  have  this  system  universally  established.  0,  that  this  were 
the  case  in  Spain  ! 

Between  six  and  seven  we  went  to  La  Harpe's,  where  about  fifty 
persons  were  collected ;  they  went  through  their  religious  exercises, 
after  which  Stephen  addressed  them  at  some  length.  I  was  low  and 
flat,  and  was  silent.  After  supper,  La  Harpe  and  Martin  went  with  us 
to  the  Post,  when  we  got  into  the  mail  for  Paris,  and  arrived  there  at 
five  o'clock  on  fourth-day  morning,  the  10th.  The  fine  river  Loire, 
running  through  a  populous  country,  was  close  to  us  on  our  right  for 
.several  stages.  We  are  nicely  accommodated  at  Paris,  at  Meurice's 
Hotel.  We  made  several  calls,  but  felt  a  good  deal  fatigued  with 
travelling  night  and  day  from  Bourdeaux. 

Fourth  Month  Wth. — W^e  breakfasted  at  the  Duke  de  Broglie's, 
where  we  met  the  Baroness  de  Stael,  the  daughter  of  M.  A.  Vernet, 
and  widow  of  the  late  excellent  Baron  de  Stael ;  she  seems  in  a  sweet 
state  of  mind.  I  had  some  conversation  with  the  Duke  respecting 
Negro  Slavery,  but  the  subject  being  very  important,  and  he  having  to 
attend  to  some  pressing  public  business,  he  engaged  us  to  dine  with 
them  to-morrow  at  six  o'clock,  after  which  he  said  he  should  be  quite 
at  liberty. 

\2lh  According  to  appointment,  we  dined  with  the  Duke  and 

Duchess  de  Broglie,  and  the  Baroness  de  Stiiel ;  it  was  quite  a  family 
party,  and  we  had  a  good  deal  of  conversation,  not  only  on  the  subject 
of  West  Indian  Slavery,  but  on  other  important  points.  The  Baroness 
has  much  religious  sensibility,  and  her  great  affliction  in  the  loss  of  her 
dear  husband  and  child,  seems  to  have  been  sanctified  to  her.  We 
spent  an  interesting  evening,  and  much  enjoyed  our  visit,  which,  I 
trust,  was  a  useful  one. 

13^/i  Many  engagements  this  morning,  calling  upon  different  per- 
sons. About  twelve  o'clock,  Stephen  and  I  went,  by  appointment,  to 
the  Duchess  de  Broglie  and  the  Baroness  de  Stael ;  we  had  much 
religious  conversation,  and  it  was  a  satisfactory  interview.  Dr.  Douglas 
called ;  he  is  now  settled  in  Paris  with  his  family. 

14i/i. — I  received  a  valuable  letter  from  Pecaut,  of  Salies,  near  Orthez, 
requesting  me  to  intercede  with  the  committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
Bible  Society,  not  to  raise  the  price  of  the  Bibles  and  Testaments  sold 
by  the  colporteurs.  Indeed,  I  think  it  must  not  be  done,  as  it  would 
discourage  the  poor  men  who  undergo  great  hardships,  and  even  risk 
their  lives.  We  attended  the  meeting  for  worship,  held  at  I.  Sergeant's, 
at  the  Champs  Elysees :  several  persons  were  present,  amongst  whom 
were  Dr.  Douglas  and  his  family ;  I  felt  a  solemn  covering  over  us,  and 
was  engaged  in  testimony  to  my  own  peace ;  dear  Stephen  also  spoke 
in  ministry,  and  concluded  in  supplication. 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


301 


We  took  tea  at  Dr.  Douglas's,  and  paid  an  agreeable  visit  to  him 
and  his  wife  and  family.  In  a  religious  opportunity  before  we  separated, 
we  were  both  led  to  address  thera,  under  feelings  of  christian  love. 

Fourth  Month  15th. — A  comfortable  retrospect  of  yesterday.  Dr. 
Douglas  called,  and  rendered  us  ail  the  assistance  in  his  power.  We 
set  off  in  the  diligence  for  Calais  about  eight  o'clock,  and  arrived  there 
the  following  evening. 

nth. — My  mind  is  clothed  with  thankfulness  to  my  dear  Lord  and 
Master,  who  is  thus  bringing  me  home  in  peace. 

I  wished  to  employ  the  time  we  had  to  spare  this  morning,  before 
the  steam-boat  started,  in  endeavouring  to  find  out  some  persons  of 
benevolent  feelings  towards  the  poor,  and  went  to  the  master  of  the 
school  for  mutual  instruction.  I  was  pleased  with  his  appearance,  but 
he  said  there  was  very  little  public  spirit  in  Calais,  and  that  he  had  not 
had  more  than  one  visitor  in  his  school  for  the  last  three  months. 

In  the  course  of  the  morning  we  took  a  walk  to  the  end  of  the  long 
pier,  and  between  nine  and  ten  o'clock  embarked  on  board  the  steamer 
for  London.  Neither  of  us  was  at  all  ill,  and  about  half-past  twelve 
the  next  day,  we  arrived  at  the  Custom  House  stairs.  We  left  our 
luggage  under  care,  and  made  (he  best  of  our  way  to  Stoke  Newington, 
which  we  reached  in  peace  and  safety.  Thus,  my  Great  Master  has 
brought  me  back  again  to  my  beloved  wife,  and  to  those  who  are  dear- 
est to  me  in  life ;  thanksgiving  and  praise  to  His  ever  adorable  name, 
who  is  worthy  to  be  served  with  all  that  He  has  given  us  !" 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

1833 — 1S34. — Anti-Slavery  Movements  —  Memoranda  —  Correspondence  —  Death  of  W. 
Wilberforce — Col.  Beckwitli's  Labours  among  the  Waidenses — W.  A.  Visits  Neighbour- 
ing Meetings — Engagements  and  Correspondence — Attends  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  Dublin 
— Meeting  on  behalf  of  Descendants  of  Friends  in  Ulster — Yearly  Meeting  in  London — 
Letters  respecting  African  Produce,  &c. — Emancipation  of  Slaves — Manual  Labour 
School,  Lindfield — Friends'  Continental  Committees — Quarterly  Meeting  at  Hitchin. 

Fourth  Month  19//;,  1833.— Called  on  T.  F.  Buxton,  Devonshire 
Street,  and  left  with  him  Col.  Flinter's  MS.  on  Porto  Rico,  Cuba,  &c. 
Attended  at  Exeter  Hall,  where  the  deputies  were  assembling  to  go  up 
to  the  Ministers  on  the  subject  of  Negro  Slavery;  above  three  hundred 
present ;  I  accompanied  them  to  Downing  Street,  and  we  had  an  inter- 
view with  Lord  Althorp  and  E.  Stanley.  Samuel  Gurney  read  the 
memorial ;  Lord  Althorp  then  made  his  speech,  expressive  of  his  belief 
that  when  the  time  should  come  for  government  to  develope  their  plans, 
they  would  be  found  safe  and  satisfactory.  E.  Stanley  repeated  the 
same,  with  the  addition  that  the  arrangement  would  be  Jinal,  by  which 
I  understood  that  gradual  abolition  would  not  be  proposed. 

20th. — To  town  in  the  carriage,  and  made  a  number  of  calls.  I 
cautioned  them  at  the  Bible  House  against  raising  the  price  of  Bibles 


302 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


to  the  colporteurs.  I  was  exceedingly  tired,  and  lay  upon  the  sofa 
almost  all  the  rest  of  the  day." 

For  some  weeks  after  this  period,  William  Allen  suffered,  more  or 
less,  from  a  tedious  attack  of  illness,  which  prostrated  his  strength,  and 
often  rendered  him  incapable  of  much  exertion ;  when  able,  however, 
he  always  entered  into  his  usual  objects  of  interest  and  pursuit. 

Fifth  Month  \st  He  writes — "  After  our  evening  reading,  we  had 

a  precious  time  in  silence.  Stephen  Grellet,  who  was  with  us,  spoke 
encouragingly,  and  I  had  to  bear  testimony  to  the  Lord's  goodness  and 
gracious  support  through  this  illness." 

As  soon  as  William  Allen  was  able  to  leave  home,  he  went  down  to 
Lindfield,  and  after  recording  his  attendance  of  the  reading  meeting  at 
the  schools  on  first-day  evening,  when  he  read  some  chapters  in  the 
New  Testament,  and  a  tract,  he  says — 

"  Then  followed  a  pause,  in  which  the  Holy  Spirit's  influence  seemed 
to  be  felt  amongst  us,  under  which  I  addressed  the  company,  and  was 
favoured  with  a  degree  of  precious  support.  We  had  a  comfortable 
walk  home,  and  I  spent  the  rest  of  the  evening  in  peaceful  quiet  of  mind." 

On  returning  to  town,  he  writes — 

'<  I  just  saw  a  copy  of  the  Times  newspaper,  with  the  plan  of  govern- 
ment for  the  extinction  of  Slavery,  which  warmed  my  heart.  I  could 
not  go  into  the  details:  as  might  have  been  easily  foreseen,  they  will 
not  give  satisfaction  to  either  party,  but  surely  the  first  resolution  is  a 
gloriqus  one,  that  'Slavery  shall  cease,  immediately  and  forever,'  &c. 

Ibth. — The  farther  consideration  of  the  subject  of  Slavery,  is  ad- 
journed to  the  30th  of  this  month.  Stanley  made  a  very  long  and  an 
excellent  speech,  and  Lord  Howick  followed.  I  attended  the  confer- 
ence at  Devonshire  House  on  the  Book  of  Extracts ;  adjourned  before 
one ;  then  to  the  Anti-Slavery  committee, — room  full  of  deputies.  At 
the  Useful  Knowledge  committee  in  the  afternoon. 

— Conference  at  Devonshire  House  ;  then  walked  to  18,  Alder- 
raanbury,  where  there  was  a  meeting  of  the  delegates,  and,  at  the  same 
time,  a  meeting  of  the  Anti-Slavery  Committee. 

I  had  an  important  interview  with  Lord  John  Russell  in  the  after- 
noon, then  returned  to  the  conference  at  Devonshire  House." 

The  next  day  was  occupied  in  attending  two  meetings  of  the  con- 
ference, and  the  anniversary  of  the  Labourers'  Friend  Society,  but  on 
the  18th,  W.  A.  writes— 

"I  had  a  feeling  of  great  weakness,  and  neither  attended  the  meeting 
of  the  Yearly  Meeting's  Committee,  to  visit  the  Quarterly  Meetings, 
nor  the  Anfi-Slavery  committee.  Lucy  and  I  paid  a  very  satisfactory 
visit  at  the  girls'  school  in  the  evening,  and  also  at  the  boys'  school. 

20th  J.  J.  Gurney  and  his  wife  lodged  with  us  last  night.    On  our 

way  to  town  this  morning,  Joseph  read  me  a  capital  letter  on  the  sub- 
ject of  Slavery,  which  he  has  drawn  up  for  the  editor  of  the  Times. 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


303 


Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  ;  a  solemn  comfortable  pause  ; 
J.  J.  Giirney  was  engaged  in  prayer.  I  then  opened  the  meeting; 
various  business.  The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  Advices  and 
Queries  was  twice  read,  and  the  discussion  fixed  for  the  afternoon, 
when  we  only  proceeded  as  far  as  the  fifth  section. 

22nd. — Disappointed  in  being  too  ill  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting. 

.  23rc?  As  to  bodily  feeling,  this  has  been  a  miserable  day,  but  my 

mind  has  been  peaceful,  and  supported  with  the  feeling  that  the  Lord 
is  near." 

W.  A.  was  able  to  be  present  at  a  few  sittings  of  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, in  one  of  which,  he  and  Stephen  Grellet  described  the  openings 
that  there  were  for  usefulness  in  some  parts  of  the  continent  of  Europe, 
by  the  distribution  of  publications  calculated  to  counteract  infidelity, 
and  to  spread  the  knowledge  of  the  doctrines  of  Christianity.  The 
interest  of  Friends  was  much  awakened  by  these  representations, — a 
subscription  was  entered  into,  and  it  was  proposed  that  a  committee 
should  be  formed  to  take  charge  of  the  funds.  He  mentions  that 
Friends  prepared  a  petition  to  the  legislature  against  tithes,  and  in 
recording  the  proceedings  of  the  last  sitting,  he  says — 

"  We  concluded  with  a  heavenly  pause,  in  silence,  and  my  mind 
was  tendered  in  reverent  thankfulness,  but  I  was  much  exhausted. 

Sixth  Month  1th. — S.  Grellet  leaves  us  to-morrow,  to  proceed  to  the 
north,  and  is  not  likely  to  be  with  us  again  for  nine  months. 

llth. — Lucy  read  to  me  part  of  the  excellent  preface  to  Thomas 
Evans's  Exposition  of  the  Faith  of  the  Society  of  Friends.  I  am  very 
unwell,  but  most  kindly  attended  to. 

\Q)th. — First-day.  I  was  unable  to  go  to  meeting ;  my  dear  wife 
read  to  me  in  John  Barclay's  Life  of  JafTray,  after  which  we  sat  in 
silence  for  a  considerable  time,  and  were  refreshed  together.  0,  it  is 
precious  to  try  to  draw  near  unto  the  Lord  in  spirit! 

Vlth. — I  feel  depressed  at  the  aspect  of  public  affairs,  but  I  have 
some  secret  support  underneath. 

John  and  Martha  Yeardley  called  this  morning  ;  they  are  going  to 
Greece  on  gospel  service,  and  I  gave  them  letters  to  Lord  Nugent  and 
Capt.  Macphail,  also  a  general  letter  of  recommendation. 

22nd. — In  order  to  proceed  with  my  foreign  correspondence,  I  must 
give  up  going  to  town  to  committees,  except  when  absolutely  neces- 
sary, and  devote  more  time  to  work  at  Newington. 

23rc?  Stoke  Newington  meeting.    I  was  graciously  helped  to  offer 

a  word  of  encouragement  to  a  tribulated  few,  and  felt  inward  support." 

On  his  strength  becoming  a  little  recruited,  William  Allen  went  to 
spend  some  time  at  Lindfield,  where  Louis  Seebohm,  from  Pyrmont, 
who  had  attended  the  Yearly  Meeting,  visited  him.  He  much  enjoyed 
the  company  of  his  brotlier  Samuel  and  his  wife,  wlio  passed  a  day  or 
two  at  his  cottage,  on  their  way  to  Brighton. 


304 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


Seventh  Month  6th  After  his  return  home,  he  writes — 

'<  I  had  an  interview  with  the  Duke  of  Sussex  this  morning  whilst 
he  was  at  breakfast,  and  explained  to  him  the  business  relative  to  the 
American  Colonization  Society,  informing  him  of  some  statements 
which  I  had  received  respecting  the  principles  on  which  it  was  founded. 

8//(. — Morning  Meeting.  I  had  peace  in  addressing  a  few  remarks 
to  ministers,  recommending  them  to  try  to  bring  all  to  the  Saviour  ig 
love  and  devotedness  of  heart,  ■  observing,  that  when  once  the  heart 
and  affections  are  given  up  to  Him,  He  would  teach  us  and  guide  us 
in  the  way  that  we  should  go. 

10th. — I  returned  to  Friends  the  certificate  granted  me  in  the  Third 
Month  of  last  year,  to  visit  the  continent.  A  precious  feeling  of  good 
accompanied  my  mind  through  the  whole  of  the  second  meeting. 

12th. — Called  on  T.  Hartwell  Home,  at  the  British  Museum ;  he 
gave  me  a  little  work  of  his,  '  Deism  Refuted,'  and  also  some  tracts. 

13th. — To  town  in  the  carriage  and  then  to  Exeter  Hall,  to  attend 
the  meeting  held  to  expose  the  principles  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society.  James  Cropper  was  in  the  chair,  and  the  pernicious  nature 
of  those  principles  was  completely  shown  by  the  printed  statements  of 
the  society.  N.  Paul,  a  man  of  colour  from  Canada,  addressed  the 
meeting  in  a  very  powerful  manner. 

16th. — Attended  the  Anti-Slavery  committee  at  Aldermanbury ;  very 
important.  The  Anti-Slavery  Reporter,  of  this  month,  is  uncommonly 
interesting.  Committee  on  Daniel  Wheeler's  concerns;  his  son  Charles 
offers  to  accompany  his  father  to  the  South  Seas. 

19th. — I  attended  a  committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School 
Society,  which  was  satisfactory.  It  seems  that  government  is  inclined 
to  trust  our  committee  with  about  five  thousand  pounds  for  building 
school-rooms,  making  a  grant  of  an  equal  sum  to  the  National  Society. 

2Qth. — Rose  between  six  and  seven  ;  reading  Napier  on  the  Ionian 
Islands. 

Seventh  Month  22nd. — This  morning  was  chiefly  employed  in  making 
some  important  additions  to  my  little  pamphlet  on  Poor's  Rates.  John 
Smith  expressed  his  approbation  of  it.* 

29^/?. — Received  a  letter  from  Prince  Wittgenstein,  acknowledging 
the  receipt  of  some  publications  sent  to  him." 

The  Prince  writes  thus  : — 

<«SiR  : — I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter, 
containing  the  different  most  interesting  publications,  of  which  those 
destined  for  the  Crown  Prince  and  Princess,  have  been  immediately 

*,The  title  of  tliis  pamphlet  is,  '•'  A  Plan  for  Diminishing  the  Poor's  Rates  in  Agricultural 
Districts.  Being  a  brief  account  of  the  objects  and  plans  pursued  upon  'Gravely  Estate,' 
in  the  parish  of  Lindfield,  in  Sussex,  by  John  Smith,  M.  P.,  and  William  Allen,  for  bettering 
the  condition  of  the  agricultural  poor."  It  describes  the  articles  to  be  cultivated  on  a  farm, 
with  a  proper  rotation  of  crops,  and  contains  some  directions  respecting  the  management  of 
a  garden. 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


305 


delivered  to  their  Royal  Highnesses,  who  seemed  to  be  very  much 
pleased  with  them. 

With  regard  to  those  with  which  you  have  favoured  me,  Sir,  I  can- 
not omit  returning  to  you  my  most  sincere  thanks,  and  communicating 
the  satisfaction  I  feel,  to  observe  the  interest  you  appear  to  take  in  the 
welfare  of  our  peasantry. 

May  you  continue  in  these  friendly  sentiments  to  my  country,  and 
believe  me  always,  dear  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"  Berlin,  July  20tk,  1833."  Wittgenstein." 

Soon  after  the  following  letter  was  received  from  the  Crown  Prince  : — 

<'  I  perused  with  a  great  deal  of  interest,  the  different  books  and 
writings  that  you  communicated  to  me,  with  your  letter  of  the  first  of 
January.  It  is  with  pleasure  that  I  do  justice,  as  well  to  your  philan- 
thropic intentions,  as  to  the  well  digested  means  by  which  you  propose 
to  better  the  condition  of  the  poor.  The  only  observation  that  occurs 
to  me  is,  that  perhaps  you  did  not  pay  sufficient  attention  to  the  state 
of  industry  and  riches  of  Prussia,  at  least  of  a  considerable  portion  of 
the  country  compared  to  that  of  England.  People  as  industrious,  cleanly, 
and  sober  as  your  scheme  requires,  will  happily  not  long  remain  in  a 
state  of  poverty  in  this  country,  where  population  is  not  yet  so  closely 
thronged  together,  as  in  the  better  cultivated  parts  of  England.  I  shall, 
however,  feel  very  happy  to  be  active  in  realizing  whatever  part  of  your 
ideas  is  applicable  to  this  country,  and  shall  look  about  for  people  whose 
capacities  and  character  may  make  them  fit  instruments  for  the  execu- 
tion of  your  humane  projects. 

The  Princess,  my  wife,  is  alike  thankful  to  you  for  your  communica- 
tions, and  I  remain,  with  sincere  esteem, 

Your  affectionate  friend,  and  well-wisher, 

Frederick  William, 

"  Sans  Souci,  July  31st,  1833."  Prince  Royal  of  Prussia." 

"To  Mr.  WiUiam  Allen  of  the  Society  of  Friends, 
Stoke  Newington." 

Alexander  D'Junkovsky,  in  writing  to  William  Allen,  about  this 
time,  says — 

"  Though  time  and  space  have  separated  us,  yet  my  filial  love  and 
gratitude  twvards  you,  have  in  no  wise  diminished  ;  on  the  contrary, 
they  are  augmented,  and  your  kindness  will  never  be  effaced  from  my 
memory." 

The  Grand  Duchess  of  Saxe  Weimar,  thus  acknowledges  the  receipt 
of  a  letter  and  papers  forwarded  to  her,  through  Dr.  Froriep  : — 
"  Mr.  William  Allen, 

It  is  with  real  pleasure  that  I  thank  you  for  your  letter  of  December 
last,  which  has  been  some  time  in  reaching  me.  I  have  read,  with 
great  interest,  the  details  into  which  you  have  entered,  and  the  printed 

Vol.  II.  20 


306 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


notices  which  accompanied  them.  One  of  them  is  now  in  the  hands  of 
a  translator,  and  will,  ere  long,  be  circulated  in  German,  and  in  the 
villages  and  communes  of  the  Grand  Duchy,  in  order  to  spread  the 
salutary  instruction  which  it  contains.  You  have  ray  sincere  thanks 
for  thus  assisting  me  to  promote,  in  this  country,  all  that  can  favour  the 
progress  of  education,  of  morals,  of  religion,  and  of  industry.  You 
have  yourself  witnessed  our  efforts  to  spread  these  benefits  among  the 
poorer  classes,  and  I  have  reason  to  hope  that  the  results  are  becoming 
more  and  more  satisfactory.  The  institutions  of  our  country  always 
call  forth  the  interest  and  approbation  of  the  true  philanthropist,  who, 
like  you  and  your  respected  friend,  consecrate  your  lives  to  the  cause 
of  humanity. 

My  son  desires  to  be  recalled  to  your  remembrance  ;  he  continues  to 
prosper ;  he,  as  well  as  his  father  and  I,  assure  you  of  the  particular 
esteem  which  we  feel  for  you,  and  of  our  prayers  for  the  success  of 
your  efforts,  and  begging  you  to  keep  me  in  your  remembrance,  I  sub- 
scribe myself,  Your  affectionate  Marie, 

G.  D.  de  Russie,  et  de  Saxe." 

"  Wilhchnsiadt,  near  Eisenach,  the  -fs  June,  1833." 

"  Seventh  Month  30th. — I  find  by  this  day's  newspaper  that  W. 
Wilberforce  died  yesterday — it  appears  that  he  passed  away  in  much 
calmness  and  peace.  In  the  paper  is  this  paragraph  respecting  him  : — 
'It  is  this  day  our  melancholy  duty  to  announce  the  death  of  William 
Wilberforce,  a  name  with  which  there  is  probably  associated  more  of 
love  and  veneration  than  ever  fell  to  the  lot  of  any  single  individual 
throughout  the  civilized  globe. 

At  one  period  the  sad  event  would  have  been  felt  as  a  grievous 
national  calamity,  and,  even  now,  the  tidings  of  his  departure  will  be 
heard  with  the  deepest  sorrow,  throughout  every  part  of  the  empire. 
But  he  worked  while  it  was  called  day,  remembering  that  the  night  was 
coming  wherein  no  man  may  work ;  and  he  was  not  permitted  to  leave 
the  scene  of  his  labours  till  he  beheld  the  great  cause,  to  which  he  had 
dedicated  all  the  energies  of  his  soul,  triumphant,  and  the  fetters  of  the 
negro  about  to  be  struck  off  for  ever.  His  warfare  is  accomplished  ; 
his  course  is  finished  ;  he  kept  the  faith.  Those  who  regard  him  merely 
as  a  philanthropist,  in  the  worldly  sense  of  that  abused  term,  know  but 
little  of  his  character  ;  his  philanthropy  took  its  origin  in  love  to  God, 
it  was  kindled  at  the  sacred  fire  of  divine  love,  and  it  burned  with  such 
bright  and  steady  lustre,  only  because  it  was  daily  replenished  from  its 
hallowed  source. 

The  sad  event  took  place  last  night,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Smith,  in 
Cadogan  Place.  Mr.  Wilberforce  was  in  the  seventy-fourth  year  of  his 
age.' 

Eighth  Month  11th. — The  cholera  is  prevailing  very  much  in  several 
places :  a  young  man  who  once  lived  with  us,  suddenly  died  of  this 
disease,  at  Hackney. 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


307 


I2th. — Morning  Meeting.  On  first  sitting  down  I  felt  that  the  Lord's 
power  was  over  us,  and  expressed  my  sense  of  it,  for  the  encourage- 
ment of  some  who  might  be  cast  down,  stating  my  belief  that  there 
were  those  present  who,  if  the  query  were  addressed  to  them,  '  Will  ye 
also  go  away  ?'  would  reply  with  the  disciple  formerly,  <  Lord  to  whom 
shall  we  go  ?  Thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life.'  Several  Friends 
spoke  acceptably,  and  the  meeting  was  concluded  with  supplication. 
It  was,  to  me,  a  refreshing  season,  and  like  '  a  brook  in  the  way.'  " 

In  the  course  of  this  month,  during  William  Allen's  stay  at  Lindfield, 
he  was  much  interested  in  receivintr  a  visit  from  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Beckwith,  whose  useful  labours  among  the  Waldenses  are  thus  described, 
in  a  letter  from  Stephen  Grellet,  written  when  he  was  visiting  the  val- 
leys in  the  Eleventh  Month  of  1832. 

"  Colonel  Beckwith,  from  London,  is  very  kind  to  these  people  ;  this 
is  the  fourth  year  that  he  has  spent  much  time  amongst  them,  chiefly  in 
winter.  He  is  particularly  interested  in  the  education  of  the  children. 
On  his  first  coming  here,  he  found  that  many  of  the  schools  were  kept 
in  stables,  on  account  of  the  warmth,  but  these  were  dirty,  dark,  and 
damp,  and  the  women  coming  in  with  their  work  of  an  evening,  proved 
a  great  interruption  ;  he  has  therefore,  made  an  effort  to  remedy  this 
evil,  by  providing  a  number  of  school  houses,  and  a  great  improvement 
has,  in  consequence,  taken  place.  He  has  induced  persons  to  give 
land,  and  to  cart  the  materials,  and  he  pays  the  workmen  ;  he  supports 
about  ten  or  twelve  small  schools,  and  I  find  that  in  the  last  four  years 
he  has  expended,  chiefly  in  the  cause  of  education,  from  three  to  four 
hundred  pounds  sterling  per  annum.  From  different  quarters  I  hear  of 
his  christian  liberality,  in  furnishing  materials  for  schools,  in  clothing 
some  of  the  children,  assisting  the  widows,  &c.  Finding  that  many  of 
the  children  were  learning  their  catechisms,  and  reading  the  Scriptures 
in  French,  without  understanding  what  they  read,  he  has  reduced  their 
patois  into  writing,  and  has  had  the  catechism  printed  in  this  language. 
The  Bible  Society  in  London,  has  printed  two  of  the  gospels  thus  pre- 
pared by  him  ;  one  side  of  the  page  is  in  French,  the  other  in  patois.  He 
is  anxious  to  have  the  whole  of  the  New  Testament  printed  in  this  man- 
ner. He  is  now  trying  to  prepare  ciphering  books  for  them,  with 
proper  weights  and  measures,  which  they  have  not  yet  had,  and  which 
is  important  in  these  schools. 

If  some  of  our  women  Friends  were  to  spend  a  few  months  here, 
they  might  do  much  good,  particularly  in  assisting  in  the  arrangements 
of  the  girls'  schools,  and  in  providing  more  ;  they  are  much  wanted 
among  the  mountains. 

When  Col.  Beckwith  returns  to  England  next  year,  he  purposes  to 
call  upon  thee,  and  to  go  to  Lindfield." 

William  Allen  was  much  pleased  with  Col.  Beckwith's  strong  good 
sense  and  benevolence  of  character,  united  with  true  christian  feeling. 


308 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1833. 


He  was  diligent  in  endeavouring  to  obtain  agricultural  information 
likely  to  prove  useful  to  the  poor  inhabitants  of  the  valleys,  and  was 
furnished  with  some  seeds  calculated  to  improve  their  crops. 

"  Eighth  Month  2Ath. — Lucy  read  an  interesting  letter  from  John 
and  Martha  Yeardley,  dated  from  Strasburg.  They  have  visited  many 
pious  persons  in  that  neighbourhood,  and  had  good  religious  service 
amongst  them,  as  well  as  at  the  Ban  de  la  Roche  ;  they  appear  to  be 
proceeding  in  their  gospel  labours  satisfactorily. 

Eighth  Month  2\st. — Thomas  Bermingham,  agent  to  Lord  Clon- 
brook,  came  over  from  Brighton  and  dined  with  us.  The  cottage  and 
allotment  plan  answers  admirably  on  an  estate  under  his  care,  in  the 
county  of  Roscommon,  where  eighty-seven  families  are  made  happy, 
without  any  loss  to  the  proprietor.  The  Home  Colonies  are  Castle 
Sampson  and  Iskerbane. 

JVijith  Month  1st. — By  the  request  of  Grover  Kemp,  an  appointed 
meeting  for  worship  was  held  in  the  girls'  school-room  ;  about  one 
hundred  and  thirty  persons  were  present ;  a  very  satisfactory  time. 

3rd. — Returned  to  Stoke  Newington.  Found  a  letter  from  Dr. 
Froriep  of  Weimar." 

This  letter  conveyed  similar  sentiments  on  behalf  of  the  Grand 
Duchess,  to  those  expressed  by  herself,  and  mentioned  that  the  transla- 
tion of  the  little  work  respecting  "  Rural  Colonies,"  was  accomplished. 

Tenth  Month  18th- — Committee  at  the  Borough  Road  School  ;  only 
four  present,  but  we  went  regularly  through  the  business,  which  was 
very  interesting.    Proceeded  to  Lindfield  afterwards. 

2Ath  I  felt  a  little  drawn  to  attend  the  week-day  meeting,  at 

Brighton,  and  Lucy  accompanied  me.  I  believe  I  was  in  my  place, 
and  was  engaged  in  ministry,  solemnly  warning  those  present  to  pre- 
pare for  the  end  of  all  things  here.  The  Bible  meeting  was  held  to-day, 
and  I  went  there  for  about  an  hour,  then  took  a  walk  by  the  sea  ;  the 
Chain  Pier  has  been  much  damaged  by  a  storm  ;  felt  peaceful,  but  low. 

21th. — Julien,  of  Paris,  who  came  down  last  evening,  went  with  us 
to  the  reading  meeting  at  the  schools  ;  I  read  part  of  Isaiah,  some  of 
Thornton's  Fruits  of  the  Spirit,  and  a  tract,  « Godliness  is  profitable 
unto  all  things,'  both  very  striking.  This  was  a  good  meeting ;  I 
addressed  the  company  at  the  close,  and  had  peace  in  this  evening's 
labours. 

29th  A  letter  from  Hampstead  mentioned  that  Samuel  Hoare, 

Jun.,  died  on  First-day  morning.  It  appears  that  he  was  in  a  very 
desirable  state  of  mind,  and  shortly  before  his  departure,  was  heard  to 
utter,  in  faint  accents,  'Dear  Saviour,  I  am  Thine.'  " 

In  the  course  of  his  diary,  William  Allen  several  times  mentions 
attending  committees  on  Daniel  Wheeler's  concern  to  visit  the  South 
Seas,  many  arrangements  being  requisite  to  prepare  for  this  important 
engagement. 

Eleventh  Month  6th. — After  his  return  to  town,  he  writes — 


1833. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN, 


309 


"  A  meeting  of  D,  W.'s  committee  being  appointed  for  the  afternoon, 
I  staid  to  attend  it.  After  the  secular  business  was  transacted,  we  had 
a  tendering  season,  in  which  the  Lord's  power  was  felt  amongst  us, 
and  we  parted  in  much  love." 

Parliament  having  placed  at  the  disposal  of  Government  a  sum  of 
money  to  be  expended  in  the  erection  of  school  rooms  for  the  poor, 
under  certain  regulations,  the  committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
School  Society  took  measures  to  insure  applications  being  made  to  the 
Lords  of  the  Treasury,  on  the  terms  proposed.  This,  of  course,  in- 
creased the  business  of  the  society,  and  W.  A.  writes — 

Eleventh  Month  loth  Committee  at  the  Borough  Road  ;  much 

business ;  seven  cases  referred  to  us  from  the  Treasury,  six  of  which 
we  recommended. 

The  Times  has  noticed  my  pamphlet  on  Poor's  Rates,  &c.,  with 
much  approbation,  and  condemned  strongly  the  plan  of  paying  wages 
out  of  these  rates.* 

nth. — I  felt  inclined  to  attend  Westminster  meeting  this  morning, 
and  accordingly  went  there.  My  mind  was  peaceful  and  comforted  in 
waiting  upon  the  Lord,  and  after  sitting  some  time  in  silence,  I  was 
engaged  in  ministry.  Edward  Smith  walked  with  me  part  of  the  way 
home,  when  our  conversation,  I  trust,  was  to  profit. 

19th. — Received  an  account  to-day  of  the  decease  of  dear  Mary 
Alexander,  of  Kelvedon  ;  it  took  place  very  suddenly  on  first-day 
evening.    I  doubt  not  her  spirit  is  united  to  the  Church  triumphant. 

21th. — Gracechurch  Street  meeting,  and  our  meetins:  of  Ministers 
and  Elders  afterwards.  Robert  Alsop  and  some  other  Friends  spoke 
in  the  life.  It  was  a  confirming  time,  and  I  had  to  remark  that  such 
seasons  made  us  ready  to  say,  like  the  disciples  on  the  mountain, 
*  Lord,  it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here.' 

Twelfth  Month  1st. — First-day.  I  walked  alone  to  the  Peel  meet- 
ing, and  was  engaged  in  testimony.  Friends  kindly  came  and  spoke 
to  me  afterwards." 

In  the  course  of  this  winter,  William  Allen  was  frequently  under 
much  solicitude  on  account  of  the  feeble  state  of  his  dear  wife's  health, 
a  severe  attack  of  bleeding  at  the  nose,  having  much  reduced  her 
strength,  and  confined  her  to  the  house.  This  occasioned  him  to 
spend  less  time  at  Lindfield,  but  his  home  duties  were  pursued  with 
diligence.  He  continued  his  plan  of  attending  the  religious  readings, 
both  at  the  boys'  and  girls'  schools  at  Stoke  Newington,  and  was  often 
earnestly  engaged  in  seeking  to  promote  the  spiritual  interests  of  the 
children  ;  nor  did  he  relax  in  his  efforts  to  instruct  them  in  a  know- 
ledge of  chemistry  and  natural  philosophy,  through  the  medium  of 
lectures;  these  he  endeavoured  to  render  interesting,  by  taking  much 
pains  to  prepare  experiments  illustrative  of  his  subject,  and  he  often 


*See  page  304. 


310 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1834. 


devoted  a  large  portion  of  his  time  to  this  object.  One  morning  he  took 
the  children,  by  appointment,  to  the  Adelaide  Gallery,  when  he  says — 

"Tlicy  appeared  much  gratified.    Some  of  the  boys  dined  with  us. 

21st. — J.  J.  Gurney,  who  has  been  paying  a  visit  of  gospel  love  in 
our  Quarterly  Meeting,  left  us  to-day  :  I  had  some  interesting  conver- 
sation with  him  respecting  religious  instruction  in  our  schools. 

29ih. — First-day.  I  this  morning  attended  Ratcliif  meeting,  where 
my  mind  was  comforted  and  supported  in  a  precious  sense  that  the 
Lord  was  with  us,  and  I  felt  in  my  place.  I  spoke  for  a  short  time  in 
testimony.  After  our  family  reading  in  the  evening,  I  addressed  a  few 
remarks  to  the  servants. 

30th. — To  the  Borough  Road,  and  from  thence  to  the  Treasury, 
where  Robert  Forster,  George  Clayton,  H.  Dunn,  and  I,  presented  the 
memorial  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society,  on  the  subject  of 
the  government  grant.  We  had  a  long  conference  with  T.  Spring 
Rice,  and  left  with  him  a  considerable  number  of  applications  for  aid. 

First  Month  1st,  1834 — Gracechurch  Street  Meeting;  some  comfort 
in  silence.  Afterwards  called  upon  John  Rendall,  brother  to  the 
Governor  of  the  Gambia,  and  obtained  much  information  from  him 
respecting  Africa. 

dth. — First-day.  I  set  out  about  half-past  eight  o'clock,  and  called 
upon  Peter  Bedford  in  Steward  Street,  to  inquire  if  he  would  accompany 
me  to  Croydon  Meeting;  he  was  quite  willing  to  do  so,  and  we  accord- 
ingly proceeded  there,  stopping  first  at  the  Friends'  school.  We  had 
a  good  meeting  ;  I  was  led  to  testify  to  the  appearing  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  and  had  peace.  We  dined  at  the  school,  visited 
the  dear  children  in  their  apartments,  and  truly  they  presented  a  gratify- 
ing sight.  The  whole  family,  both  teachers  and  children,  are  a  family 
of  harmony  and  love,  under  the  superintendence  of  Edward  and 
Elizabeth  Brady.  The  institution  is  in  a  very  flourishing  state.  We 
had  a  precious  religious  opportunity,  and  were  satisfied  and  comforted 
with  our  visit. 

Ith. — Walked  up  to  Downing  Street,  calling  by  the  way  at  Farnes's, 
about  seeds  for  Lord  Nugent  at  Corfu,  and  for  Capt.  Macphail,  at  Santa 
Maura.    Sir  George  Shee  was  very  kind. 

loth. — Committee  at  Friends'  girls'  school ;  reading  afterwards. 
Preface  to  Thomas  Evans's  work.  Distributed  Joseph  J.  Gurney's 
Scripture  Texts,  to  the  girls. 

19th. — I  attended  Plaistow  meeting  this  morning,  where  I  was 
favoured  with  a  sense  of  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  had  to  preach 
the  gospel,  under  a  feeling  of  His  power.  I  desire  always  to  sit  down 
■when  that  abates.    My  spirit  was  comforted  and  contrited. 

31s/. — British  and  Foreign  School  committee.  Borough  Road,  on  the 
subject  of  parliamentary  grants,  &c.  I  was  engaged  with  foreign 
correspondence  yesterday,  and  took  my  letters  to  Downing  Street  to- 
day, to  be  forwarded." 


1834. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN, 


311 


One  of  these  letters  was  to  the  Baroness  de  Stjie],  and  William  Allen 
writes — 

"  I  have  a  pleasing  recollection  of  the  little  time  we  spent  in  thy  com- 
pany and  that  of  the  Duchess  de  Broglie.  May  our  blessed  Saviour 
keep  you  very  near  to  himself  in  spirit,  and  may  the  spirit  of  God  bear 
witness  with  your  spirits,  that  you  are  His. 

My  dear  Grellet  and  I  were  comforted  at  Toulouse,  to  find  that  the 
Lord  was  at  work  in  the  hearts  of  many  in  those  parts,  making  them 
feel  the  preciousness  of  his  love,  and  the  sweetness  of  seeking  to  enjoy 
His  presence.  Ah  !  He  will  assuredly  draw  near  unto  those  who  are 
endeavouring  to  draw  near  unto  him.  May'st  thou,  my  dear  Friend, 
with  the  dear  Duchess,  frequently  retire  to  seek  after  Him  in  silence, 
and  like  Mary,  sit  at  his  feet,  to  receive  His  divine  instruction  and  con- 
solation. I  send  herewith  some  religious  tracts  which  I  hope  will  prove 
acceptable." 

After  mentioning  some  particulars  respecting  their  proceedings  in  the 
South  of  France,  W.  A.  says,  in  conclusion — 

"  Pray  present  my  kind  respects  to  the  Duke  and  Duchess  de  Broglie, 
and  give  me  some  intelligence  of  those  dear  to  us  at  Geneva. 

I  remain,  in  christian  fellowship,  sincerely  thine, 

William  Allen." 

The  other  parcels  contained  some  little  packages  of  seeds  and  books 
for  Lord  Nugent  and  Capt.  Macphail,  and  the  diary  thus  continues — 

"John  Abel  Smith,  William  Smith  O'Brien  and  his  wife,  and  Capt. 
Colquhoun  from  Mexico,  dined  with  us ;  a  very  agreeable  party,  and 
much  interesting  conversation ;  Capt.  Colquhoun  says,  that  there  is  a 
great  opening  for  usefulness  now  at  Zacatecas,  in  Mexico,  and  that 
liberal  institutions  would  be  admitted  ;  he  is  very  anxious  for  the  en- 
couragement of  schools,  which  had  been  put  down  there,  but  they  are 
now  rising  up  again,  and  he  wishes  to  have  some  elementary  books 
translated  into  Spanish. 

Second  Month  2nd. — First-day.  At  Peckham  in  the  morning,  where 
I  had  a  good  meeting,  and  spoke  in  ministry  on  the  words,  <  Except 
ye  be  converted,  and  become  as  little  children,'  &c.  Attended  Devon- 
shire House  meetin":  in  the  afternoon,  and  was  again  favoured  with 
spiritual  refreshment.    I  was  engaged  at  some  length  in  testimony. 

Ath. — The  King  opened  the  Session  of  Parliament  to-day,  with  an 
excellent  speech. 

8^/; — Adjourned  Morning  Meeting,  on  the  new  edition  of  J.  J.  Gur- 
ney's  Book.  The  additions  made  by  the  author  are  very  important  at 
this  juncture,  and  the  chapier  on  Universal  Light  is  particularly  valuable. 

13//i — J.  T.  Barry  and  I  went  up  to  Sydney  Taylor's,  Chancery 
Lane,  to  attend  a  Capital  Punishment  committee.  Wrightson  was  there, 
also  Peter  Bedford  ;  it  was  a  very  important  and  satisfactory  meeting. 

\Alh. — Committee  at  Croydon  school,  which  was  satisfactory. 

\Qth — Rose  early  to  prepare  to  go  to  Staines,  where  the  remains  of 


312 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1834. 


Edward  Beck's  wife  were  to  be  interred.  My  mind  was  low,  and  I 
was  exercised  in  fervent  prayer  for  preservation  from  anything  that 
might  injure  the  precious  cause  of  Truth  ;  I  was  favoured  with  cahn- 
ness,  and  a  degree  of  humble  confidence  and  peace.  Lucy  and  I 
proceeded  to  Margaret  Pope's,  where  we  were  very  kindly  received, 
and  E.  J.  Fry,  of  whose  company  I  was  very  glad,  soon  afterwards 
came  in.  The  interment  was  before  meeting ;  E.  J.  F.  spoke  in  ministry, 
and  Rachel  Forster  in  supplication.  Soon  after  the  meeting  was  settled, 
I  rose  with  these  words,  '  Jesus  wept,'  enlarging  upon  the  condescen- 
sion of  the  Saviour,  in  entering  into  the  depths  of  the  sorrows  of  poor 
man.  Soon  after  I  sat  down,  E.  J.  Fry  had  a  sweet  time  in  prayer, 
some  other  Friends  spoke  acceptably,  and,  to  me,  it  was  a  very  satis- 
factory and  encouraging  meeting. 

19///. — Called  upon  two  Friends  under  affliction  from  the  loss  of  chil- 
dren, Elizabeth  Beck  and  Benjamin  Reed.  Read  Bennet  and  Tyer- 
man's  voyage  among  the  Islands  in  the  Pacific. 

22nd. — Samuel  Gurney,  George  Stacey,  Josiah  Forster,  and  I  waited, 
by  appointment  upon  Earl  Grey  ;  I  read  Friends'  statement  on  the  sub- 
ject of  church  rates,  and  delivered  him  the  list  of  cases.  He  received 
us  very  kindly,  but  did  not  give  us  encouragement  to  hope  that  they 
would  be  entirely  removed.  We  endeavoured  to  impress  upon  him, 
that  there  was  a  powerful  and  increasing  feeling  in  the  public  mind  in 
favour  of  their  abolition.  He  expressed  himself  as  strongly  attached  to 
the  establishment. 

Second  Month  24//;. — A  little  comfort  on  rising,  this  text  being  in- 
wardly applied,  '  Be  careful  for  nothing  ;  but  in  every  thing  by  prayer 
and  supplication,  with  thanksgiving,  let  your  requests  be  made  known 
unto  God.' 

25th. — At  Lindfield.  The  day  being  fine  we  visited  the  cottagers  in 
their  habitations.  The  Colony  seems  in  a  very  satisfactory  state,  and 
is  showing  out  the  good  effects  of  the  system.  It  is  indeed  a  heart- 
cheering  sight,  and  I  am  now  beginning  to  reap  some  fruit  of  the  many 
anxious  days  and  nights  that  this  concern  has  cost  me. 

26th. — Meeting.  I  spoke  for  a  short  time  on  the  preciousness  of 
that  state  which  is  sensible  of  the  Divine  Influence,  and  showed  the 
danger  of  living  in  forgetfulness  of  God. 

Third  Month  8th. — (After  returning  home.)  Lord  Althorp  having 
fixed  to  receive  the  deputation  of  Friends  from  the  Meeting  for  Suffer- 
ings, on  the  bill  for  the  commutation  of  tithes,  at  eleven  o'clock  to-day, 
we  attended  at  Downing  Street,  and  had  a  conference  of  nearly  an  hour. 
He  was  very  cordial,  and  is  quite  disposed  to  do  all  he  can  for  us. 
Recoveries  in  future,  are  not  to  be  in  the  Ecclesiastical  Court,  but  as 
actions  for  debt. 

10th  Morning  Meeting.    Saw  J.  T.  B.  at  Plough  Court,  he  was 

very  earnest  with  me  to  be  at  the  House  of  Commons  in  the  afternoon, 
to  see  as  many  members  as  possible,  in  order  to  interest  them  to  stop 


1S34. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


313 


the  clause  in  Warburton's  Anatomy  Bill  for  Ireland,  which  goes  to 
authorize  gibbetting  in  that  country.  I  was  very  unwell,  and  had 
engaged  a  man  from  Watkins's  to  help  me  in  preparing  for  the  lecture 
at  Newington  to-morrow  ;  but  as  it  was  the  third  reading  of  the  bill, 
and  there  would  be  no  hope  if  it  passed  the  Commons,  I  concluded 
first  to  go  home  and  arrange  for  the  preparations,  and  afterwards  attend 
at  the  House.  I  accordingly  did  so,  and  saw  several  of  the  members, 
who  were  very  friendly.  The  Secretary  for  Ireland  was  alarmed,  and 
the  clause  was  withdrawn. 

Third  Month  idth. — Met  J.  T.  B.  about  the  hanging  in  chains  clause, 
and  we  walked  to  Freemason's  Hall  to  postpone  a  meeting  which  had 
been  appointed.  I  then  had  a  conference  with  Colonel  Grey,  at  Down- 
ing Street,  on  the  subject  of  appointing  a  time  with  Earl  Grey,  for  re- 
ceiving the  deputation  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society. 

nth. — To  the  Borough  Road,  and  from  thence  with  the  deputation 
to  wait  upon  Earl  Grey  with  the  memorial  of  the  society,  requesting 
that  the  grants  might  be  based  upon  the  principle  of  religious  liberty. 
I  read  the  memorial,  explained  the  origin  of  the  Scripture  Lessons,  and 
presented  him  with  the  two  Manuals.  We  were  very  kindly  received, 
and  the  Earl  professed  himself  to  be  a  warm  friend  of  liberal  principles. 
Thence  I  called  at  Lord  Duncannon's  office  for  Woods  and  Forests, 
and  saw  the  person'  who  has  the  management  of  the  seven  thousand 
acres  of  land  in  Ireland  where  the  government  experiment  is  carried  on. 
I  afterwards  called  upon  Count  Jenison  de  Walworth,  the  Bavarian 
Ambassador,  who  received  me  very  kindly.  We  talked  of  Maxdorf, 
on  the  Donau  Moos,  and  he  will  gladly  undertake  to  send  the  seeds  ; 
he  has  a  good  opinion  of  the  Mennonites,  and  says  that  the  way  is  very 
open  for  them  there." 

The  following  extract  from  a  letter  from  a  Friend,  written  in  the  spring 
of  this  year,  and  addressed  to  his  friends  in  this  country,  was  sent  to 
W^illiam  Allen :  — 

"  I  must  not  forget  to  tell  you,  that  at  Catania,  we  found  a  school  established 
on  the  Lancasterian  system,  at  which  I  was  surprised,  as  I  was  told,  when  at 
Malta,  that  the  King  of  the  Sicilies  did  not  permit  any  thing  of  the  kind  to 
exist;  Captain  Reading  and  I  visited  it  one  morning,  and  found  a  Roman  Cath- 
olic Priest  engaged  as  the  superintendent.  There  are  ene  hundred  and  sixty 
boys,  ninety  of  whom  were  present.  We  were  told  that  William  Allen  was 
here  some  years  ago,  and  made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  establish  such  a 
school,  but  that  his  exertions  were  the  means  of  calling  public  attention  to  the 
subject,  though  not  without  considerable  difficulty.  The  parties  engaged  in  this 
work,  are  wishing  to  have  one  for  girls  on  the  same  system." 

Fourth  Month  3rd — Lecture  to  the  schools,  No.  32,  Astronomy, 
and  concluded  the  course  :  satisfactory,  but  too  much  for  one  lecture. 

5th. — Sir  Stratford  and  Lady  Canning,  Count  Jenison,  the  Bavarian 
Ambassador,  Colonel  Colebroke,  E.  Mayer,  of  Florence,  and  William 
Crawford,  dined  and  spent  the  afternoon  with  us.  We  had  much  very 
interesting  conversation  on  several  topics.    Religious  toleration,  and  the 


314 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1834. 


importance  of  onr  conduct  being  governed  by  principle  without  refer- 
ence to  expediency,  were  amongst  the  subjects  brought  forward.  I 
showed  the  company  Jupiter  and  Saturn  through  my  large  telescope. 
They  all  seemed  much  pleased.  It  was  a  very  agreeable  visit,  and 
every  thing  answered  well.  Mayer  may  be  useful  as  a  correspondent 
for  Rome,  Leghorn,  and  Florence." 

Soon  after  this  visit,  E.  Mayer  addressed  a  letter  to  William  Allen, 
on  the  subject  of  forming  an  association,  among  individuals  of  different 
countries  ;  the  object  of  which  should  be,  to  transmit  information  re- 
specting the  state  of  society  ;  the  exertions  made  to  promote  the  welfare 
of  man,  and  the  reports  of  philanthropic  institutions;  to  publish,  quar- 
terly, extracts  and  notices  of  correspondence  ;  to  encourage  travellers 
to  direct  their  attention  to  the  objects  of  the  society,  and  to  communicate 
their  observations  to  its  members  ;  &c.    He  says — 

"This  idea  first  originated  in  my  mind,  daring  my  visits  to  various  institu- 
tions of  this  place,  connected  either  with  education,  or  with  other  charitable 
purposes.  I  had,  as  a  guide,  the  work  of  a  countryman  of  mine,  Count  Arriva- 
bene,  who  has  published  an  interesting  statement,  '  Di  varie  Societa  de  Benefi- 
cenza,''  in  London,  a  book  which  has  excited  great  and  salutary  attention  in  Italy, 
and,  on  my  journey,  I  have  met  with  many  men  belonging  to  different  nations, 
whose  principal  object  in  travelling  was  to  examine  into  the  moral  state  of  so- 
ciety. Now  it  was  only  by  chance  that  I  met  with  such  men  as  I  did  the  other 
day  at  Newington;  Mr.  Crawford's  return  from  the  United  States,  was,  till 
then,  unknown  to  me,  and  I  then  mentioned  to  him,  what  I  had  said  to  others 
before,  that  I  considered  his  mission,  and  the  mission  of  many  other  philan- 
thropic travellers,  would  be  but  imperfectly  achieved,  if  the  information  they 
had  obtained  were  to  remain  either  confined  to  themselves,  or  to  extend  only  to 
their  own  country ;  that  we  ought  to  consider  it  as  universal  property,  and  that 
we  should  collect,  and  deposit,  and  spread  it  in  such  a  way  as  should  benefit  the 
cause  of  humanity,  and  cheer  us  in  our  exertions.  I  know  that  persons  who 
have  not  entered  deeply  into  similar  researches,  are  not  aware  of  the  ignorance 
that  generally  prevails  in  every  country  respecting  most  of  what  is  going' on  in 
other  nations,  but  this  is  such  an  established  truth  with  every  man  who  has 
travelled,  that  in  writing  to  William  Allen,  I  certainly  need  not  insist  upon  it 
for  a  moment. 

Now  such  an  ignorance  could  easily  give  place  to  the  most  useful  information, 
if  the  individuals,  who  have  put  themselves  in  possession  of  it,  were  to  enter 
into  a  regular  correspondence  with  one  another.  Accounts  of  voyages  and  travels 
we  have  in  abundance,  but  how  few  of  the  authors  have  made  it  their  business 
to  examine  into  the  moral  institutions  of  a  nation,  compared  with  those  who 
think  it  necessary  to  describe  the  scenery,  antiquities,  &c." 

After  entering  into  detail  respecting  the  proposed  plans  and  opera- 
tions of  the  association,  the  writer  thus  continues — 

"  How  great  is  the  number  of  travellers  who  only  drag  about  with  them  their 
locomotive  ennui,  and  who  would  soon  be  roused  from  that  morbid  state,  if  they 
were  made  to  experience  the  delight  which  is  derived  from  an  interest  taken  in 
the  progress  of  society. 

This  is  only  a  rough  sketch  of  my  ideas — mine  is  not  the  voice  which  could 
do  justice  to  the  bright  prospects  which  open  upon  my  mind,  and  extend  to  the 
highest  and  final  destiny  of  man  ;  it  is  only  a  humble  voice  coming  from  a  land 
which,  though  it  has  spread  civilization  in  Europe,  may  yet  be  among  the  last 


1834. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


315 


to  enjoy  the  consequences  of  the  proposed  plan  :  but  I  call  upon  you,  and  upon 
all  interested  in  the  cause  of  humanity,  to  promote  its  fulfilment.  Could  not 
nations  be  made  to  reflect  upon  one  another  the  beams  of  light,  as  they  have  but 
too  often  kindled  against  each  other  the  llames  of  destruction  ] 

No  place  can  be  better  adapted  for  such  an  establishment  than  London,  no 
place  can  afford  the  same  means  of  communication  with  the  whole  civilized 
world,  no  place  can  become  a  safer  depository  for  the  mass  of  information  ob- 
tained. In  this  country  you  have  no  obstacles  to  encounter,  and  I,  returning  to 
mine,  shall  carry  with  me  the  hope,  that  some  friendly  hand  will,  from  time  to 
time,  convey  to  me  the  glad  tidings  of  your  prosperous  proceedings. 

Believe  me  ever,  &c.,  E.  Mayer." 

Fourth  Month  1th. — Stephen  Grellet  expresses  a  wish  that  I  would 
meet  him  at  Liverpool,  if  I  am  likely  to  attend  the  Dublin  Yearly 
Meeting,  and  indeed  it  increasingly  appears  to  be  my  duty. 

9//i.  —Monthly  Meeting.  I  requested  to  have  a  minute,  in  case  way 
should  open  for  my  going  to  Ireland,  which  was  granted  me. 

\bth. — Ordered  a  case  of  seeds  to-day,  to  be  prepared  for  Governor 
Randall,  St.  Mary's,  Gambia,  then  proceeded  to  Lindfield,  stopping  in 
our  way  at  Croydon ;  we  visited  the  school  and  were  much  pleased 
with  the  order,  cleanliness,  and  comfort  that  prevailed. 

\lth. — Delightful  visit  to  the  upper  cottages  to-day.  The  aspect  of 
the  little  farms,  gardens,  &c.,  is  truly  encouraging. 

2'ird, — Returned  from  Lindfield  on  seventh-day,  and  last  evening 
Lucy  and  I  left  home  in  order  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  Dublin. 
We  set  out  from  Islington  between  seven  and  eight,  breakfasted  at 
Leicester,  and  had  a  fine  ride  through  the  peak  country.  We  arrived 
at  Manchester  a  little  before  five,  and  paid  some  calling  visits  in  the 
evening. 

24</j. — Susanna  Corder  joined  us,  and  we  proceeded  by  the  railway 
to  Liverpool,  dined  at  Edge  Hill  with  our  dear  old  friend  Isaac  Had- 
wen ;  here  we  met  Stephen  Grellet,  and  in  the  afternoon  embarked  on 
board  the  Dolphin  steamer  for  Dublin.  A  great  number  of  Friends 
crossed  with  us,  among  whom  were  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  Robson,  and 
Daniel  Pryor  Hack.  We  had  a  favourable  passage,  and  on  landing  at 
Kingstown,  engaged  places  in  a  coach  to  Dublin,  where  Stephen  and  I 
were  kindly  welcomed  by  Joseph  Bewley,  with  whom  we  are  to  lodge  ; 
Lucy  is  to  be  with  her  sisters  in  Great  Brunswick  Street ;  I  called  there 
after  breakfast,  and  we  walked  together  to  meeting.  Many  dear  Friends 
gave  me  a  cordial  greeting. 

Fourth  Month  2dth. — Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Eiders,  morning  and 
afternoon.  There  was  a  precious  solemnity  during  part  of  the  time.  In 
the  evening  I  attended  the  meeting  of  Friends'  Tract  Association,  where 
there  was  a  considerable  number  of  men  and  women  Friends.  Reports 
were  read  from  agents  and  auxiliaries  in  different  parts  of  Ireland,  and 
it  appears  that  above  twenty-four  thousand  tracts  were  circulated  last 
year.    I  thought  the  statements  very  satisfactory." 

In  the  course  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  William  Allen  was  under  much 
concern  for  the  welfare  of  the  church :  he  acknowledges  with  thankful- 


316 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1834. 


ness,  being  helped  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  proclaim  the 
glad  tidings  of  the  gospel,  and  though  brought  low,  he  could  say,  «<I 
am  abundantly  satisfied  that  it  was  right  for  me  to  come  here ;"  on  one 
occasion  he  remarks,  that  these  words  had  been  much  in  his  thoughts 
during  the  day,  '<■  Truly  God  is  good  to  Israel."  His  interest  in  young 
persons,  often  introduced  him  into  feeling  on  their  account,  and  this 
class  were  affectionately  invdted  to  take  the  yoke  of  Christ  upon  them, 
to  seek  to  know  his  will,  and  to  follow  him.  "The  tender-spirited  and 
the  contrite  in  heart,"  he  says,  "  were  encouraged ;"  and  in  a  meeting 
for  worship,  he  addressed  this  language  to  all,  "  Behold  the  Lamb  of 
God,  who  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world."  He  visited  the  women's 
meeting,  in  company  with  his  beloved  friend  Stephen  Grellet,  and  on 
seventh  day,  the  3rd  of  Fifth  Month,  writes — 

"  There  was  a  quiet  solemnity  over  the  meeting  at  its  close." 

He  mentions  going  to  the  Infant  School  in  Cole  Alley,  in  which  his 
niece,  Maria  Bradshaw,  was  much  interested,  and  speaks  in  strong  terms 
of  approbation  of  the  proficiency  of  the  children,  observing,  that  their 
answers  to  questions  on  subjects  brought  forward  in  the  Rudiment  box, 
were  admirable. 

Stephen  Grellet  left  Dublin  on  second-day,  but  William  Allen,  being 
desirous  of  attending  a  meeting  appointed  to  be  held  that  evening,  re- 
mained until  the  following  day.  The  object  of  this  meeting  was,  to 
consider  respecting  the  best  means  of  affording  relief  to  a  class  of  per- 
sons in  the  province  of  Ulster,  who  had  either  lost  their  membership  in 
the  Society  of  Friends,  or  were  the  offspring  of  such  ;  and  being  thus 
separated  from  the  body,  without  having  united  themselves  to  any  other 
religious  coriimunity,  were  much  cut  off  from  christian  care  and  over- 
sight. In  the  year  1829,  when  Jonathan  Backhouse,  of  Darlington,  and 
his  wife,  were  engaged  in  the  service  of  the  gospel  in  Ireland,  their 
sympathy  was  called  forth  on  behalf  of  these  poor  people,  especially  the 
children,  whose  education  was  greatly  neglected.  The  attention  of 
Friends  was  accordingly  directed  to  the  subject;  measures  were  taken 
to  ascertain  the  circumstances  of  the  parties,  and  many  interesting 
statements,  the  result  of  these  inquiries,  were  brought  forward  this  even- 
ing ;  a  subscription  was  entered  into  on  their  behalf,  but  it  was  evident 
that  more  was  required  than  a  little  temporary  aid.  Among  the  sugges- 
tions brought  forward,  was  the  establishment  of  a  school  of  industry,  in 
which  proposition  several  Friends  united.  The  disposal  of  the  funds 
was  referred  to  the  care  of  a  committee,  and  a  unanimous  feeling  pre- 
vailed in  the  meeting,  that  prompt  measures  must  now  be  taken.  W.  A. 
was  well  satisfied  in  having  waited  for  this  occasion,  and  says,  that  the 
subject  of  the  education  of  the  poor  children  took  strong  hold  of  his  mind. 

Fifth  Month  6th,  he  writes — "  Dined  at  Sarah  and  Maria  Bradshaw's 
with  Lucy,  and  we  had  a  comfortable,  social  family  party.  In  the 
afternoon  Joseph  Bewley  kindly  sent  his  carriage,  and  dear  Charles, 
his  brother,  drove  Lucy  and  me  to  Kingstown.    We  went  on  board 


1834. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN, 


317 


the  packet  about  five  o'clock,  and  John  and  Sophia  Pease  embarked 
with  us.  The  wind  was  favourable,  but  rather  rough.  On  landing  at 
Liverpool,  we  drove  to  our  kind  friend,  Isaac  Hadwen's,  and  here  I 
found  James  Cropper.  We  had  some  interesting  conversation  about 
plans  for  making  poor  children  contribute  to  their  own  support,  in  a 
school  of  industry,  where  agriculture  might  be  introduced.  He  has  a 
place  near  Warrington,  and  intends  to  appropriate  twelve  acres  of  land 
to  this  object.  He  gave  me  a  little  pamphlet  which  he  is  just  publish- 
ing. We  dined  with  our  dear  aged  friend,  and  took  tea  at  Thomas 
Thompson's,  where  we  met  a  large,  agreeable  party  of  Friends.  Returned 
to  Edge  Hill  to  lodge :  Stephen  Grellet  is  also  here.  I  feel  sweetly 
peaceful. 

Fifth  Month  8th. — Breakfasted  at  half-past  six.  Dear  Isaac  Had- 
wen,  eighty-one  years  of  age,  would  come  down  with  us  to  the  train, 
in  which  we  proceeded  to  Manchester :  attended  meeting  there,  and 
afterwards  set  off  in  the  Peveril  coach,  which  starts  at  half-past  twelve 
o'clock :  we  reached  Newington  between  nine  and  ten  the  following 
evening,  and  were  joyfully  received  by  my  dear  wife,  whose  health 
seemed  quite  as  good  as  when  I  left  her. 

10th. — To  town  in  the  morning — called  to  see  Thomas  Clarkson, 
who  has  had  an  operation  performed  on  his  eye.  All  going  on  favourably. 

12th. — Anniversary  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society,  Lord 
John  Russell  in  the  chair.  The  Earl  of  Chichester  and  Lords  Mor- 
peth and  Mount  Sandford  were  there  ;  a  most  capital  meeting. 

11th  Called  on  Tottie,  the  Swedish  Consul,  about  the  translation 

of  Shiotz  letter  in  Norsk ;  then  upon  Warwick  Weston,  respecting 
cotton  from  Africa ;  he  has  received  a  number  of  bags,  and  expects  to 
receive  about  one  hundred  more.  I  have  desired  him  to  send  two  bacfs 
down  to  Lanark  to  be  tried.  This  is  a  point  I  have  been  aiming  at  for 
upwards  of  thirty  years.  Warwick  Weston  sent  out  some  seed,  which 
the  coloured  settlers  eagerly  received,  and  a  considerable  quantity  is 
now  grown. 

2Sth. — (During  the  Yearly  Meeting).  Meeting  at  Devonshire  House, 
where  I  went  with  dear  Stephen  Grellet,  as  it  is  the  last  he  is  likely  to 
attend  here;  it  was  very  full  when  we  arrived,  although  the  clock  had 
not  struck.  Jacob  Green  spoke  impressively  on  the  words,  <  Set  thine 
house  in  order,  for  thou  shalt  die,  and  not  live.'*  Stephen  had  an 
opportunity  fully  to  relieve  his  mind  ;  his  communication  was  very 
remarkable,  rising  brighter  and  brighter  towards  the  close.  Elizabeth 

*  W.  A.  afterwards  learnt  that  this  solemn  language  was  applied  with  power,  by  the  Holy 
Spirit,  to  an  individual  present,  to  whom  it  proved  a  great  blessing.  On  the  return  of  this 
Friend  to  his  own  home,  he  mentioned  the  circumstance  to  his  wife,  expressing  a  belief  that 
It  was  designed  as  a  warning  to  himself,  and  acknowledging,  with  deep  thankfulness,  his 
sense  of  the  mercy  thus  extended  to  him  ;  he  obeyed  the  injunction  without  delay  ;  in  the 
course  of  a  few  weeks  he  was  seized  with  fever,  which  very  soon  clouded  his  intellects, 
and  after  a  short  illness  he  was  summoned — but  it  is  humbly  believed  not  unprepared — to 
meet  his  God. 


318 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1834. 


J.  Fry  followed  in  supplication.  There  was  a  very  solemn  feeling  over 
the  meeting.  - 

Fiftli  Month  30lh  Yearly  Meeting  at  half-past  five ;  the  General 

Epistle  was  read,  and  a  few  remarks  were  made,  expressive  of  appro- 
bation. According  to  my  feelings,  this  was  a  very  favoured  sitting. 
When  the  business  was  over,  Stephen  rose  and  delivered  a  parting 
exhortation,  which  was  remarkably  solemn  and  impressive  ;  to  some 
he  addressed  the  language  of  warning,  and  he  had  sweet  encourage- 
ment for  the  aged,  and  for  tender  visited  minds.  In  the  silence  at  the 
close  there  was  a  deep  feeling  of  solemnity,  and  the  meeting  concluded 
soon  after  eight  o'clock.  The  Great  Head  of  the  Church  has  granted  us 
some  precious  seasons,  and  has  been  pleased  to  confirm  our  faith  in  Him. 

31st. — Sorrowful. — Dear  Stephen  Grellet  is  with  us  for  the  last 
time — Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  where  he  spoke  in  a  remark- 
able manner, — it  was  indeed  a  faithful  communication.  Several 
Friends  were  with  us  at  our  lodgings,  and  before  we  separated  we 
felt  the  drawing  of  the  Father's  love,  and  after  a  time  of  silence  Ste- 
phen knelt  in  supplication.  It  was  a  favoured  opportunity.  We  after- 
wards walked  to  Bishopsgate  Street,  to  John  Hustler's  lodgings,  and 
there  I  took  a  final  leave  of  him. 

Sixth  Month  3rd.> — Examination  of  the  boys  at  the  Borough  Road 
School;  Lord  Chichester  was  in  the  chair; — very  satisfactory. 

10//i. — Received  a  parting  letter  from  Stephen  Grellet,  very  precious : 
he  was  to  sail  for  Philadelphia  on  the  8th. 

19th. — I  finished  reading  Pringle's  South  African  Sketches  ;  a  very 
interesting  and  useful  work,  showing  how  shamefully  the  aborigines 
are  treated,  even  by  permission  of  the  British  Government.  Dined  with 
the  Committee  of  the  Useful  Knowledge  Society  :*  a  large  party,  be- 
tween fifty  and  sixty.  I  had  much  conversation  with  several ;  it  was 
a  very  useful  committee. 

21st. — Called  on  J.  Sydney  Taylor,  then  had  a  conference  with  J. 
T.  Barry,  at  Plough  Court.  Waited  on  Lord  Howick,  by  appointment 
and  had  a  full  and  free  conversation  with  him  on  the  subject  of  the  three 
bills, — Lennard's,  Lloyd's,  and  Ewarl's,  on  Capital  Punishment.  I 
find  it  is  proposed  to  have  a  prison  upon  Dartmoor,  and  to  employ  the 
prisoners  in  building  it.  I  expressed  ray  approbation  of  this  plan,  but 
spoke  very  closely  and  honestly  on  the  subject  of  the  punishment  of 
death,  reminding  him  that  in  more  than  one  instance  of  late,  innocent 
persons  have  suffered.  I  mentioned  to  him  our  determination  never  to 
cease  our  exertions  while  the  law  remains  as  it  is.  He  smiled  cordially, 
and  expressed  himself  kindly.  I  then  proceeded  to  the  Lord  Chancel- 
lor's room,  at  the  House  of  Lords,  as  he  had  appointed  ;  he  came  out 

*  Being  much  interested  in  the  general  objects  of  this  society,  William  Allen  was 
diligent  in  his  attendance  of  the  committees,  whore  he  endeavoured  to  exercise  the  influence 
he  might  possess,  in  guarding  against  the  introduction  of  objectionable  matter  into  the 
publications  of  the  society. 


1834. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


319 


to  me.  I  held  in  my  hand  the  Times  newspaper,  and  expressed  my 
grief  on  seeing  in  it  a  speech  made  by  him  in  the  House  last  night,  in 
which  he  put  the  matter  of  the  remission  of  the  punishment  of  death, 
on  the  subject  of  expediency^  and  justified  its  infliction.  This  called 
forth  some  strong  invectives  against  the  supporters  of  the  bills,  and  he 
said  there  were  not  one  hundred  persons  to  be  found  in  the  kingdom 
who  adopted  my  notions  on  the  punishment  of  death,  I  coolly  told 
him  there  were  thousands,  and  that  the  number  was  constantly  increas- 
ing.   I  was  pained  at  his  sentiments,  and  soon  afterwards  came  away. 

2^rd. — To  Devonshire  House — Committee  on  foreign  visits.  A 
letter  was  read  from  James  Backhouse,  from  Flinder's  Island,  where  the 
aborigines  from  Van  Dieman's  Land  are  now  located, — states  great 
improvement  among  them  since  his  former  visit  last  year.  Five  o'clock 
to  the  House  of  Commons  ;  met  the  Duke  of  Wellington  going  to  the 
House  of  Lords ;  the  way  is  open  to  call  upon  him  at  Apsley  House. 
Met  many  members  in  the  lobby,  and  endeavoured  to  fix  them  to  sup- 
port Lloyd's  Bill.  I  was  universally  well  received,  and  about  six 
o'clock  came  away. 

Sixth  Month  21th. — Committee  of  the  Anti-Slavery  Society  at  one 
o'clock;  he  proposed  that,  on  the  1st  of  Eighth  Month  next,  the  day 
on  which  the  Slaves  in  our  Colonies  will  be  emancipated,  there  should 
be  some  public  manifestation  of  gratitude  to  God,  made  by  all  the 
friends  of  this  great  measure.  At  the  House  of  Commons  in  the  after- 
noon, and  was  examined  by  the  Educational  Committee  for  about  two 
hours,  Lord  John  Russell  in  the  chair.  I  think  nearly  twenty  members 
were  present. 

29th  Plough  Court,  then  to  Lord  John  Russell.    I  am  to  send  the 

committee  a  set  of  the  Reports  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  So- 
ciety, and  some  copies  of  the  Scripture  Lessons.  In  the  evening 
writing  notes  to  Members  of  Parliament,  about  the  punishment  of  death 
— finished  twenty-three. 

Seventh  Month  3rd. — House  of  Commons,  to  meet  J.  T.  B.  Saw 
members  in  the  lobby,  then  went  into  the  gallery  ;  Lennard's  Bill  : 
Lord  Howick  supported  an  amendment  which  would  have  nullified  the 
bill,  but  sixty  members  were  present,  and  a  strong  body  of  our  friends, 
in  consequence  of  our  exertions ;  several  nobly  supported  the  bill,  and 
Lord  Howick  said  that,  seeing  what  was  the  sense  of  the  House,  he 
gave  up  his  opposition;  this  was  met  by  cheers." 

Several  succeeding  days  record  farther  exertions  on  this  subject. 
On  the  9th  he  writes — 

«'  There  is  great  excitement  at  the  House — Ministers  have  resigned." 

Shortly  afterwards,  however,  he  mentions  that  the  affairs  of  the  Cabi- 
net were  adjusted,  and  that  all  was  going  on  again. 

Seventh  Month  l\th. — I  had  long  wished  to  see  Capt.  Brenton's 
Asylum  for  poor  destitute  children,  and  the  day  being  fine,  I  went  over 
with  some  of  my  friends  to  Hackney  Wick  this  morning,  and  we  had  a 


320 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1834. 


very  gratifying  visit  to  the  establishment.  There  were  forty-seven  boys, 
many  of  whom  have  been  taken  from  the  streets,  and  are  now  brought 
into  orderly  and  industrious  habits.  Ten  acres  of  land  are  attached  to 
the  institution,  which  the  children  cultivate  under  the  care  of  a  super- 
intendent. Capt.  Brenton  says,  their  system  is  mildness,  constant  in- 
spection, constant  labour  or  amusement,  constant  innocent  occupation. 
The  boys  seldom  stay  more  than  six  months  in  the  school ;  the  funds 
not  admitting  of  their  remaining  a  year,  which  would  be  preferable. 
There  is  a  committee  of  respectable  persons  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
and  such  as  have  no  objection  are  sent  there,  or  to  the  Swan  River ; 
many  of  them  have  got  into  profitable  employment  and  are  doing  well. 
We  were  quite  delighted  with  our  visit. 

14th. — At  William  Crawford's,  Raymond's  Buildings.  Prison  Dis- 
cipline Society;  Samuel  Hoare,  Dr.  Julius,  &c.,  there. 

15th. — Wrote  to  Prince  Alexander  Galitzin,  and  to  A.  D'Junkovsky." 

In  his  letter  to  Prince  A.  Galitzin,  W.  A.  writes — 

*'  The  friendship  of  those  who  love  the  Saviour,  and  who  desire  above  all 
things  to  serve  Him  acceptably,  is  of  a  more  permanent  nature  than  the  friend- 
ship of  the  world  ;  while  absent  from  each  other  in  ,body,  they  are  at  times 
brought  near  in  the  bonds  of  Christian  fellowship ;  they  are  also  at  seasons 
permitted  to  feel  sweet  unity  of  spirit  with  some  who  were  inexpressibly  dear  to 
them,  while  in  this  probationary  state,  but  who  have  now  entered  into  the  joy  of 
their  Lord.  We  have  indeed  a  goodly  company  on  the  other  side  of  Jordan, 
and  0,  that  through  redeeming  love  and  mercy,  we  may,  in  the  Lord's  time,  be 
permitted  to  join  them,  and  unite  in  the  eternal  hallelujah  ! 

In  looking  back  upon  the  occurrences  of  past  times,  the  late  dear  Emperor 
Alexander  is  often  brought  sweetly  to  my  remembrance,  particularly  the  inter- 
views we  had  at  Vienna  and  Verona.  The  parting  opportunity  at  the  latter  place, 
when  my  prayers  were  put  up  for  him  at  the  throne  of  grace,  while  he  knelt  by 
my  side,  was  a  time  never  to  be  forgotten. 

Our  British  and  Foreign  School  Society  goes  on  prosperously ;  also  the  Bible 
Society,  which  has  passed  a  vote  that  every  liberated  slave  in  our  West  India 
Islands  who  can  read,  shall  receive  a  copy  of  the  New  Testament.  The  great 
day  of  emancipation  is  fixed  for  the  1st  of  the  Eighth  Month.  I  enclose  a  paper, 
published  by  our  Anti-Slavery  Society,  on  the  occasion." 

Seventh  Month  16th  In  addressing  Elias  Eliason,  one  of  the  Friends 

of  Stavanger,  W.  A.  says — 

"I  feel  comfort,  as  often  as  I  recollect  the  sweet  feeling  of  christian  fellow- 
ship, with  which  we  were  favoured  in  our  religious  opportunities  with  you. 
Continue  to  keep  near  to  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,  which  brings  into  humility 
and  contrition,  yea,  and  into  a  sense  of  the  Divine  presence  and  love  ;  then  will 
your  meetings,  though  held  in  silence,  be  times  of  refreshing,  and  you  will  feel 
your  spiritual  strength  renewed.  Live  in  love,  and  the  God  of  love  and  peace 
will  be  with  you. 

I  remain,  dear  friend,  your  affectionate  brother  in  the  Gospel  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  William  Allen. 

W.  A,  was  much  concerned  to  find,  that  obstacles  had  been  opposed 
to  the  introduction  of  Sierra  Leone  produce  into  this  country,  as  well 
as  that  of  the  Gambia.  He  wrote  several  letters  to  influential  persons 
upon  this  subject,  and,  in  addressing  Lord  John  Russell,  says — 


1834. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


321 


"  It  lias  long  been  an  object  with  the  friends  of  Africa,  to  encourage  the 
natives  to  trade  with  us  in  the  products  of  their  country,  instead  of  the  bodies  of 
each  other,  and  particularly  at  our  colonies  of  Sierra  Leone  and  the  Gambia, 
where  wide  fields  for  useful  exertion  are  now  opening.  At  Sierra  Leone,  the 
captured  negroes  at  the  different  settlements  have  sown  the  cotton  seed  which 
has  been  sent  to  them  from  time  to  time,  and  they  are  now  beginning  to  raise  it 
in  quantity.  Several  bales  have  been  already  sent  over,  and  our  manufacturers 
pronounce  the  staple  good.  From  the  Gambia,  two  parcels  of  paddy  have  been 
imported  into  this  country,  and  passed  the  customs,  but  the  third  has  been  stopped 
by  the  machinations  of  the  agents  of  the  slaveholders  of  North  Carolina  in  this 
country,  who  wish  to  have  the  monopoly  of  the  article.  May  I  beg  of  thee  to 
use  thy  influence  with  the  Lords  of  the  Treasury,  in  favour  of  the  memorial  of 
Forsters  &  Co.  I  am  a  perfect  stranger  to  them,  but  their  case  appears  to  be  that 
of  the  Anti-Slavery  cause,  and  is  therefore  near  my  heart.  I  think  it  would  be 
well  to  call  the  attention  of  Parliament  to  the  state  of  our  African  Colonies,  for 
I  am  sure  much  may  be  done  if  it  be  honestly  set  about."* 

After  introducing  the  subject  to  the  notice  of  T.  S.  Rice,  W.  A. 
observes — 

"  Is  it  not  monstrous  that  the  slave-holders  of  North  Carolina,  and  their  agents 
here,  should  be  patronized  by  our  government,  while  the  agents  of  our  own 
Colonies,  who  are  doing  what  Wilberforce,  Clarkson,  Buxton,  and  all  of  us  had 
for  years  been  anxiously  longing  for,  should  be  discouraged  ?  Was  it  not  deemed 
by  some  of  the  most  active  members  of  the  present  government,  an  object  of 
paramount  importance,  to  encourage  the  Africans  to  trade  in  the  innocent  pro- 
ducts of  their  country,  instead  of  the  persons  of  each  other?  I  cannot  bring 
myself  to  believe  that  the  Lords  of  the  Treasury  will  ever  sanction  such  proceed- 
ings. I  have  not  the  smallest  interest  in  any  trade  to  Africa,  but  I  am  sure  it 
would  be  a  measure  of  sound  policy  in  the  government,  to  encourage  such  of 
our  merchants  as  are  employing  their  capital  in  importing  the  products  of  Africa, 
and  opening  new  channels  for  the  exportation  of  our  manufactories." 

'■^Seventh  Month  2Sth. — Walked  to  Raymond's  Buildings,  to  Wil- 
liam Crawford's  Chambers,  to  attend  the  Prison  Discipline  Committee. 
Dr.  Julius,  who  is  going  to  New  York  to  examine  the  gaols  there,  was 
present.  Crawford  read  to  us  the  report  which  he  has  prepared  for 
government,  on  the  state  of  the  American  prisons. 

Eighth  Month  1st. — A  day  of  Jubilee.  Eight  hundred  thousand  of 
our  fellow  creatures  released  from  slavery  this  day,  in  our  West  India 
Islands !  My  spirit  is  clothed  with  thankfulness.  A  large  meeting 
was  held  at  the  Freemason's  Tavern,  where  the  members  of  the  Anti- 
Slavery  Committee,  and  the  friends  of  the  Abolition  of  Slavery,  dined 
together.  I  thought  it  right  to  attend  the  first  part  of  the  time.  The 
Earl  of  Mulgrave,  who  presided,  made  an  excellent  speech,  and  gave 
us  much  information  on  the  state  of  affairs  in  Jamaica.    Several  other 

*  Some  time  afterwards,  W.  A.  received  the  followiDg  reply  : — 
"  My  DEAR  Friend, 

"T  understand  that  directions  have  been  given  by  the  Treasury,  to  admit  the  cargo  of 
paddy,  on  payment  of  the  lower  duty,  and  previously  to  any  decision  being  made  on  the 
general  question,  the  subject  has  been  referred  by  the  Treasury  to  the  Board  of  Trade  for 
their  opinion;  the  Secietary  for  the  Colonies  will  also  be  consulted. 

Yours  faithfully,  J.  Russell," 

Vol.  II.  21 


322 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1834. 


persons  also  spoke  well.  I  cannot  describe  my  feelings,  on  beholding, 
on  this  occasion,  the  countenances  of  many  with  whom  I  had  laboured 
for  a  great  part  of  my  life,  but  who  were  now  met  together  at  the  con- 
summation. Reverent  thankfulness  not  only  prevailed  in  my  heart, 
but  I  believe  in  the  hearts  of  many  present,  and  we  were  ready  to 
exclaim,  <  What  hath  God  wrouglit !'  I  had  some  conversation  with 
several  whom  I  much  wished  to  see,  and  endeavoured  to  interest  Lord 
Morpeth  in  ftivour  of  the  introduction  of  the  produce  of  Africa  into  this 
country,  also  T.  F.  Buxton  and  Dr.  Lushington.  After  having  for 
more  than  forty  years  abstained  from  the  use  of  sugar,  on  account  of 
its  being  the  produce  of  the  labour  of  slaves,  now,  that  they  are  de- 
clared free  by  the  government,  I  recommenced  taking  it  this  day  at 
Peter  Bedford's.* 

Eighth  Month  2nd. — C.  Hughes,  the  American  Secretary  of  Legation, 
who  was  so  kind  to  us  at  Stockholm,  and  a  friend  of  his  dined  with  us. 
Also  Alfred  Cope,  of  Philadelphia,  and  his  friend.  Hughes  and  I  had 
much  discussion  on  the  subject  of  truth  and  principle.  I  afterwards 
reflected  with  peace  on  the  sentiments  that  I  had  expressed  respecting 
these  important  points,  and  trust  the  conversation  would  not  be  unin- 
structive  to  the  young  people. 

3rd. — Some  of  the  lads  from  the  boys'  school  spent  the  afternoon 
■with  us.  I  look  them  to  the  summer-house  in  the  garden,  where  I  read 
to  them  the  chapter  in  Gurney's  Distinguishing  Views,  «  On  the  Per- 
ceptible Influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit.' 

9th. — Disgraceful  riots  at  New  York,  to  put  down  the  Anti-Slavery 
Society — houses  demolished — bodily  injury  inflicted  on  people  of  colour. 
The  riots  lasted  two  or  three  days,  a  striking  example  of  the  demorali- 
zation consequent  upon  permitting  slavery." 

After  William  Allen's  return  from  Dublin,  his  mind  was  frequently 
occupied  in  revolving  the  subject  of  establishing  a  School  of  Lidustry, 
at  Lindfield,  where  a  select  number  of  boys  might  be  received  as 
boarders,  upon  low  terms,  with  a  view  to  the  labour  of  the  children 

*  That  this  testimony  agiinst  Slavery,  small  as  it  may  appear  to  some,  was  not  without  an 
important  influence,  is  evidenced  by  the  following  notice  which  the  Editors  have  received  : — 

"  When  G.  W.  Alexander  visited  Holland,  in  1844,  to  promote  the  Abolition  of  Slavery 
by  the  Dutch  Government,  P.  Elout,  a  judge,  and  person  of  high  consideration  at  the 
Hague,  in  conversation  on  the  subject  of  Slavery,  said,  '  It  is  to  William  Allen  I  attribute 
all  I  have  felt  and  done  for  the  cause  of  the  slave.  When  he  was  at  the  Hague,  many 
years  since,  I  was  invited,  together  with  a  number  of  serious  individuals,  to  take  tea  with 
him.  I  was  then  quite  a  youth.  He  took  no  sugar  with  his  tea,  whxh  surprised  me.  I 
was  more  surprised  by  the  reason  he  gave  for  this.  He  told  the  company  that  he  had  long 
abstained  from  the  use  of  it  because  he  could  not,  with  peace  of  mind,  partake  of  that  as  a 
gratification,  for  which  thousands  of  innocent  people  were  compelled  to  labour  in  cruel  and 
hopeless  bondage.  I  was  struck  with  this  example  of  self  denial,  by  so  great  a  man  as  I 
thought  him  to  be,  in  a  thing  so  seemingly  small  in  itself,  and  1  was  led  to  consider  how 
great  must  be  the  evil  of  a  system  which  could  make  so  deep  and  so  religious  an  impres- 
sion upon  his  feelings.  From  that  period  my  own  sentiments  have  been  engaged  in  the 
cause  of  the  negro,  and  my  efforts  given  to  procure  their  emancipation  in  the  colonies  of 
Holland.'  " 


1834. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


323 


being  made  available  to  reduce  the  expenses  of  the  institution.  On 
examining  his  premises,  he  found  that  arrangements  could  be  made 
for  the  accomplishment  of  this  object,  and  that  he  could  carry  out  his 
favourite  scheme  of  each  having  a  separate  sleeping-room.  He  accord- 
ingly commenced  the  alterations,  and  on  the  14th  of  Eighth  Month, 
addressed  a  letter  to  T.  C.  Wakefield,  Jun.,  of  Moyallen,  in  which  he 
says — 

"I  recollect  thy  zeal  at  the  last  Yearly  Meeting  in  Ireland,  on  the  subject  of 
the  children  of  those  who  once  belonged  to  our  Religious  Society,  and  who  still 
wish  to  have  them  educated  in  its  principles.  I  find  that  on  my  school  premises 
at  Lindfield,  I  have  ample  means  for  making  an  experiment  with  twelve  boys, 
and  am  accordingly  fitting  up  little  chambers,  and  preparing  to  receive  them. 
Enclosed  is  a  sketch  of  the  establishment;  I  could  easily  procure  the  number 
in  England,  but  I  will  give  Ireland  the  preference." 

The  prospectus  alluded  to,  states  that — 

"The  boys  are  to  be  brought  up  in  habits  of  industry,  and  are  to  be  employed 
in  cultivating  land,  under  a  person  well  skilled  in  husbandry. 

They  are  to  be  taught  to  do  every  thing  for  themselves,  as  far  as  practicable  ; 
they  are  to  make  tlieir  own  beds  and  to  keep  their  ovi'n  apartments  clean,  and 
are  to  be  instructed  in  the  most  effectual  means  of  supplying  the  necessaries  and 
comforts  of  life,  by  the  cultivation  of  the  land  on  the  spade,  or  garden  plan. 

They  are  to  be  taught  reading,  writing,  arithmetic,  English  grammar,  geogra- 
phy, land  measuring,  and  such  other  branches  of  useful  knowledge  as  may  be 
practicable  ;  they  will  have  the  use  of  a  select  library. 

Care  is  to  be  taken  that  they  be  well  instructed  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  in  the  evidences  of  the  christian  religion,  and  in  the  principles  of  the 
Society  of  Friends  ;  and  that  their  conduct  and  demeanour  be  consistent  there- 
with. 

It  is  proposed,  that  for  the  first  year  the  number  be  limited  to  twelve.  One 
of  the  objects  of  this  undertaking  is  to  ascertain  how  far  such  an  establishment 
may  be  made  to  support  itself  by  the  labour  of  the  children  in  connexion  with  a 
farm.  Ten  pounds  are  to  be  paid  with  every  boy  upon  admission,  for  board, 
lodging,  clothing,  &c.,  for  one  year. 

The  whole  concern  will  be  under  the  superintendence  of  William  Allen." 
"  Eighth  Month  30th. — Received  a  precious  letter  from  dear  Stephen 
Grellet,  dated  Burlington,  Seventh  Month  29th.  He  found  his  wife 
and  daughter  as  well  as  he  could  expect,  but  had  a  tedious  voyage  of 
forty-three  days.  .  I  also  received  the  following  letter  from  Prince 
Alexander  Galitzin  : — 

"  Si.  Petersburg,  1st  August,  1834. 
"  Sir, — I  had  the  pleastire  of  addressing  to  you,  on  the  23rd  of  April,  1833, 
a  letter  in  which  I  mentioned  that  His  Majesty  the  Emperor,  had  been  pleased 
to  order  that  your  work  called  '  Colonies  at  Home,'  should  be  translated  into  the 
Russian  language,  and  that  I  had  charged  your  well  known  friend,  Alexander 
D'Junkovsky,  to  translate  it.  Now  I  take  this  early  opportunity  of  informing 
you,  that  as  soon  as  the  translation  was  ready,  I  sent,  by  the  Emperor's  order, 
copies  of  it  to  His  Majesty's  ministers  of  finance,  of  the  interior,  and  of  the 
imperial  domains,  to  be  applied  for  the  gradual  improvement  of  the  state  of  the 
peasants.  In  consequence  of  it,  the  minister  of  the  interior  has  now  communi- 
cated to  me,  that  he  found  the  work  very  useful,  particularly  for  the  German 
colonists  established  in  the  different  parts  of  Russia,  and  therefore  ordered  that 


324 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1834. 


the  work  should  be  translated  into  German,  and  that  printed  copies  of  it  be  dis- 
tributed in  the  several  colonies  in  the  interior  of  Russia. 

Having  thought  that  it  might  be  agreeable  to  you  to  know  this,  inasmuch  as 
you  are  the  author  of  a  work  which  has  proved  useful  to  a  large  country  with 
many  millions  of  inhabitants,  I  hasten  to  communicate  the  intelligence  to  you. 

May  our  Lord  Jesus  be  always  with  you. 

Yours  most  sincerely,  Prince  Alexander  Gamtzin." 

Soon  after  this  date,  William  Allen  received  a  letter  from  Paris,  men- 
tioning the  prosperity  of  the  Schools  at  Palermo.   The  writer  says— 

"  One  of  my  friends  has  written  to  me  that  there  are  now  six  in  that  city,  on 
the  Lancasterian  method  ;  they  contain  fifteen  hundred  children,  and  are  succeed- 
ing remarkably  well." 

"  JYinth  Month  6th  Rose  at  six.    I  am  hastening  towards  the  close 

of  all  things  here  ;  the  query  arises,  <  what  lack  I  yet  ?'  Answer,  '  more 
of  the  meekness  and  gentleness  of  Christ.'  I  am  too  sensitive  on  oppo- 
sition to  my  views  ;  more  true  humility  is  wanted.  O,  Thou  who  art 
all-powerful,  help!  One  mind  really  imbued  with  heavenly  love,  will 
shed  a  sweet  influence  upon  all  those  with  whom  it  is  associated. 

10th. — Meeting,  and  Monthly  Meeting.  I  felt  a  little  spiritual  refresh- 
ment, and  was  engaged  in  ministry  on  the  words,  <  Be  of  good  comfort, 
rise  ;  he  callefh  thee.' 

12th  We  had  an  important  meeting  this  evening  of  Friends'  Con- 
tinental Association  at  Stoke  Newington,  when  report  was  made  of  the 
distribution  of  some  of  the  funds  collected  at  the  Yearly  Meeting  in 
1833,  and  a  circular  was  drawn  up,  which  states  that,  '  During  several 
years  past  most  of  the  Continent  of  Europe  has  been  visited,  at  diflferent 
times,  by  members  of  our  Religious  Society ;  in  the  course  of  their 
travels  they  have  met  with  pious  persons,  who  are  zealously  endea- 
vouring to  promote  the  spread  of  the  Gospel,  and  who  would  cheerfully 
receive  and  circulate  Friends'  tracts  and  other  religious  treatises.  In 
some  parts  of  France,  particularly  towards  the  line  of  the  Pyrenees,  a 
wide  door  is  now  opening,  for  such  exertions.  As  the  principles  of 
infidelity  are  publicly  and  regularly  taught  in  some  places,  this  com- 
mittee has  had  the  smaller  work  of  J.  J.  Gurney,  on  the  Evidences  of 
the  Christian  Religion,  translated  into  French,  and  an  edition  of  one 
thousand  copies  printed  at  Nismes,  which  are  now  in  the  course  of 
circulation.  In  Spain  the  way  seems  preparing  for  the  diffusion  of 
gospel  light.  In  Greece,  translations  of  Friends'  tracts  are  eagerly  re- 
ceived and  applications  have  been  made  for  tracts  in  the  Norwegian  lan- 
guage. There  are  also  openings  in  South  Africa,  and  in  Western  Africa, 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  River  Gambia,  and  in  Sierra  Leone.' 

Several  very  interesting  letters  were  read,  amongst  which  was  one  signed  by 
Frank,  Louis,  and  Armand  Courtois,  of  Toulouse,  in  which  they  write, — '  We 
have  received,  on  your  part,  and  that  of  your  committee,  one  hundred  copies  of 
a  very  interesting  work  of  Mr.  Gurney 's.  We  are  going  to  send  it  to  several 
of  our  friends,  that  it  may  be  rapidly  circulated.  The  sale,  by  means  of  pedlars, 
is  much  slackened  in  the  South  of  France  ;  however,  we  think  that  the  Scrip- 
tures are  producing  their  effects.    We  have  been  in  Spain,  and  have  been  able 


1834. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


325 


to  distribute  some  Spanish  Bibles.    May  God  open  to  us  the  doors  of  that 
benighted  country. 

We  have  heard  with  joy,  that  a  Society  is  forming-  at  Paris,  among  the  Mem- 
bers of  the  Cliamber  of  Deputies,  for  the  Abolition  of  Slavery.  We  have  writ- 
ten to  our  Paris  friends,  to  say  that  we  are  ready  to  do  all  in  our  power  to  con- 
tribute to  this  truly  christian  and  philanthropic  undertaking.  I 

We  hope  your  health  continues  to  be  good,  and  that  you  are  strengthened 
from  above  to  prosecute  the  labours  you  have  undertaken  for  the  temporal  and 
eternal  welfare  of  man. 

All  our  family,  and  Mr.  Chabrand,  desire  to  be  particularly  remembered  to 
you.  We  shall  never  forget  the  edifying  conversations  we  have  had  with  you, 
and  hope  some  day  to  meet  you  again  here  below,  either  in  England  or  France. 
It  is  sweet  for  christians  to  know  that  there  is  a  re-union  of  the  children  of  God, 
more  permanent  than  that  on  earth,  even  in  that  rest  prepared  for  His*  people, 
where  Christ  himself  will  be  their  portion  for  ever.  There,  dear  friend,  we 
trust  we  shall  meet  again,  delivered  from  this  body  of  sin,  and  become  partakers 
of  that  heavenly  inheritance,  which  has  been  purchased  through  the  sufferings 
and  death  of  our  blessed  Redeemer. 

It  will  always  be  a  very  great  pleasure  to  hear  from  you.'  " 

In  his  answer  to  this  letter,^W.  A.  says — 

"  Very  many  times  since  we  parted  from  each  other  at  Toulouse,  have  you 
been  brought  to  the  view  of  my  mind  in  affectionate  remembrance  ;  though  far 
separated  in  body  we  may  meet  in  spirit,  when  under  the  fresh  influence  of  the 
Saviour's  love,  we  think  of  each  other  as  united  in  Him.  I  have  had  a  sweet 
letter  from  dear  Grellet  since  he  reached  home;  he  is  in  the  full  enjoyment  of 
his  divine  Master's  peace,  and  his  heart  is  filled  with  love  to  all  those  among 
whom  he  has  laboured. 

Please  to  give  my  love  to  our  friend  Chabrand,  and  to  your  dear  parents  and 
family,  and  let  me  know  how  the  Lord's  work  prospers  in  your  hands  :  you 
serve  a  good  master.    I  hear  there  is  a  great  awakening  about  Osnaburg." 

A  letter  from  Captain  Macphail,  the  resident  at  Santa  Maura,  contained 
a  grateful  acknowledgment  of  the  box  of  seeds  sent  to  him  :  he  says — 

"  I  have  tried  several  patches  of  Indian  corn  for  forage  :  the  experiment  has 
been  successful,  and  it  seems  generally  approved.  Nothing  is  so  much  wanted 
here  as  forage ;  many  animals  die  of  want  every  winter,  and  the  summer  is 
scarcely  better.  I  mentioned  before  that  I  have  successfully  cultivated  potatoes, 
turnips,  and  clover,  all  novelties  here.  Mr.  Yeardley  sowed  some  lucern  and 
mangle-wurzel,  both  of  which  have  produced  fine  crops  already,  though  on  a 
small  scale. 

You  ask  if  we  have  any  Greek  copies  of  the  Scripture  Lessons,  and  of  the 
Bible  in  modern  Greek.  We  have  about  forty  copies  of  the  Lessons,  and  there 
are  several  in  the  girls'  school.  We  have  a  translation  of  Genesis  in  modern 
Greek :  a  few  copies  were  kindly  left  here  by  Mr.  Yeardley." 

JVinfh  Month  15th. — Called  on  Dr.  Farre,  Queen's  Row,  Penton- 
ville,  and  was  highly  gratified  to  find  that  he  had  been  engaged  for  years 
in  making  experiments  upon  Indian  corn,  and  that  he  has  now  succeeded 
in  obtaining  a  kind  that  will  grow  in  a  northern  climate.  Very  much 
depends  upon  the  time  of  sowing.  Count  Jenison  de  Walworth  called, 
and  brought  me  letters  from  Maxweiler.  It  appears  that  the  colony  is 
in  great  distress,  on  account  of  the  frosts  late  in  the  spring,  and  the 
great  drought,  there  having  been  no  rain  for  three  months," 


326 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1834. 


During  William  Allen's  stay  at  Lindfield  in  this  month,  he  went  over 
to  Dale  Park,  accompanied  by  one  of  his  nieces,  to  spend  a  night  with 
his  valued  friend  John  Smith,  and  his  amiable  family  ;  he  enjoyed  this 
social  intercourse  with  persons  for  whom  he  felt  a  strong  regard,  and 
in  whose  society  he  was  always  interested,  and  he  speaks  of  it  as  a 
very  agreeable  visit,  affording  him  much  satisfaction.  On  his  way,  he 
Stopped  at  Ashington  to  rest  the  horses,  and  says — 

"  Lucy  and  I  took  a  walk  of  nearly  two  miles  to  the  pretty  village  of  Worm- 
inghurst,  which  is  situated  on  an  eminence  ;  and  having  made  inquiry  respecting 
the  ancient  residence  of  that  devoted  servant  of  the  Great  Master,  William  Penn, 
a  farmer  very  kindly  took  us  to  the  spot  where  his  house  formerly  stood  ;  several 
workmen  were  employed  in  digging  up  the  old  foundations,  which  are  very 
massive,  and  show  that  the  building  must  have  been  large.  The  view  from 
hence,  is  beautiful  and  extensive." 

On  returning  to  Gravely,  he  writes — 

"  Read  Samuel  Scott's  Diary  in  the  evening,  to  our  mutual  edification. 

J\''inth  Month  21th. —  Comforted  in  the  night,  and  was  favoured  with 
openness  in  prayer.  Left  Gravely  at  seven.  Conference  at  the  schools, 
and  then  proceeded  to  Newington,  which  we  reached  between  six  and 
seven  o'clock  ;  enjoyed  being  all  together  again. 

Tenth  Month  Zrd. — Friends'  Continental  Association  ;  a  very  satis- 
factory meeting.  In  reference  to  the  admission  of  paddy  from  the 
Gambia,  at  the  lower  duty,  I  have  received  written  assurances  from 
Lord  Brougham  and  T.  S.  Rice,  (as  well  as  Lord  John  Russell,)  that 
they  will  attend  closely  to  the  subject. 

— '  Offences  will  come.'  I  have  been  considering  how  important 
it  is  to  endeavour  to  keep  the  mind  in  such  a  state  of  watchfulness  as 
never,  unnecessarily,  to  hurt  the  feelings  of  any  one  ;  to  be  kind  and 
affectionate  towards  all  by  whom  we  are  surrounded,  and  to  live  in  love; 
this  can  only  be  attained  by  keeping  under  the  influence  of  the  Spirit  of 
our  dear  Redeemer. 

Qth. — Lispector's  Committee  at  the  Borough  Road  ;  we  are  getting 
on  rapidly,  and  find  it  difficult  to  keep  pace  with  the  applications  for 
masters.  These  committees  are  becoming  more  and  more  interesting. 
Those  who  knew  what  this  institution  was  at  its  commencement,  must 
be  struck  with  admiration  at  its  present  position,  and  evidently  extend- 
ing influence. 

Tenth  Month  ll^A.— Dr.  Farre,  Lieut.  Col.  Colebrooke,  Col.  Beck- 
•with.  Count  Jenison  de  Walworth,  and  T.  B.  Wrightson,  dined  with  us. 
Col.  Beckwith  sets  out  for  the  Valleys  of  Piedmont  very  shortly,  and 
Wrightson  is  about  to  travel  on  the  continent  to  collect  information  on 
the  subject  of  the  punishment  of  death.  Count  Jenison  encourages  me 
to  keep  open  a  communication  with  the  people  of  Maxweiler. 

l~lth. — On  going  up  stairs  last  night,  I  observed  a  large  fire  at  the 
back  of  the  house,  and  it  proves  to  have  been  the  Houses  of  Lords  and 
Commons,  which  were  burnt  down. 


1834. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


327 


l8//i.  I  find  that  four  boys  are  likely  to  come  from  Ireland  to  my 

new  scliool  at  Lindtield. 

21$;. — My  mind  comfortably  stayed  upon  the  Lord  ;  it  is,  however, 
trying  to  me  to  be  obliged  to  leave  my  dear  wife  when  I  visit  Lindfield, 
she  being  too  feeble  to  encounter  the  fatigue  of  the  journey.  Eliza 
came  with  me  this  time,  and  we  set  off  a  little  after  seven  ;  we  stopped 
at  the  schools,  where  I  met  John  Glaisyer,  and  attended  the  anniversary 
of  our  Branch  Bible  Association,  held  in  the  Reading  Room.  G.  Brown, 
the  secretary  of  the  Parent  Society,  made  an  excellent  speech  ;  it  was  a 
satisfactory  meeting.  He  and  his  wife  lodged  with  us,  and  we  spent 
an  interesting  evening. 

22716?. — Rode  over  to  Brighton  this  morning  to  attend  a  meeting  con- 
vened on  behalf  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society  ;  the  Earl  of 
Chichester  was  in  the  chair ;  there  was  a  very  respectable  company,  and 
good  Dr.  SteinkopfF  advocated  our  cause  :  an  auxiliary  was  formed,  and 
everything  succeeded  admirably.  Proceeded  afterwards  to  Cuckfield, 
in  time  for  the  Bible  Meeting  there,  and  as  president  was  obliged  to  take 
the  chair.  Brown  described  the  operation,  progress,  and  present  state  of 
the  Parent  Society,  in  a  capital  speech.  This  has  been  a  satisfactory  day. 

29th. — I  leave  Lindfield  this  time,  with  a  pleasing  conviction  that  all 
the  tenants  are  in  a  way  to  pay  their  rents." 

In  a  letter  written  soon  after  this  date,  William  Allen  observes,  in 
reference  to  Lindfield — 

"  It  is  very  possible  that  I  am  too  sanguine.  I  remember  what  Charles  James 
Fox  said  in  the  House  of  Commons,  when  the  friends  of  the  slave-merchants 
within  those  walls,  charged  the  abolitionists  with  enthusiasm  ;  turning  to  the 
speaker,  he  exclaimed,  '  Enthusiasm,  Sir  !  why  there  never  was  any  good  done 
in  the  world  without  enthusiasm.'  We  must  feel  warm  upon  our  projects,  other- 
wise, from  the  discouragements  we  are  sure  to  meet  with  here,  they  will  drop 
through."  • 

Eleventh  Month  2nd. — Attended  Southwark  Meeting  this  morning, 
and  was  glad  that  I  was  there.  It  was  a  favoured  time,  and  I  walked 
home  in  comfort, 

3rd  Passing  along  Paradise  Row  to-day,  these  words  of  Paul,  in 

reference  to  his  Divine  Master,  were  sweetly  revived  in  my  mind,  with 
an  earnest  wish  that  I  might  be  able  to  say  so  likewise,  '  Whose  I  am, 
and  whom  I  serve.' 

1th. — Friends'  Continental  Association  met  here  this  evening  ;  an 
interesting  time.  A  number  of  tracts  are  to  be  sent  to  the  Courtoises 
of  Toulouse,  and  fifty  copies  of  Gurney's  Evidences,  in  French,  to 
Professor  Tholuck  of  Halle.  A  letter  from  the  former  conveys  the 
following  interesting  information  : — 

,  "Notwithstanding  the  prevalence  of  infidelity,  much  is  doing  in  France  ;  the 
gospel  is  preached,  not  only  in  protestant  temples,  but  by  numerous  pedlars  and. 
evangelists;  the  reading  of  the  scriptures  has  rendered  many  more  serious,  the 
moral  misery  which  is  felt,  is  generally  attributed  to  the  want  of  religious  con- 
victions. Under  many  circumstances,  favourable  opportunities  occur  forannounc- 


328 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1834. 


ing  the  gospel :  we  lately  travelled  with  some  officers,  who  felt  painfully  anxious 
on  the  subject  of  tlieir  conversion  ;  their  consciences  reproached  tliem  strongly 
for  their  sins,  and  especially  for  the  cruellies  they  had  been  guilty  of  during  the 
Spanish  war,  so  that  again  and  again  they  renewed  the  subject.  They  received 
with  thankfulness  a  New  Testament  each,  and  said  they  should  never  forget 
that  night. 

We  have  been  admitted  to  preach  in  the  women's  prison,  and  many  have 
appeared  touched,  and  shed  tears.  If  we  had  more  time  and  zeal,  much  might 
be  done,  for  God  has  opened  here  a  wide  door." 

In  reply  to  this  communication,  William  Allen  writes — 

"  I  was  gratified  by  receiving  your  letter,  dated  '  Oct.  27.'  I  see  by  it,  as 
well  as  by  your  former  letter,  that  if  our  Divine  Master  favours  us  with  health 
and  strength,  we  may  pretty  constantly  find  something  to  do  in  His  great  cause ; 
and  truly  '  His  work  is  honourable  and  glorious.' 

With  regard  to  the  sale  of  the  little  treatise  of  Gurney's,  we  wish  you  to  fix 
such  a  price  as  shall  be  an  encouragement  to  the  colporteurs  to  dispose  of  it ; 
circulation  is  our  object.  We  beg  you  to  keep  all  the  money  you  may  receive 
for  this  publication,  or  any  other  that  we  may  send  you,  as  a  fund  for  translating 
and  printing  such  things  as  we  may  direct.  In  the  parcel  lately  forwarded,  you 
will  find  two  copies  of  the  Scripture  Lessons  of  our  British  and  Foreign  School 
Society  :  we  wish  to  know  what  would  be  the  expense  of  printing  them  in  Spanish, 
at  Toulouse,  from  the  text  of  the  Bishop  Torres  Amat's  Bible,  or  do  you  think  I 
had  better  propose  to  him  to  print  it  himself  in  Spain  1  O,  what  a  field  is  here, 
should  our  dear  Lord  open  the  way  into  it,  but  the  clouds  hang  heavily  over  that 
land  at  present." 

"  Eleventh  Month  13th. — Charles  Fox  and  his  wife,  who  are  lately 
returned  from  the  continent,  were  at  Plough  Court  to-day.  They  bring 
an  account  of  the  death  of  Mary  Ann  Calame,  of  Locle,  near  Neuf- 
chatel, — this  is  affecting  intelligence.  She  had  a  school  for  two  hundred 
and  forty  poor  children,  and  was  a  pious  and  excellent  Christian. 
Dined  with  the  Useful  Knowledge  Committee  :  Lord  John  Russell  in  the 
chair.    He  made  some  inquiries  about  Lindfield,  and  wishes  to  see  it. 

Eleventh  Month  2\st. — Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School 
Society,  A  sub-committee  appointed  about  education  in  the  West  Indies. 

25th. — This  afternoon,  I  read  Silvio  Pellico's  account  of  his  ten 
years'  imprisonment ;  a  horrible  description  of  Austrian  tyranny, 

21th. — On  waking,  in  the  night,  my  mind  was  turned  to  the  Lord, 
and  affected  with  a  sense  of  His  goodness ;  under  this  feeling,  my 
prayers  were  put  up  for  preservation,  and  that  God  would  indeed  make 
me  His  servant  ;  which  I  consider  would  be  the  greatest  honour  that 
could  possibly  be  granted  me.  It  is  sweet  to  meditate  upon  Him  in  the 
night-watches.  On  rising,  my  strength  seemed  renewed,  and  I  was  less 
anxious  than  is  often  the  case.  I  ought  to  rely  with  more  confidence 
on  my  dear  Lord,  and  to  tmst  more  in  Him,  and  not  be  afraid. 

30th. — Meeting  at  11,  (at  Lindfield.)  I  sat  down  in  deep  spiritual 
poverty,  but  was  soon  sensible  of  the  calming  influence  of  divine  good, 
so  that  ray  mind  was  stayed  upon  the  Lord,  who,  I  trust,  condescended 
to  regard  this  little  company.  I  was  engaged  in  ministry,  and  believe 
that  some  present  as  well  as  myself,  felt  comforted. 


1834. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


327* 


Twelfth  Month  5th. — Friends'  Continental  Association.  A  good 
meeting, — much  business." 

At  this  meeting,  a  letter  was  read  from  Frank,  Louis,  and  Armand 
Courtois,  in  which  they  say — 

"  We  have  received,  with  much  pleasure,  your  letter  of  the  IGth  instant.  May 
the  Lord  Himself  bless  our  endeavours,  and  render  our  correspondence  an  occa- 
sion of  blessing  to  many  souls,  and  a  source  of  encouragement  to  our  own.  It 
is  our  earnest  desire  to  consecrate  ourselves  entirely  to  the  service  of  our  Master, 
and  we  trust.  He  will,  mercifully,  not  despise  our  great  weakness,  but  give  us  a 
measure  of  His  spirit,  proportioned  to  our  need.  May  He,  very  dear  friend, 
give  you  and  the  other  friends  who  meet  at  your  house,  an  abundant  supply  of 
His  grace,  so  that  the  committee  you  have  been  forming,  may  become  a  new 
means  of  spreading  the  Gospel,  and  the  happy  consequences  it  must  ever  pro- 
duce on  the  hearts  and  condition  of  men." 

They  then  proceed  to  state,  that  a  door  for  usefulness  was  opened  at 
Algiers  ;  that  the  protestants  in  the  French  colony  there,  were  without 
the  means  of  religious  instruction,  and  that  some  persons  at  Geneva 
knew  of  a  very  desirable  schoolmaster,  who  was  willing  to  enter  upon 
this  field  of  labour. 

"  We  felt  ourselves  called  upon  to  attempt  something,"  they  observe,  "  hav- 
ing in  particular  been  occupied  in  giving  religious  instruction  to  a  great  number 
of  soldiers,  who,  after  having  remained  some  time  in  our  prisons,  were  incor- 
porated in  the  regiments  in  Africa.  A  greater  number  still  have,  occasionally, 
been  under  our  notice  on  their  way  thither,  from  Bourdeaux,  Bayonne,  &c.,  and 
all  expressed  an  ardent  desire  to  continue  to  receive  instruction,  after  their  arrival. 
All  these  considerations  made  us  feel  it  a  duty  to  promote  this  undertaking. 

Our  Infant  Schools  are  going  on  well.  We  have,  every  Sunday,  the  happiness 
of  announcing  the  love  of  God  manifested  through  Christ,  to  from  three  to  four 
hundred  soldiers  in  the  hospital,  and  a  good  many  in  the  prisons ;  they  listen 
with  eagerness  and  respect." 

It  was  agreed  by  the  committee,  to  encourage  the  work  of  instruction 
at  Algiers. 

A  letter  from  John  Kendall,  of  Bathurst,  St.  Mary's,  stated  that  the 
cotton  seed  which  had  been  collected  at  New  Lanark,  was  highly  prized 
by  the  natives,  and  he  says — 

"  I  have  much  pleasure  in  acquainting  you  that  I  have  seen  the  good  effects 
it  has  produced.  Numerous  applications  have  been  made  to  my  brother,  to 
secure  a  supply  of  seed  for  next  year.  It  is  his  intention  to  send  you  a  sample 
of  it  by  the  next  vessel." 

From  Corfu,  also,  there  were  accounts  of  the  successful  cultivation  of 
cotton,  and  likewise  of  the  castor  oil  plant. 

Twelfth  Month  6th. — Captain  .Smyth,  of  Bedford,  sent  me  an  inter- 
esting extract  of  a  letter  which  he  had  received  from  Sir  John  Herschell, 
now  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  stating  that  the  southern  heavens  are 
very  rich,  and  full  of  extraordinary  objects  ;  some  of  the  globular  clus- 
ters are  of  such  magnificence  as  of  themselves  to  repay  the  trouble  of 
bringing  a  large  telescope  to  view  them.  The  Magellanic  clouds,  how- 
ever, are  the  most  wonderful  and  mysterious  phenomena  which  these 


328* 


LIFE  AND  COBRESPONUENCE 


1834. 


heavens  present.  He  complains  much  of  the  atmosphere,  and  almost 
regrets  bringing  his  seven  feet  achromatic. 

Twelfth  Month  \dth. — British  and  Foreign  School  Committee.  Don 
Angel  Villalabos  attended  ;  he  is  sent  by  the  Spanish  Government  to 
obtain  information  respecting  this  system,  in  order  that  it  may  be  intro- 
duced into  Spain  ;  thus  may  we  hope  that  the  memorial,  which  S. 
Grellet  and  I  presented  to  the  King  and  Queen,  when  we  were  in 
Madrid,  was  not  without  its  effect." 

A  letter  from  Alexander  D'Junkovsky,  received  about  this  time,  says — 

"I  have  not  words  to  express  to  you  my  gratitude  for  the  kindness  with 
which  you  have  written  to  me;  it  proves  that  neither  the  six  years  which  have 
elapsed  since  leaving  your  hospitable  roof,  nor  the  two  thousand  miles  which 
separate  us,  have  altered  your  friendship  and  your  christian  love  towards  me. 
Your  letter  is  full  of  that  christian  peace,  and  that  warm  belief  in  our  Lord  and 
Saviour,  which  you  have  always  professed  ;  it  has  really  comforted  me,  and  in 
reading  it,  I  felt  as  if  I  were  near  you,  and  heard  your  precepts  of  virtue  and  of 
faith  ;  please  to  receive  my  sincere  thanks  for  it. 

I  was  pleased  to  hear  that  you  continue  to  give  lectures  at  the  schools  estab- 
lished under  your  care  at  Stoke  Newington.  Here,  with  us,  some  young  men, 
who  have  studied  chemistry  in  foreign  countries,  give  public  lectures  on  that 
science,  and  they  are  very  well  attended.  Our  Imperial  Economical  Society,  of 
which  I  am  a  member,  encourages  such  lectures ;  they  are  given  gratuitously." 

Prince  Alexander  Galitzin  writes — 

"It  is  a  peculiar  satisfaction  for  me  to  receive  your  letters,  now  and  then,  and 
to  know  what  you  are  doing,  as  the  tendency  of  your  mind,  grounded  upon  the 
solid  foundation  of  christian  charity,  leads  you  always  to  the  common  welfare. 

Accept  my  best  wishes  for  your  prosperity  and  health,  and  be  assured  of  my 
most  sincere  regard  and  constant  friendship." 

On  the  24th,  William  Allen  went  to  Hitchin  to  attend  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  of  Bedfordshire  and  Hertfordshire  :  he  says — 

"  I  met  a  loving  reception  from  my  dear  brother  Samuel  and  his  Phebe,  and 
spent  a  comfortable  evening  with  them  at  their  fire-side." 

He  mentions  the  meetings  the  following  day  as  times  of  favour,  and 
adds,  "  I  was  glad  I  was  there."  He  also  speaks,  with  comfort,  of  the 
sweet  feelings  which  prevailed  in  his  visits  to  some  Friends,  with  whom 
he  and  his  brother  had  an  opportunity  for  religious  retirement,  and  says 
the  evening  was  spent  agreeablj'. 

After  his  return  home  he  had  a  severe  attack  of  illness,  which  pre- 
vented him  from  attending  his  own  Quarterly  Meeting.  When  recover- 
ing, he  writes — 

"  I  have  had  dear    read  to  me  in  John  Churchman's  Journal,  a  book 

from  which  I  have  often  derived  much  spiritual  comfort ;  it  is  a  precious  con- 
firmation of  our  belief  in  divine  guidance  and  superintendence. 

I  have  seen,  during  this  illness,  that  my  dependence  upon,  and  faith  in,  my 
dear  Lord  and  Master  have  not  been  so  perfect  as  they  should  be ;  hence  much 
of  that  anxiety  which  has  been  injurious  to  my  health.  I  am  well  aware  of  the 
effect  that  the  mind  has  upon  the  body,  and  earnestly  desire  to  be  enabled,  fully 
and  unreservedly,  to  trust  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  stay  upon  my  God." 


1835. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


329 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1835 — 1836.  Letter  from  Rome — Disposes  of  his  share  of  New  Lanark — Visit  from 
Professor  Tholuck,  &c. — Yearly  Meeting — Visit  to  Lancashire — Letter  from  Munich 
and  Halle — Death  of  his  Wife — Again  visits  Lancashire — Correspondence — Religious 
Engagements  in  Buckinghamshire  and  Hertfordshire — Yearly  Meeting — Foreign  Let- 
ters— Notice  of  Thomas  Shillitoc — Of  Sophia  Vansittart — Journey  to  Ireland — Lan- 
cashire. 

"First  Month  9th,  1835. — T^wo  boys  from  Ireland,  sent  by  Mary 
James  Leckey  to  our  new  school  at  Lindfield,  arrived  at  Plough 
Court  this  morning. 

10/A. — Dear  Eliza  went  to  Lindfield  to-day;  also  the  two  boys. 

11th. — To  Westminster  meeting  in  the  morning;  Stoke  Newing- 
ton  in  the  afternoon.  In  the  latter,  I  had  a  short  communication 
upon  these  words,  '  Demas  hath  forsaken  me,  having  loved  this  pre- 
sent world.' 

16th. — Storm  of  wind  and  rain  in  the  night;  my  mind  peacefully 
stayed  on  the  Lord.  British  and  Foreign  School  Committee,  satis- 
factory; Robert  Forster  and  I  afterwards  called  on  the  Portuguese 
Consul  about  schools;  he  is  to  bring  the  Ambassador  to  the  Borough 
Road." 

W.  A.  mentions  the  receipt  of  an  interesting  letter  from  Rome, 
dated  December  15th,  1834,  in  which  the  writer  says — 

"  The  kind  readiness  with  which  you  complied  with  my  request, 
relative  to  Prison  Discipline  Tracts  for  my  friend,  encourages  me 
now  to  be  still  farther  troublesome  to  you.  On  my  passage  through 
Florence,  some  weeks  since,  I  missed  seeing  B.,  who  was  at  that 
time  at  Venice,  but  I  hear  from  a  mutual  friend,  that  he  is  as  earnest 
as  ever  in  his  desire  to  improve  the  condition  of  the  Tuscan  crimi- 
nals. The  books  you  were  good  enough  to  procure  for  him,  cannot 
fail  to  be  eminently  serviceable.  I  have,  since  I  entered  Italy, 
formed  an  acquaintance  with  a  person  whose  rank  gives  him  great 
influence,  and,  under  his  auspices,  it  is  hoped  that  an  experiment 
may  be  made  of  introducing  school  education  in  the  north  of  Italy. 
There  is  amongst  the  educated  class,  a  great  demand  for  the  Scrip- 
tures. Through  the  free  port  of  Leghorn,  facilities  are  now  afforded 
for  their  introduction.  Some  dozen  copies  granted  by  the  Bible  So- 
ciety have  been  already  distributed,  and  the  supply  is  by  no  means 
equal  to  the  demand.  But  to  return  to  the  object  of  my  letter,  I  am 
sure  that  another  parcel  of  books,  similar  to  those  you  were  so  good 
as  to  procure  for  B.  would  be  very  acceptable  in  this  quarter,  and 

Vol.  II.  22 


330 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


might  lead  to  much  good.  I  should  esteem  it  no  small  favour 
if  you  would  bestow  a  few  lines  upon  me,  and  would  beg  you  to 
give  me  your  opinion  as  to  the  expediency  of  infant  schools,  and  as 
to  the  best  plan  of  instruction  for  the  education  of  the  poor.  There 
is  a  spirit  of  inquiry  now  abroad  amongst  the  people  of  this  country, 
which  cannot  be  subdued.  The  great  difficulty,  at  first,  will  be  to 
find  teachers,  but  under  all  circumstances,  it  is  certainly  desirable 
to  make  an  experiment,  and  the  effects  of  the  school  established  by 
the  Austrian  government  in  the  Lombardo- Venetian  kingdoms, 
clearly  proves  that  the  Italians  are  not  so  utterly  benighted  as  to  be 
insensible  to  the  advantages  of  early  instruction." 

A  liberal  supply  of  the  works  requested  was  sent,  according  to 
directions,  together  with  some  copies  of  the  Scripture  Lessons  and 
other  publications,  and,  in  answering  the  letter,  W.  A.  writes — 

"  If  there  is  one  thing  more  than  another  that  ought  to  claim  the 
attention  of  the  Christian  philanthropist,  it  is  the  establishment  of 
schools  in  which  children  should  be  instructed  in  their  duty  to  God 
and  man." 

"  Fi7'st  Month  2lst. — Attended  the  Anti-Slavery  Committee  at 
Aldermanbury.  It  was  proposed  to  address  the  public  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  state  of  things  in  Jamaica.  The  planters  are  behaving 
very  badly,  and  imprisoning  the  Baptist  Missionaries. 

First  Month  22nd. — Meeting,  to  comfort,  when  these  words  were 
revived,  '  God  is  our  refuge  and  strength ;  a  very  present  help  in 
trouble,'  &c.  Called  at  Cowper  Street,  and  heard  that  my  nephew, 
.Joseph  Allen,  of  Dover,  died  last  evening  of  confluent  small-pox, 
after  a  few  days  illness ;  he  was  a  fine  young  man  of  twenty-two 
years  of  age,  universally  respected  and  beloved.  This  is  a  keen 
affliction  to  my  dear  brother  Samuel  and  his  wife.  What  shall  we 
say?  'As  the  heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth,  so  are  my  ways 
higher  than  your  ways,  and  my  thoughts  than  your  thoughts,  saith 
the  Lord.' 

2Ath. — To  W.  Crawford's,  Raymond's  Buildings,  to  meet  John 
T.  Barry  and  a  French  gentleman,  who  interests  himself  very  much 
on  the  subject  of  Capital  Punishment.  We  went  together  to  Cold 
Bath  Fields  Prison,  where  every  thing  appeared  perfectly  clean 
and  in  good  order.  There  were  eight  hundred  and  ninety-six  pri- 
soners, about  one-third  women ;  the  men  were  at  work  on  the  tread- 
mill. 

2Sth. — The  Bavarian  Ambassador  called,  and  brought  C.  F. 
Kleinschrod,  the  secretary  to  Prince  Oettingen  Wallerstein,  at 
Munich ;  he  is  to  go  with  me  to  Lindfield  to-morrow." 


1835. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


331 


He  accordingly  fulfilled  his  intention,  and  was  much  interested 
and  delighted  with  the  colony.  During  William  Allen's  stay  at 
Lindfield,  several  more  boys  arrived  from  Ireland,  and  he  says — 

"  I  had  a  very  important  conversation  with  William  Watkins, 
the  master,  respecting  the  new  arrangements  for  the  boarding- 
school. 

Second  Month  1th. — Rose  between  five  and  six ;  my  mind  com- 
forted in  the  Lord,  and  strengthened  to  commend  this  undertaking 
to  his  kind  notice  and  care ;  petitions  were  also  put  up  for  those 
dearest  to  me,  under  contrite  and  peaceful  feelings.  Eliza  and  I 
set  off  for  Newington ;  learned  that  Cuckfield  parish  had  taken  in 
one  hundred  acres  of  waste  land,  to  employ  the  able-bodied  poor. 
Joyfully  received  at  home;  a  pleasant  evening. 

\5th. — If  the  love  of  God,  and  his  Christ,  rule  in  the  heart,  it  will 
keep  down  pride  and  selfishness,  and  make  us  gentle  and  kind  to 
all  around  us :  when  this  is  not  the  case,  ought  we  not  to  be  alarm- 
ed, and  to  search  diligently  for  the  cause?  How  great  and  impera- 
tive is  the  duty  of  frequently  turning  the  mind  to  the  Lord. 

Second  Month  2\st. — Adolphus  Bach  and  the  Portuguese  Consul- 
General,  Van  Zeller,  dined  with  us ;  he  spoke  encouragingly  with 
regard  to  the  establishment  of  schools  in  Portugal,  and  is  to  come 
with  the  Ambassador  to  see  the  Borough  Road.  A  satisfactory 
visit. 

2&th. — Met  the  Portuguese  Ambassador  and  Adolphus  Bach  at 
the  Borough  Road  School,  together  with  Van  Zeller  and  his  son. 

Crossly  showed  the  school  capitally;  the  Ambassador  was  de- 
lighted, and  said  he  would  write  to  his  Prince.  They  were  struck 
with  seeing  the  persons  sent  from  Spain,  a  second  having  arrived, 
and  feel  that  they  must  not  be  left  behind.  I  then  spent  some  time 
with  Fames,  the  seedsman,  ordering  seeds  for  Kleinschrod,  who  is 
acting  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Munich  upon  the  plans  recom- 
mended in  my  little  agricultural  work ;  he  informs  me  that  the  King 
has  had  it  translated  and  printed  in  German,  and  widely  circulated 
in  his  dominions. 

Third  Month  4th. — Dined  with  the  Useful  Knowledge  Committee. 
I  protested  publicly  against  the  remarks  on  war  in  the  volume  of 
Entertaining  Knowledge,  Article  Hindoo,  and  also  made  some  ob- 
servations on  the  Penny  Cyclopa3dia;  I  had  much  satisfaction  in 
doing  so. 

5th. — Called  upon  Antonio  Bergnese,  the  intelligent  printer  whom 
Stephen  Grellet  and  I  saw  at  Barcelona,  and  appointed  him  to  meet 


332 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1835. 


me  at  the  British  and  Foreign  School,  I  then  went  up  to  Lord 
Brougham,  and  took  him  to  the  Borough  Road,  where  we  found 
Joseph  Woods.  Brougham  had  never  seen  the  present  building; 
his  last  visit  to  the  institution  was  fourteen  years  ago,  and  he  seemed 
much  interested  and  pleased. 

1th. — Lord  Brougham  and  Antonio  Bergnese  dined  with  us  to- 
day; a  satisfactory  visit;  the  former  was  particularly  interesting. 

\Ath. — Rose  before  six  ;  my  mind  low  and  poor,  and  panting  after 
more  of  the  feeling  of  the  divine  presence  and  love.  Lord,  I  be- 
lieve, help  thou  mine  unbelief!  '  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God, 
and  renew  a'right  spirit  within  me.'  " 

William  Allen  had,  for  some  time,  been  desirous  of  disposing  of 
his  share  in  the  Cotton  Mills  at  New  Lanark,  whenever  he  thought 
that  there  was  a  suitable  opening  for  him  to  withdraw.  At  the 
beginning  of  this  year  he  had  some  negotiations  on  the  subject,  and 
in  the  Fourth  Month,  mentions  having  signed  a  deed  of  transfer  to 
one  of  the  partners  in  the  concern.  All  the  vacancies  in  his  school 
at  Lindfield,  were  filled  up  during  this  month,  three  more  boys 
havincr  arrived  from  Ireland,  and  one  from  the  North  of  England. 

Fourth  Month  9th. — He  writes — 

"  Attended  the  examination  of  the  boys  at  the  Borough  Road 
school ;  Lord  Morpeth  in  the  chair.  The  Duchess  of  Sutherland 
were  there,  also  the  Duke  of  Richmond,  Sturges  Bourne,  &c.  The 
examination  went  off  exceedingly  well. 

lOth. — Wrote  twelve  notes  to  Members  of  Parliament,  to  entreat 
them  to  promote  the  removal  of  Smithfield  cattle  market  to  Isling- 
ton." 

Several  foreign  letters  also  occupied  a  considerable  portion  of 
W.  A.'s  time;  his  correspondents  at  Toulouse  reported  favourably 
of  the  success  of  their  efforts  to  promote  the  evangelization  of  the 
north  of  Africa,  where  they  observed,  that  duelling  and  vice  were 
making  awful  progress,  and  led  them  to  desire,  more  and  more, 
that  the  Lord  would  permit  them  to  be  the  humble  instruments  of 
bringing  a  speedy  remedy,  to  the  horrible  consequences  resulting 
from  the  want  of  religious  feeling.  After  mentioning  the  encour- 
agement they  had  received  from  hearing  of  the  establishment  of  an 
Evangelical  Society  at  Geneva,  willing  to  co-operate  in  this  labour, 
they  proceed  to  relate  some  of  the  difficulties  which  they  had  to 
encounter,  from  opposition  to  the  progress  of  Gospel  truth  in  their 
own  neighbourhood ;  but  this  did  not  prevent  their  persevering  in 
their  attempts  to  afford  religious  instruction,  wherever  it  was  ad- 
missible.   "  In  fact,"  they  observe — 


1835. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


333 


"  We  could  not  hope  that  darkness  would  suffer  light  to  be  spread, 
without  a  slruggk.  We  every  day  feel,  more  and  more,  how  aw- 
ful is  the  present  moment,  and  how  urgent  the  call  to  work  with 
redoubled  energy.  We  beg  you  to  give  us  your  advice  on  these 
points;  your  christian  experience  will  be  most  precious  to  us." 

In  replying  to  this  letter,  after  referring  to  the  subject  of  books 
and  tracts,  and  to  their  christian  undertaking  at  Algiers,  W.  A.  in- 
forms the  writers  of  the  exertions  made  at  Jamaica,  in  the  cause  of 
education,  and  says — 

"  School-rooms  are  already  built  at  Spanish  Town  for  two  hun- 
dred boys,  two  hundred  girls,  and  two  hundred  infants,  and  teach- 
ers are  sent  out  by  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society.  The 
different  missionary  societies  are  extremely  active  in  the  West 
India  Islands;  never  was  there  before  the  prospect  of  such  a  har- 
vest. Thanksgiving  and  praises  be  forever  rendered  to  the  great 
Lord  of  the  harvest !  and  may  you,  my  beloved  friends,  be  com- 
forted in  these  blessed  words,  '  He  that  reapeth  receiveth  wages, 
and  gathereth  fruit  unto  life  eternal.'  We  sympathize  with  you 
under  your  present  discouragements,  but  remember,  '  Greater  is 
He  that  is  in  you,  than  he  that  is  in  the  world.'  How  sweet  is  a 
little  feeling  of  the  good  presence  of  our  Divine  Master ;  David  said, 
'  My  meditation  of  Him  shall  be  sweet.'  Let  us  recommend  to  you 
to  wait  upon  the  Lord  for  a  renewal  of  your  spiritual  strength ; 
trust  in  Him  with  all  your  heart,  and  lean  not  unto  your  own  under- 
standing; thus  may  you,  beloved  brethren,  adopt  the  language, 
'  God  is  our  refuge  and  strength,  a  very  present  help  in  trouble. 
Therefore  will  not  we  fear,  though  the  earth  be  removed,  and 
though  the  mountains  be  carried  into  the  midst  of  the  sea  ;  though 
the  waves  thereof  roar  and  be  troubled,  though  the  mountains  shake 
with  the  swelling  thereof.'  " 

Fourth  Month  12th. — William  Allen  left  home  for  Lindfield,  ac- 
companied by  S.  Corder  and  one  of  his  nieces  ;  they  afterwards  at- 
tended the  Quarterly  Meeting  at  Brighton,  and  also  the  Montlily 
Meeting.    On  his  return  to  Lindfield  he  writes — 

"  We  spent  great  part  of  the  morning  at  the  school  with  William 
Watkins,  and  were  well  satisfied  with  the  progress  of  the  boys." 
And  again,  "  We  went  to  see  them  at  work  on  the  land, — it  was  a 
fine  sight.  They  all  came  to  us  to  tea,  and  I  let  them  play  at  cricket 
in  my  field." 

Soon  after  his  return  to  Newington  W.  A.  found  that  Professor 
Tholuck,  of  Halle,  was  in  London,  and  mentions  having  a  very  sa- 


334 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1835. 


tisfactory  visit  from  him  and  his  young  friend  Ernest  Miihler, 
and  from  Augustus  Beyerhaus,  of  Berlin.  They  gave  him  much 
interesting  information  respecting  his  continental  friends,  and  the 
exertions  of  individuals  in  different  parts,  in  the  cause  of  religion 
and  humanity.  Professor  Tholuck  and  Miihler  afterwards  spent 
some  time  with  him  at  Stoke  Newington.    He  says — 

"  Beyerhaus  told  us  of  a  small  committee,  or  society  of  pious 
soldiers,  subordinate  officers,  who  distributed  bibles  and  tracts,  and 
also  of  a  worthy  miller,  who  is  similarly  engaged. 

Fifth  Month  9th. — Called  on  Lord  John  Russell,  to  know  if  we 
might  depend  upon  his  taking  the  chair  at  our  annual  school  meet- 
ing on  second-day;  he  is  quite  willing  if  circumstances  do  not  occur 
to  prevent ;  he  introduced  me  to  his  wife ;  there  was  something 
very  agreeable  in  her  appearance,  indicating  much  simplicity  and 
good  sense. 

llth. — Anniversary  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society, 
Exeter  Hall ;  Lord  John  Russell  was  prevented  from  being  present, 
but  Lord  Brougham  took  the  chair,  and  was  rapturously  received 
by  the  people.  The  hall  was  crowded,  there  was  much  interest 
excited,  and  the  spirit  was  kept  up  till  the  last ;  Williams,  the  mis- 
sionary from  the  south  seas,  related  some  striking  anecdotes.  Tho- 
luck, who  lodges  with  us,  went  to  dine  with  the  Archbishop  of 
Canterbury,  but  Miihler  returned  to  Newington. 

15th. — Anti-Slavery  Meeting,  at  Exeter  Hall — met  with  Jeremy 
and  Dr.  Morison  in  the  committee  room,  T.  F.  Buxton,  George 
Stephen,  &c.  The  great  room  appeared  full,  Lord  Brougham  was 
in  the  chair,  and  made  an  eloquent  and  powerful  speech,  embracing 
the  principal  points  of  our  subject,  and  it  was  gratifying  to  see  how 
those  parts  conveying  liberal  sentiments,  were  received  by  the  au- 
dience. Buxton  next  made  an  excellent  speech,  and  some  other 
persons  spoke  well ;  the  meeting  was  not  over  till  past  five  o'clock." 

In  looking  forward  to  the  approaching  Yearly  Meeting  with 
some  degree  of  solicitude,  W.  A.  writes — 

"  We  have  comfort  in  reflecting  that  our  great  Master  is  all- 
powerful — that  the  cause  we  wish  to  advocate  is  His,  and  we  de- 
sire to  keep  our  eye  steadily  fixed  upon  Him." 

He  afterwards  says,  that  the  answers  to  the  queries  from  Lan- 
cashire, contained  great  exception  with  regard  to  unity,  and  that 
this  arose  from  several  persons,  holding  important  and  responsible 
stations  within  the  Quarterly  meeting,  having  publicly  advocated 
sentiments  not  in  accordance  with  the  acknowledged  views  of 


1835. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


335 


Friends.  The  subject  was  under  the  care  of  the  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing, but  the  Yearly  Meeting  also  appointed  a  committee,  consisting 
of  thirteen  Friends,  to  assist  in  endeavouring  to  restore  unity.  W. 
A.  was  one  of  the  number,  and  writes — 

"It  was  a  trial  to  me,  to  let  my  name  stand,  but  I  was  not  easy 
to  withdraw." 

In  a  letter  to  Stephen  Grellet,  referring  to  the  Yearly  Meeting, 
he  says — 

"  William  Forster  brought  forward  a  concern  to  address  the 
governments  of  Spain  and  Portugal,  in  the  name  of  the  Society, 
imploring  them  to  prevent  their  flags  from  covering  the  Slave 
Trade.  The  accounts  from  Daniel  Wheeler  are  very  interesting 
and  confirming.  J.  and  M.  Yeardley  returned  the  certificate  grant- 
ed them  two  years  ago,  with  an  acknowledgment  that  help  had 
been  mercifully  afforded  them,  in  the  course  of  their  labours  in 
Greece,  Switzerland,  Germany,  Italy,  &c.  The  allusion  in  thy  last 
letter  to  the  help  with  which  we  have  been  favoured  in  our  travels 
together,  affected  and  contrited  my  spirit." 

In  the  letter  to  which  William  Allen  refers,  Stephen  Grellet  men- 
tioned returning  his  certificate  to  his  own  Yearly  Meeting  of  Minis- 
ters and  Elders,  where  he  says,  "  much  solemnity  prevailed,"  and 
then  adds — 

"  This  very  feelingly  brought  me  to  review  the  divers  parts  of 
my  religious  engagements  whilst  in  your  nation,  and  on  the  conti- 
nent, when  I  had  thy  dear  company.  Often  is  my  heart  lifted  up 
with  gratitude  to  my  blessed  Master,  who  condescended,  when 
sending  His  poor  servant  to  such  peculiar  service,  to  prepare  and 
send  also  with  him  for  the  same  work,  thy  oicn  self.  We  cannot 
forget  the  precious  seasons  we  have  had  together,  and  the  consoling 
evidence  often  given  to  us,  of  our  blessed  Lord's  guidance  and  pro- 
tection." 

"  Fifth  Month  30th. — Dear  Isaac  Hadwen  dined  with  us  to-day, 
and  afterwards  went  up  stairs  to  see  my  dear  wife,  who  has  been 
very  feeble  lately,  and  was  not  well  enough  to  be  with  us ;  it  was 
an  interesting  and  agreeable  interview ;  he  is  now  in  his  eighty- 
second  year,  and  speaking  cheerfully  of  the  help  from  above,  which 
had  been  graciously  vouchsafed  to  him  from  time  to  time,  he  said, 
'  One  lift  more,  and  that  to  Heaven !'  I  was  quite  affected. 

Sixth  Month  Gth. — Called  upon  Lord  Brougham ;  interesting  con- 
ference ;  he  engages  to  bring  in  a  bill  to  the  House  of  Lords,  on  the 
subject  of  Capital  Punishments.    Then  to  Downing  Street  with 


336 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1835. 


Forster  and  Co.'s  Memorial ;  Lord  Glenelg  was  engaged,  so  I  ap- 
plied to  Sir  George  Grey,  who  was  very  kind,  and  said  he  would 
follow  it  up.  From  thence,  Josiah  Forster,  George  Stacey,  and  I, 
proceeded  to  call  upon  Lord  Palmerston,  in  order  to  speak  to  him 
about  Friends'  Address  to  the  governments  of  Spain  and  Portugal, 
on  the  subject  of  the  Slave  Trade,  but  he  did  not  come  to  his  office; 
we,  however,  saw  the  under  secretary,  who  seemed  pleased  that 
the  attention  of  the  Society  had  been  turned  to  this  point,  and  said 
he  would  lay  the  Address  before  the  Foreign  Secretary. 

llih. — At  Lindfield.  A  letter  received  this  morning,  announces 
the  decease  of  my  dear  and  long-loved  friend,  Joseph  Foster,  of 
Bromley.  The  event  took  place  quite  suddenly,  when  he  was 
taking  a  ride  near  Dorking,  on  the  9th  instant.  He  will  be  a  great 
loss,  especially  to  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society." 

On  his  return  home,  W.  A.  writes — 

"  I  was  much  concerned  at  finding  my  dear  wife  so  low  and 
poorly. — Engaged  in  writing  letters  to  America." 

In  one  of  these  letters,  which  was  addressed  to  an  old  corres- 
pondent, with  whom  intercourse  had  latterly  been  much  suspended, 
he  says — 

"  I  avail  myself  of  the  opportunity  of  the  return  of  our  friend  H. 
H.  to  bring  myself  once  more  to  thy  remembrance.  It  would  re- 
joice my  heart  if  I  could  hear  that  now,  in  thy  declining  years,  thou 
hadst  been  favoured  to  feel  the  sweet  influences  of  a  Saviour's  love, 
and  hadst  been  brought  to  rely  upon  Him  as  thy  only  hope  of  sal- 
vation. May  I  beg  of  thee  to  read  with  attention  the  little  publi- 
cations which  I  send  thee." 

"Sixth  Monl/i  \4t/i. — The  remains  of  my  dear  friend,  Joseph 
Foster,  of  Bromley,  were  interred  at  our  burying  ground,  at  Stoke 
Newington,  before  meeting ;  a  great  feeling  of  solemnity  during  the 
lime  of  silence ;  I  was  very  low,  and  brought  even  to  tears.  There 
was  a  very  large  attendance,  and  the  meeting-house  was  crowded. 
In  the  afternoon  I  was  again  very  low,  and  under  much  depression 
of  spirit,  in  the  prospect  of  leaving  my  beloved  wife  in  so  languid  a 
state.  Nothing  but  a  sense  of  duty  would  separate  us;  I  believe, 
however,  that  I  am  called  to  the  service  of  my  Heavenly  Master, 
to  whom  I  owe  her  and  all  my  blessings,  so  that  I  dare  not  draw 
back.  After  our  family  reading,  I  took  a  solitary  walk  in  the  gar- 
den, and  poured  out  my  supplications  to  Him  who  sees  in  secret, 
committing  my  all  unto  Him,  and  I  was  favoured  with  a  peaceful 
calm." 


1835. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


337 


On  the  following  day,  William  Allen  loft  home  for  Liverpool,  in 
order  to  attend  the  Quarterly  Meeting  for  Lancashire,  and  unite 
with  the  other  members  of  the  Yearly  Meeting's  Committee  in  the 
prosecution  of  the  business  entrusted  to  them.  He  says,  that  the 
service  was  particularly  trying  to  his  feelings,  from  the  affection 
which  he  felt  for  the  individuals,  yet  he  considered  that  the  cause 
of  Truth  must  be  supported,  and  he  dared  not  flinch  from  engaging 
in  it.    On  one  occasion,  he  writes — 

"  Being  low  and  distressed  I  opened  the  Bible,  and  was  comfort- 
ed in  reading  the  111th  and  112th  Psalms." 

From  Liverpool,  the  committee  proceeded  to  Manchester,  and 
were  closely  engaged  for  about  ten  days ;  during  this  time,  they  had 
interviews  with  the  parties  concerned,  and  prepared  a  document, 
which  was  left  with  one  of  them  for  consideration ;  the  committee 
proposing  to  meet  again  in  the  Eighth  Month. 

Whilst  in  Lancashire,  W.  A.  visited  James  Cropper's  School  of 
Industry,  at  Fern  Head,  near  Warrington,  with  which  he  was 
much  interested;  he  also  went  to  see  Penketh  School,  and  says,  "  I 
regretted  that  the  master  was  absent." 

He  reached  home  in  time  to  attend  his  own  Quarterly  Meeting, 
where,  though  low,  he  appeared  to  be  refreshed  by  the  ministry  of 
several  Friends. 

After  the  return  of  C.  F.  Kleinschrod  to  Munich,  he  forwarded 
to  W.  A.  a  copy  of  his  translation  of  the  "Colonies  at  Home,"  and 
in  the  letter  accompanying  the  work  he  says — 

"  The  few  precious  moments  of  your  society  last  winter,  your 
very  kind  reception,  and  the  view  of  your  most  important  philan- 
thropic institutions,  are  kept  in  my  thankful  memory.  Your  life 
and  working  is  a  continued  blessing  to  your  countrymen,  and  the 
best  example  for  every  one  who  has  in  purpose  to  exercise  true 
Christianity  and  benevolence  to  his  fellow  creatures.  But  it  is  long 
since  I  was  convinced  of  this  opinion.  Two  years  ago  I  translated 
your  manuscript  on  '  Colonies  at  Home,'  into  the  German  language, 
and  spread  it  through  a  great  part  of  my  own  country.  I  sent  also 
some  copies  to  the  Austrian  Government,  to  Vienna,  and  to  the 
most  renowned  Archbishop  Pyrker,  in  Hungary,  a  particular  friend 
of  mine,  who  wrote  me  recently,  that  he  considered  this  method  of 
colonization  of  the  poor,  as  the  most  successful,  and  that  it  will  be 
introduced  into  the  above-mentioned  country.  I  now  send  the  book 
for  your  acceptance." 

C.  F.  Kleinschrod  is  "  Counsellor  of  the  Bavarian  Ministry." 


338 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1835. 


When  Professor  Tholuck  was  about  to  return  to  Halle,  after  hav- 
ing spent  some  time  under  William  Allen's  roof,  W.  A.  says,  in  a 
letter  to  S.  Grellet— 

"  There  being  a  large  company,  I  took  Tholuck  and  Thomas 
Shillitoe  into  another  room,  and  we  sat  down  together  in  silence, 
and  had  a  sweet  religious  opportunity.  I  addressed  our  friend,  who 
was  greatly  contrited;  and  T.  S.  afterwards  said  a  few  words  to 
him.    It  was  a  season  ever  to  be  remembered. 

In  a  short  note  which  he  sent  me  when  on  the  point  of  departure, 
he  says,  *  My  dearest  fatherly  friend,  I  thank  you  once  more  for 
all,  I  thank  you  more  especially  for  the  last  holy  quarter  of  an  hour; 
we  shall  find  it  again,  with  its  fruits,  in  eternity.'" 

In  writing  to  W.  A.  from  Halle,  under  date  of  June  25th,  Tholuck 
says — 

"  Once  more  I  address  you  from  my  study,  to  which  the  grace  of 
the  Lord  has  safely  led  me  back,  and  in  which,  in  the  midst  of  the 
trials  and  numberless  engagements  of  my  station,  I  feel  often  re- 
freshed and  comforted  by  the  recollection  of  all  the  good  I  have 
experienced  in  your  blessed  country,  and  more  especially  under 
your  own  roof.  My  dear  paternal  friend,  I  have  no  one  here  to 
whom  I  can  look  up  for  consolation,  for  exhortation  and  reproof; 
I  am  surrounded  by  hundreds  who  want  continually  to  receive  from 
me.  Under  such  circumstances  you  will  easily  perceive  how  pre- 
cious such  a  recreation  as  I  have  enjoyed,  must  be  to  me.  Oh  !  my 
heart  pants  for  more  communion  with  aged  brethren  from  whom  I 
can  learn,  by  whom  I  can  be  edified.  The  Lord,  however,  knows 
best  why  He  desires  me  to  take  my  only  refreshment  from  the 
fountain,  instead  of  the  brooks  and  channels.  I  have  resumed  my 
public  functions ;  I  have  before  me  a  class  of  one  hundred  students, 
to  whom  I  explain  the  Gospel  of  St.  Matthew,  a  little  band  of 
from  forty  to  fifty,  with  whom  I  meet  for  private  conversation  on 
holy  subjects,  and  an  audience  of  four  hundred  students,  to  whom 
I  am  allowed  to  preach  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  I  am  happy  to  say 
that  I  am  returned  to  this  extensive  field  of  labour,  with  new  spiri- 
tual and  bodily  energy.  My  dear  Ernestus  Miihler  has  none  in 
England,  for  whom  he  sends  up  warmer  prayers,  than  you  and 
your  family." 

Several  times  after  William  Allen's  return  from  Manchester,  he 
alludes,  with  feelings  of  acute  distress,  to  the  evidently  declining 
health  of  his  beloved  wife.    Seventh  Month  11th,  he  writes — 

"  Dr.  Farre  called  to  see  my  dear  wife ;  we  think  there  is  cause 
for  anxiety,  but  not  for  immediate  alarm. 


1835. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


339 


Seventh  Month  I2th. — First  day.  At  Stoke  Newington  meeting 
in  the  morning,  but  being  poorly  with  a  cold,  I  did  not  go  out  in 
the  afternoon ;  I  sat  with  my  dear  wife  in  the  work  room,  and  we 
enjoyed  each  other's  society.    Read  to  her  in  the  Psalms." 

That  night  she  became  very  ill,  and  soon  appeared  to  lose  all 
consciousness  of  what  was  passing  around  her.  Her  affectionate 
husband  says — 

"  I  was  exceedingly  distressed,  and  was  engaged  in  fervent  vocal 
prayer  for  her,  and  for  us  all.  Dear  Eliza  and  Lucy  were  present. 
I  sent  for  Dr.  Farre,  but  I  have  no  hopes ;  I  am  favoured,  however, 
I  trust,  to  feel  best  help  near  to  sustain  and  keep  us. 

Mth. — A  day  of  distress  and  sore  anguish,  attending  continually 
on  my  precious  wife.  The  last  portion  of  Scripture  I  ever  read  to 
her  was  the  31st  Psalm,  and  the  last  verse  I  have  gratefully  to  ac- 
knowledge was  soon  after  verified  in  my  own  experience,  '  Be  of 
good  courage,  and  he  shall  strengthen  your  heart,  all  ye  that  hope 
in  the  Lord.' 

I5th. — My  beloved  seemed  much  in  the  same  state,  but  rather 
more  sinking  towards  morning.  My  secret  prayers  were  fervent 
and  constant  that  our  gracious  Lord  and  Master  would  look  down 
upon  my  inexpressibly  precious  companion,  and  in  mercy  favour 
her  with  an  easy  dismissal,  and  also  that  he  would  favour  us  with 
a  sense  of  His  good  presence  and  love ;  this,  I  humbly  trust,  was 
granted.  About  half-past  nine  o'clock  she  was  gently  released, 
and  I  reverently  believe  that  her  blessed  and  purified  spirit, 
through  the  merits  and  sacrifice  of  our  adorable  Redeemer,  was  re- 
ceived into  His  everlasting  rest. 

We  sat  some  time  in  silence ;  I  then  knelt  down  by  the  bed-side, 
and  was  enabled  to  give  thanks  for  the  support  graciously  vouch- 
safed, and  for  the  consoling  trust  that  the  spirit  of  the  dear  departed 
had  been  received  into  the  mansions  of  rest  and  peace.  I  suppli- 
cated for  those  dear  unto  her,^and  that  we,  for  the  future,  might 
serve  our  Great  Master  still  more  faithfully.  It  was  indeed  a  me- 
morable time ;  but  O,  how  keenly  nature  feels !  how  she  was  made 
a  blessing  to  me  in  every  way !  Her  judgment  was  sound,  her  in- 
tegrity great ;  much  as  she  loved  me,  she  always  gave  me  np 
cheerfully  for  the  service  of  the  church ;  she  was  very  diffident  in 
speaking  on  religious  subjects,  and  I  believe  refrained  from  advert- 
ing much  to  the  future,  for  fear  of  wounding  my  feelings,  as  she 
well  knew  the  depth  of  my  affection  for  her.  I  little  thought  that 
first-day  evening  would  be  the  last  time  we  should  be  able  to  con- 


340 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCK 


1835. 


verse  together,  but  precious  is  the  remembrance  of  that  day.  O, 
how  I  shall  miss  her  society  and  love  !  Her  mind  was  in  a  sweet 
tranquil  state. 

Seventh  Month  16th. — Private  retirement  and  prayer  in  my  study; 
read  the  103rd  Psalm,  and  was  comforted  in  the  renewed  trust,  that 
my  beloved  is  at  rest  in  Jesus.  I  was  much  tendered  in  the  belief, 
that  we  who  are  left  are  under  his  compassionate  notice.  My  de- 
sires are  strong  that  the  Lord  would  make  me  more  thoroughly  his 
servant,  and  that  the  residue  of  my  days,  whatever  that  may  be, 
may  be  more  faithfully  devoted  to  my  dear  Saviour. 

I  looked  back  into  my  private  journals,  at  the  records  of  my  past 
trials  and  afflictions,  and  also  of  the  mercies  of  which  I  have  been 
made  a  partaker.  In  the  evening  I  felt  faint,  and  walked  with  dear 
L.  in  the  garden,  when  I  became  a  little  better.  Ah!  my  anguish 
is  great,  yet  I  am  strengthened  to  say  with  poor  Job,  '  The  Lord 
gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away ;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the 
Lord !' 

nth. — A  sweet  time  of  retirement,  when  access  was  granted  in 
prayer. 

18th. — Opened  my  Bible  upon  the  46th  Psalm,  which  I  read  to 
much  comfort,  and  was  afterwards  engaged  in  prayer.  It  is  a 
blessed  privilege  to  pour  out  the  soul  to  our  compassionate  Saviour, 
to  come  to  him  with  our  sorrows  and  our  wants.  He  is  a  friend 
with  whom  the  devoted  heart  can  commune  continually,  and  of 
whom  we  can  never  be  deprived,  unless  we  forsake  him. 

Some  acceptable  visits  of  sympathy. 

Seventh  Month — First-day.  Retirement,  sweet.  'Draw  me, 
I  will  run  after  thee,'  is  the  language  of  my  soul.  I  proposed  that 
we  should  have  a  time  of  religious  worship  in  my  study,  which  was 
readily  acceded  to,  and  E.,  L.,  M.  and  I  sat  down  together,  and  re- 
mained in  silence  for  nearly  an  hour.  Our  spirits  were  refreshed 
in  the  Lord,  and  we  had  a  comforting  sense  of  His  good  presence. 

20//i. — Retirement  and  prayer,  under  very  precious  feelings. 
Received  a  letter  from  dear  Stephen  Grellet,  dated  Burlington,  (N. 
J.)  6th  of  Sixth  Month.  I  was  affected  most  tenderly  by  this  pas- 
sage, addressed  to  mv  beloved  wife  and  me:  '  But  my  dear  friends, 
yet  a  little  while,  and  your  portion  will  be  in  that  rest  that  re- 
mainelh  to  the  people  of  God,  of  which  class  you  are.'  My  sister 
Hoare  and  Sarah  paid  a  kind  visit.    Very  low  in  the  evening. 

22nd. — My  mind  dwells  on  the  dear  object  of  my  affections,  but 
I  have  been  sweetly  supported  with  a  sense  of  the  Saviour's  love. 


1835. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


341 


I  have  seen  clearly  that  faith  is  the  gift  of  God ;  0,  how  1  have 
prayed  for  more  of  it.  'It  is  good  for  me  to  draw  near  to  God,' 
and  verily  my  blessed  Saviour  has  manifested  himself  as  the  Com- 
forter. Dear  E.  and  L.  came  to  me  in  my  study,  and  we  sat  to- 
gether in  silence  and  sweet  unity  of  spirit;  I  had  the  word  of  en- 
couragement for  them,  expressing  the  belief  that  if  we  endeavoured 
to  cleave  unto  the  Lord,  He  would  manifest  Himself  still  more  unto 
us,  and  indeed  I  thought  that  we  might  each  adopt  the  language, 
'My  heart  is  fixed,  trusting  in  the  Lord.'  About  nine  o'clock,  we 
proceeded  to  Winchmore  Hill,  where  the  remains  of  my  beloved 
wife  were  to  be  deposited.  Though  under  great  depression,  my 
mind  was  preserved  in  calmness.  There  was  a  covering  of  so- 
lemnity in  the  meeting,  and  at  the  ground  my  dear  daughter-in-law, 
Elizabeth  Hanbury,  spoke  sweetly.  I  have  nothing  more  now  to 
desire,  but  to  be  enabled  to  fill  up  the  measure  of  my  duties  and  suf- 
ferings, and  that  through  infinite  mercy,  and  the  merits  of  my  dear 
Redeemer,  I  also  may  receive  a  peaceful  dismissal,  and  rejoin  her 
blessed  spirit,  together  with  the  spirits  of  other  beloved  ones  gone 
before,  to  unite  in  praising,  blessing,  and  magnifying  Him  that  sit- 
teth  upon  the  Throne,  and  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever. — Amen, 
Lord  Jesus. 

In  a  religious  opportunity  in  the  evening,  I  had  to  bear  testimony 
to  the  blessedness  of  being  engaged  in  the  Lord's  service,  encourag- 
ing some  present  to  enter  more  decidedly  into  it,  and  quoting  the 
language,  '  His  work  is  honourable  and  glorious  !'  " 

Whilst  deeply  feeling  his  bereavement,  William  Allen  was  not 
insensible  to  the  affectionate  sympathy  of  his  friends,  or  to  their 
tributes  of  regard  to  the  memory  of  his  beloved  wife,  and  the  fol- 
lowing letter  from  Thomas  Clarkson,  as  well  as  that  from  J.  J. 
Gurney,  were  perused  with  interest  as  well  as  comfort. 

"Plaijford,  July  22,  1835. 
"My  dkar  FRIE^D,  William  Allen, 
"  A  letter  arrived  here  this  morning,  conveying  to  me  the  painful 
intelligence  that  your  dear  wife  had  quitted  her  mortal  existence. 
I  was  then  suffering  under  the  mournful  thought  that  more  of  my 
beloved  friends  had  left  their  earthly  habitation  in  the  last  three 
months,  than  in  as  many  years  before ;  among  them  were  friends 
whom  you  esteemed  also.  I  allude,  among  others,  to  William 
Smith,  the  late  Member  for  Norwich,  and  dear  Joseph  Foster,  of 
Bromley,  whose  loss  I  shall  never  cease  to  deplore,  at  least  as  often 


342 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1835. 


as  his  name  is  brought  to  my  recollection.  You  may  imagine  then 
what  my  feelings  were,  when  the  intelligence  of  this  morning  was 
communicated  to  me,  for  it  brought  up,  additionally,  the  recollec- 
tion of  early  and  interesting  circumstances  in  my  life,  which  it  will 
always  be  dear  to  me  to  remember.  The  very  first  house  in  the 
country,  about  London,  in  which  I  was  received  and  encouraged, 
in  my  early  pursuits  in  the  cause  of  the  Abolition  of  the  Slave 
Trade,  was  that  in  which  you  now  live,  and  in  which  she,  my  de- 
ceased friend,  died.  She  and  her  brother  Samuel  Hoare*  and  I, 
dined  there  together  forty-nine  years  ago ;  it  was  then  her  father's, 
and  I  think  he  was  present.  I  have  always  remembered  that  visit 
with  gratitude,  and  I  have  never  entered  the  house  since,  but  a 
pleasurable  feeling  has  come  over  me,  which  it  is  out  of  my  power 
to  describe ;  besides  she  was  always  particularly  kind  to  me,  even 
to  my  last  visit  about  seven  weeks  ago;  she  seems  to  have  posses- 
sed a  sweet  serenity  and  complacency  of  mind  to  the  last. 

I  have  just  time  to  add  my  wife's  sympathy  and  condolence  to 
my  own. 

I  remain,  dear  William  Allen, 

Yours  ever,  affectionately, 

Thomas  Clarkso\." 

J.  J.  Gurney's  letter  was  written  from  Coalbrookdale,  a  few  days 
afterwards  :  he  says — 

"  Truly  affected  were  we,  my  beloved  friend,  on  arriving  here 
last  evening,  to  hear  of  the  decease  of  our  late  dear  cousin.  I  can 
truly  say,  that  the  intelligence  gave  me  an  unfeigned  touch  of  sor- 
row. So  are  the  tender  ties  which  bind  us  to  this  passing  world, 
broken  one  after  the  other !  So  is  the  lesson  read  to  us,  from  day 
to  day,  that  life  is  but  a  vapour,  and  soon  vanisheth  away !  I  well 
know  that  the  event  must  have  been  deeply  touching  to  thee,  but 
the  eye  of  faith  can  pierce  through  the  cloud,  and  embrace  the 
flight  of  her  purified  spirit  to  an  infinitely  happier  region.  We  can- 
not doubt  that  the  end  of  her  mortal  career  was  perfect  peace,  and 
that  through  the  infinite  merits  and  mercies  of  the  Saviour,  whom 
she  loved  and  served,  she  is  now  joined  to  the  countless  company 
of  saints  and  angels,  who  for  ever 'sing  His  praise. 

I  take  it  for  granted,  from  the  circular  letter  which  I  found  here, 
that  our  meeting  again  at  Manchester  is  put  off  until  the  12th  prox- 

•  One  of  the  earliest  members  of  the  Abolition  Committee,  see  vol.  I,  p.  20. 


1835. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


343 


imo.  0 !  that  when  we  do  meet,  the  blessing  of  the  Almighty,  in 
its  fulness,  may  rest  upon  our  labours  ! 

We  have,  I  think,  abundant  cause  to  trust  the  Great  Head  of  the 
church  ;  although  we  are  surrounded  by  everything  calculated  to 
bring  us  low,  and  to  heep  us  in  the  valley  of  humiliation.  I  have 
been  more  than  a  little  affected  by  the  death  of  my  dear  friend 
Lord  Suffield  ;  and  also  by  the  accounts  of  the  aggravated  suffer- 
ings of  our  black  brethren  in  the  West  Indies.  Thus  the  good  are 
taken,  one  by  one,  from  the  earth,  while  the  cry  is  raised,  '  Why  do 
all  they  prosper  who  deal  very  treacherously? 

Yet  I  know  that  we  ought  to  be  ashamed  of  the  want  of  faith 
with  which  we  are  at  times  beset ;  we  know  that  the  cause  of  jus- 
tice, religion,  and  virtue,  is  infinitely  dearer  to  our  Holy  Head  than 
it  can  be  to  us,  and  in  His  own  good  time,  He  will  assuredly  arise 
and  vindicate  His  own  cause." 

''Seventh  Month  24th. — I  was  affected  in  reading  the  116th 
Psalm;  it  seemed  strikingly  applicable  to  my  condition. 

25th. — Rose  before  six.  Much  contrited  before  the  Lord.  To 
town  in  the  morning,  and  on  my  return,  found  my  sister  Hoare  and 
Sarah  ;  their  kind  sympathy  was  consoling, 

26th. — First-day.  Stoke  Newington  meeting,  morning  and  after- 
noon ;  but  I  was  much  broken  down.  I  told  L.,  I  thought  I  could 
not  meet  the  servants  at  the  family  reading,  and  had  pretty  much 
concluded  to  remain  in  my  study  whilst  she  read  to  them ;  but  as 
the  time  drew  near,  I  was  not  easy  without  making  the  effort,  and 
a  little  strength  was  afforded.  We  had  a  solemn  pause  afterwards, 
when  I  addressed  them,  and  was  much  revived  and  comforted." 

A  few  days  afterwards,  William  Allen  went  down  to  Lindfield, 
and  during  his  stay,  attended  the  Monthly  Meeting  at  Brighton, 
where,  though  his  spirits  were  depressed,  he  says  he  received  some 
comfort. 

Eighth  Month  2nd,  First-day,  he  writes — 

"  Meeting  in  the  morning.  I  was  very  low  in  walking  to  the 
reading  meeting  in  the  evening;  but  on  entering,  felt  a  little  sustain- 
ing help.  The  room  was  nearly  full,  there  was  a  great  solemnity 
over  us,  and  my  poor  mind  was  strengthened  and  comforted.  I 
read  I.  Cor.,  chap,  xv.,  and  the  last  chapter  of  the  Gospel  of  Luke, 
and  was  led  to  address  the  company.  It  was  a  memorable  oppor- 
tunity. 

Eighth  Month  3rd. — Spent  a  considerable  time  in  examining  the 
boys,  some  of  whom  make  good  progress.    A  poor  woman,  whose 


344 


1.1FE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1835. 


husband  was  very  ill,  called  to  say  he  was  worse.  Though  very 
tired,  I  went  to  visit  them  in  their  cottage  on  Walsted  Common; 
lent  them  a  Bible. 

4:th. — Returned  to  Stoke  Newington  to-day  ;  but,  O,  what  a  dif- 
ference from  former  arrivals,  when  the  beloved  of  my  heart  was 
ready  to  receive  me !  But  her  blessed  spirit  is  now,  I  trust,  with 
her  dear  Saviour.  I  found  a  sweet  sympathizing  letter  from  Ed- 
ward Pease. 

9th. — Finished  writing  to  nineteen  members  of  Parliament,  urg- 
ing them  to  support  Buxton,  Burrell  and  Lushington,  in  the  House 
of  Commons,  on  the  13th,  on  the  subject  of  the  Mauritius. 

lOth. — Morning  Meeting;  it  was  a  solemn  time,  in  which  my 
poor  mind  was  tendered  and  comforted.  Set  off  for  Manchester  in 
the  evening,  as  one  of  the  Yearly  Meeting's  Committee.  Peter 
Bedford  and  I  again  lodged  at  the  Albion  Hotel." 

From  this  date  until  the  26th,  W.  A.  was  occupied  with  the 
other  members  of  the  Committee,  in  a  series  of  engagements  con- 
nected with  the  Discipline  of  the  Society  of  Friends ;  but  as  the 
business  which  claimed  their  attention  was  not  brought  to  an  issue, 
they  adjourned  their  proceedings  until  the  Twelfth  Month.  He 
several  times  mentions  low  seasons  in  the  recollection  of  his  srreat 
loss,  but  one  occasion,  after  speaking  of  his  precious  wife,  he  says — 

"I  cannot  entertain  a  doubt  that  it  is  everlastingly  well  with  her. 
May  these  lines  apply  to  me : — 

'  Soon  shall  close  thy  earthly  mission, 

Soon  shall  pass  thy  pilgrim  days  ; 
Hope  shall  change  to  glad  fruition, 

Faith  to  sight,  and  prayer  to  praise !' 

He  afterwards  writes — 

"  These  words  were  sweetly  impressed  on  my  mind,  in  my  pri- 
vate retirement  this  morning, — '  Thy  loving-kindness,  O  God,  is 
better  than  life.' 

Eighth  Month  26th. — Benjamin  C.  Fisher,  from  Ireland,  called. 
He  says  that  twenty-three  English  acres  of  land  are  about  to  be 
taken  for  a  school  of  industry  for  the  descendants  of  Friends  in  the 
Province  of  Ulster.  The  farm  is  situated  near  Ballinderry,  and 
not  fat-  from  Jacob  Green's  residence. 

At  half-past  twelve,  Peter  Bedford  and  I  took  our  departure  from 
Manchester,  in  the  Peveril  coach  ;  we  had  agreeable  fellow-passen- 
gers all  the  way.  I  was  pleased  to  see  the  carriage  waiting  for 
me  at  Islington,  and  was  gladly  received  by  my  dear  nieces. 


1835. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


345 


30t/i. — First-day,  Stoke  Newington  meeting.  In  the  afternoon, 
some  subjects  opened  upon  my  mind,  and  I  spoke  in  ministry  on 
the  words,  '  Let  us  run  with  patience  the  race  that  is  set  before  us, 
looking  unto  Jesus  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith ;'  showing 
the  privilege  of'  looking  unto  Jesus.' 

JVint/i  Month  20th — Quarterly  Meeting.  I  have  not  often  known 
one  more  satisfactory.  The  first  was  a  solemn  meeting,  and  revi- 
ved my  poor  heart,  and  the  second  was  very  comfortably  con- 
ducted. 

Tenth  Month  2nd. — Count  De  Livradio,  the  Envoy  Extraordinary 
and  Minister  Plenipotentiary  to  the  Queen  of  Portugal,  called  at 
Plough  Court,  to  see  me  on  the  subject  of  education;  he  has  an 
open  hearty  manner,  and  is  very  animated :  he  promotes  schools 
for  the  poor,  and  is  opposed  to  the  punishment  of  death. 

In  the  evening  I  was  in  the  chair  at  a  public  meeting  held  at 
Stoke  Newington,  when  an  auxiliary  to  the  British  and  Foreign 
School  Society  was  formed.    It  was  a  good  meeting. 

Srd. — Rose  before  six :  my  mind  calmed  and  comforted,  a  peace- 
ful feeling  and  humble  trust.  It  is  a  blessed  practice  to  retire 
morning  by  morning  to  wait  upon  the  Lord. 

9lh. — Friends' Continental  Association  :  several  interesting  letters 
were  read.  Augustus  Beyerhaus  states,  that  there  is  a  great  de- 
sire for  tracts  in  Silesia,  and  that  there  is  a  religious  revival  at 
Lauban,  on  the  frontiers  of  Bohemia." 

In  a  letter  from  Frank,  Louis,  and  Armand  Courtois,  they  deep- 
ly deplore  the  dreadful  state  of  Spain,  and  observe — 

"  It  is  very  lamentable  that  in  this  age,  a  war  of  destruction 
should  be  allowed  to  take  place.  The  doings  of  Mina  are  really 
not  in  harmony  with  the  present  time.  Oh  !  when  will  war  and 
violence  be  for  ever  banished !  may  christians  feel  it  more  and 
more  their  duty  to  spread  that  gospel  which  is  a  law  of  peace  and 
love  !  The  details  in  your  last  letter  interested  us  very  much  in- 
deed. We  have  been  labouring  here  under  many  difficulties,  the 
efforts  of  the  Romish  clergy  are  very  great,  and  the  work  of  the 
colporteurs  is  almost  stopped.  Other  doors  are  however  opened, 
the  Bible  Associations,  in  particular,  have  been  very  much  blessed, 
and  offer  means  for  the  extensive  circulation  of  the  Scriptures. 

Our  minds  have  been  much  occupied  lately  in  considering  what 
could  be  done  to  ameliorate  the  penitentiary  system  in  France;  we 
are  grieved  to  see  so  many  unfortunate  beings  sent  to  prison  and 
to  the  galleys,  where  they  become  so  totally  corrupted  ;  could  you 

Vol.  II.  23 


346 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1835. 


give  us  some  good  hint  on  this  most  important  question  ?  We  hope 
the  Lord  will  allow  us  to  do  something,  or  to  urge  others,  more 
qualified  than  ourselves,  to  act." 

"  Tenth  Month  \2th. — Retirement. — Much  contrited  before  the 
Lord,  with  fervent  prayer  for  more  faith.  It  seemed  as  though  the 
spirit  of  supplication  was  upon  me,  and  that  Divine  Goodness  was 
near.  R.  Maxwell  Macbrair,  who  is  going  out  to  the  Gambia, 
called.  I  am  to  speak  to  Sir  George  Grey  about  the  captured 
slaves  sent  from  Sierra  Leone.  They  suffer  in  consequence  of  no 
provision  being  made  for  them." 

The  next  day  William  Allen  went  to  Lindfield,  where  he  was 
encouraged  with  the  general  aspect  of  his  various  objects  of  inte- 
rest.   In  reference  to  the  boarding-school,  he  says — 

"  The  boys  work  with  great  alacrity  and  cheerfulness,  and  we 
are  pleased  and  comforted  with  the  prospect  of  a  successful  issue 
to  our  enterprise ;  indeed  I  am  consoled  in  the  belief,  that  He  who 
knows  the  purity  of  my  motives  in  entering  upon  this  undertaking, 
will  condescend  to  bless  the  work.  I  am  bound  to  render  unto  Him 
thanksgiving  for  the  calm,  and  the  degree  of  peace,  with  which  He 
has  been  mercifully  pleased  to  favour  His  poor  unworthy  servant." 

On  another  occasion,  when  speaking  of  his  whole  concern  at 
Lindfield,  he  writes — 

"  I  am  sure  that  if  I  had  only  consulted  my  own  bodily  comfort,  I 
should  gladly  have  relinquished  such  a  care  and  responsibility,  but 
there  is  a  service  in  this  work,  and  I  have  found  this  to  be  the  case 
at  seasons  to  my  spiritual  comfort. 

Tenth  Month  ISth. — Received  a  precious  consolatory  letter  from 
S.  Grellet,  in  which  he  writes — 

'  By  a  letter  from  our  dear  friend  John  Kitching,  I  have  just  re- 
ceived the  very  affecting  information  of  the  heavy  affliction  which 
thy  dear  Lord  and  Master  has  seen  meet  to  permit  thou  shouldst 
have  to  endure.  It  is  a  close  trial  indeed  to  nature,  your  ties  were 
so  strong;  but  I  do  not  doubt  that  thou  also  witnessest  the  efficacy 
of  divine  grace,  to  strengthen  and  comfort  thee  under  thy  sore  be- 
reavement. '  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee,'  has  been  a  word  of 
promise  from  the  Divine  Master,  that  I  have  felt  sweetly  springing 
up  in  my  heart  towards  thee,  whilst  contemplating  thy  great  loss, 
and  feeling  very  tenderly  with  and  for  thee  in  thy  affliction.  As 
thy  earthly  ties  are  breaking  up,  thy  heavenly  are  becoming 
stronger.  I  hope  that  the  Lord's  presence  and  sustaining  power, 
which  has  repeatedly  supported  thee  amidst  great  and  sore  trou- 


jggg  OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN.  347 

bles,  will  again  be  near  thee.  My  confidence  is,  that  He  will  be 
with  thee  to  the  end  of  thy  tribulated  earthly  race. 

I  was  nearly  attached  to  thy  dear  departed  wife,  from  the  first 
that  I  became  acquainted  with  her.  She  embraced  the  truth  in  the 
love  of  it;  in  the  same  love  she  has  maintained  it,  and  has  also  died 
in  it.  Thus  she  has  a  portion,  as  I  believe,  among  those  thus 
described,  '  Blessed  are  the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord.' ' 

Eleventh  Month  lOth. — Wrote  a  long  letter  to  James  Cropper  in 
reply  to  his,  about  schools  of  industry." 

In  this  letter,  W.  A.  says — 

"  Thy  letter  on  the  subject  of  thy  school  of  industry  at  Fern- 
head,  was  uncommonly  interesting  to  me;  the  facts  are  particularly 
valuable,  they  are  precisely  the  things  that  we  want.  We  are  both 
engaged  in  a  most  important  work,  one  that  has  occupied  my  mind 
for  years,  and  I  rejoice,  and  am  exceedingly  comforted  in  the  suc- 
cess that  has  attended  my  exertions,  and  in  having  such  a  fellow- 
labourer.  If  our  experiment  succeeds,  similar  schools  will  be  mul- 
tiplied, and  the  good  resulting  from  them  will  be  incalculable." 

FAeventh  Month  Wth. — Woodbridge,  of  Boston,  North  America,  * 
who  has  published  much  on  the  subject  of  education,  called  upon 
me;  he  accompanied  me  to  the  Committee  of  the  Useful  Know- 
ledge Society;  Brougham  was  in  the  chair;  it  was  a  satisfactory 
meeting." 

The  attention  of  William  Allen  having  been  afresh  directed  to- 
wards  the  affairs  of  Africa,  particularly  with  reference  to  the 
Gambia,  he  addressed  a  letter  to  Lord  Glenelg  on  the  subject,  and 
after  mentioning  the  interest  he  felt  in  every  thing  calculated  to 
better  the  condition  of  the  natives,  and,  above  all,  to  spread  the 
light  of  the  gospel  among  them,  he  says — 

"  If  this  country  were  to  avail  itself,  as  it  might,  of  the  oppor- 
tunity of  doing  good,  which  is  afforded  by  its  possession  on  the 
Gambia,  much  might  be  effected,  not  only  for  Africa,  but  for  the 
commerce  of  England.  It  is  greatly  to  be  regretted,  that  the 
French  should  be  permitted  to  retain  Albreda,  to  which  they  have 
not  the  smallest  right,  either  by  treaty  or  otherwise,  and  which  has 
always  been  a  great  annoyance  to  us,  as  affording  a  shelter  to 
dealers  in  slaves. 

The  good  effects  of  inducing  the  natives  to  traffic  in  the  produc- 
tions of  their  country,  has  been  strikingly  shown  in  the  timber  trade. 
I  have  for  years  past  endeavoured,  by  correspondence  and  other- 
wise, to  promote  their  innocent  commerce,  and  I  receive  from  time 


348 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1835. 


to  time,  specimens  of  their  merchandise,  but  none  of  them  are  of 
equal  importance  with  the  cotton.  I  have  collected  from  our  manu- 
facturers in  Manchester  and  Scotland,  the  seeds  that  have  come 
over  of  some  of  the  best  kinds,  and  sent  them  to  the  Gambia,  where 
I  am  much  gratified  to  find  they  have  succeeded,  and  I  send  here- 
with some  of  the  cotton  produced  from  them.  Our  manufacturers 
highly  approve  of  it,  and  would  purchase  any  quantity  at  a  good 
price.  If  the  colonial  office  would  encourage  Governor  Kendall  at 
St.  Mary's,  to  promote  the  growth  of  cotton,  our  manufacturers 
might  be  supplied  from  our  own  colonies,  instead  of  depending  so 
much  upon  the  slave-holding  States  of  North  America.  I  want 
words  to  express  my  conviction  of  the  importance  of  such  a  step, 
when  I  know  that  the  abominable  system  of  slavery  in  that  blood- 
guilty  land,  could  not  be  supported  or  exist,  if  the  merchants  had 
no  vent  for  their  cotton.  I  am  quite  sure  that  sound  policy*  as  well 
as  humanity,  call  upon  us  to  do  all  in  our  power  to  procure  the  raw 
material  through  our  own  colonies. 

There  is  also  another  subject  which  urgently  claims  attention, 
*and  calls  for  a  remedy,  and  that  is  the  deplorable  condition  of  the 
captured  slaves,  who  are  continually  sent  from  Sierra  Leone  to 
Macarthy's  Island,  where  I  am  informed,  through  the  VVesleyan 
Missionaries,  they  are  left  without  shelter  or  medical  attendance, 
and  that  there  is  consequently  a  shocking  mortality  among  them. 
It  is,  indeed,  a  great  mistake  to  suppose  that  nothing  more  is  neces- 
sary than  to  land  these  poor  people  there,  where  they  are  as  much 
strangers  as  the  natives  of  New  Zealand  would  be  under  the  same 
circumstances. 

I  am  in  no  way  connected  with  the  Wesleyan  Missionary  So- 
ciety, but  the  enclosed  paper  will  show  that  they  are  using  laudable 
exertions  for  bettering  the  condition  of  the  captured  slaves." 

In  continuing  the  diary,  he  writes — 

"  I  walked  over  to  Dalston  to  pay  a  visit  to  my  cousin  Martha 
Wallis;  she  was  very  feeble,  but  seems  in  a  sweet  state  of  mind; 
she  says  she  has  loved  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness,  though 
unable  to  do  any  thing  for  its  advancement;  that  her  whole  depen- 
dence is  on  the  merits  of  her  Redeemer,  and  in  Him  she  can  trust. 
She  says  the  enemy  was  very  busy  with  her  the  other  night,  but 
after  a  season  of  conflict,  she  was  favoured  with  such  a  calm  and 
such  a  feeling  of  peace,  as  she  had  never  experienced  before;  my 
tears  flowed  in  hearing  her;  I  believe,  indeed,  that  she  is  not  far 
from  the  kingdom  of  God.    I  was  much  comforted  in  this  visit." 

During  the  latter  end  of  the  month,  William  Allen  had  a  severe 


jggg  OF  WILLIAM  AIXEN.  349 

attack  of  indisposition,  and  after  nnentioniiig  lying  awake  for  sonae 
hours,  and  endeavouring  to  stay  his  mind  upon  the  Lord,  he  says— 

"  Though  low  I  was  preserved  calnn,  and  towards  morning  had 
some  good  rest,  but  I  have  symptoms  or  warnings  that  the  earthly 
house  of  this  tabernacle  is  beginning  to  give  way.  In  my  retire- 
ment I  was  favoured  with  inward  comfort  and  support. 

Ticelfth  Month  4<A.— Meeting  for  Sufferings;  a  very  important 
minute  was  made  on  the  subject  of  Friends  being  Justices  of  the 
Peace.  The  inconsistency  of  their  holding  such  offices  was  pointed 
out,  and  copies  of  the  minute  were  ordered  to  be  sent  all  over  the 
kingdom.  Attended  the  Quarterly  Meeting's  Committee  in  the 
afternoon,  on  the  visit  to  the  Monthly  Meetings. 

Finished  reading  Inglis's  Ireland,  a  valuable  and  interesting 
work." 

W.  A.,  having  found  that  some  of  the  publications  of  the  Useful 
Knowledge  Society  contained  objectionable' matter,  and  being  un- 
able to  attend  the  approaching  committee,  where  he  wished  to  state 
his  views,  wrote  to  the  President  expressing  his  uneasiness,  and 
urgently  requesting  him  to  bring  the  subject  forward :  he  adds — 

"  I  should  be  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  quit  the  Society,  and  espe- 
cially on  such  grounds." 

"9lh. — Rose  between  five  and  six;  my  mind  calm  and  peaceful, 
though  the  prospect  of  leaving  home  for  Manchester  is  very  trying 
on  divers  accounts.  The  state  of  my  health  makes  the  journey  ap- 
pear formidable,  and  I  look  forward  to  a  season  of  trials  and  con- 
flicts; we  must  not,  however,  flinch  from  our  duty.  I  took  an  affec- 
tionate leave  of  E.  and  L.,  and  proceeded  with  Peter  Bedford  to 
Leicester,  where  we  lodged.  The  next  morning  we  were  taken  up 
by  the  Bruce  coach,  and  arrived  at  Manchester  in  the  afternoon. 
My  dear  Master  comforted  his  poor  afllicted  servant. 

Twelflh  Month  \2th. — I  felt  reverently  thankful  for  the  sense  of 
sustaining  help,  with  which  I  was  favoured  this  morning;  fervent 
prayer  for  more  of  the  perceptible  guiding  influence  of  the  Holy 
Spirit." 

The  trials  which  William  Allen  anticipated  in  the  prosecution  of 
his  labours,  as  a  member  of  the  Yearly  Meeting's  Committee,  were 
fully  realised;  his  health  also  was  in  a  very  debilitated  slate,  but  on 
one  occasion,  after  a  time  of  great  suffering,  he  writes — 

"My  Gracious  Master  comforted  my  soul,  and  permitted  me  to 
taste  of  His  peace,  which  quite  revived  me." 

He  speaks  of  the  gospel  labours  of  a  minister,  then  engaged  in 


350 


LIFE  A\D  CORRESPONDENCE 


1836. 


religious  service  in  that  quarter,  as  having  been  very  strengthening 
to  him,  and  particularly  mentions  a  communication  in  which  this 
Friend  showed  the  necessity  of  that  Pmoer  which  made  able  minis- 
ters of  the  gospel  of  fishermen  and  tent-makers.  Seasons  of  de- 
pression, under  a  sense  of  his  great  loss,  are  at  times  noticed,  but 
again  and  again  does  he  commemorate  the  mercy  and  condescend- 
ing goodness  of  his  God. 

Tivelfth  Month  Idth. — When  at  Isaac  Hadwen's,  Liverpool,  he 
writes — 

"  Comforted  in  the  feeling  of  divine  support.  I  was  contrited  on 
reading  this  verse  in  the  147th  Psalm,  '  He  healeth  the  broken  in 
heart,  and  bindeth  up  their  wounds.'  My  spirit  was  cheered,  and 
my  faith  increased." 

Towards  the  conclusion  of  this  trying  engagement,  in  an  inter- 
view with  some  of  the  parties,  with  whom  the  committee  had  con- 
ferred, W.  A.  writes — 

"  I  remarked  that  in  all  I  had  done,  I  had  been  endeavouring  to 
act  vpon  principle,  that  I  had  nothing  whatever  against  them  as  in- 
dividuals, and  felt  love  for  them." 

He  was  very  ill  during  the  journey  home,  and  was  much  con- 
fined to  the  house  for  some  time,  by  an  affection  of  the  liver,  which 
he  says — 

"I  believe  was  brought  on  by  grief  and  deep  exercise  of  mind. 

Twelfth  Month  29th. — My  brother  Samuel  and  his  wife  came  to 
tea;  it  was  an  acceptable  visit;  my  dear  brother  is  a  sweet-spirited 
man,  and  I  have  no  doubt  is  steadily  advancing  towards  one  of  the 
mansions  in  our  Heavenly  Father's  house. 

31s^. — Thus  ends  the  year  1835,  marked  by  one  of  my  sorest 
outward  trials,  in  the  loss  of  my  most  tenderly  beloved  wife.  Our 
attachment  was  deep  and  strong,  and  mainly  founded  on  that  which 
will  last  for  ever.  A  vigorous  understanding,  with  kind  and  gener- 
ous feelings,  made  her  an  excellent  counsellor;  the  solidity  of  her 
judgment  was  much  relied  upon,  and  her  steady  piety  was  a  great 
help  to  me. 

I  look  forward  with  humble  hope,  that  through  the  merits  of  our 
blessed  Saviour,  and  His  great  propitiatory  sacrifice,  I  may  ere  long 
be  permitted  to  follow  those  beloved  ones  so  inexpressibly  dear  to 
me,  to  the  mansions  of  eternal  rest  and  peace,  where  we  may  for 
ever  behold  the  face  of  our  Redeemer,  in  the  full  fruition  of  His 
love. 

First  Month  1st,  1836.— 'Take  thee  another  roll.'  Ah!  that 
which  has  been  filled  up  bore  strong  characters  of  tribulation  and 


1836. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


351 


woe.  What  may  be  inscribed  on  the  present  is  hidden  from  me, 
but  bonds  and  afflictions  are  anticipated.  O,  that  they  may  have 
the  efiect,  under  the  sanctifying  power  of  divine  grace,  of  prepar- 
ing the  immortal  spirit  for  a  union  with  the  saints  in  hght !  If  so, 
it  will  be  solely  the  effect  of  Emmanuel's  love.  I  have  no  merit  to 
bring  forward,  nor  any  thing  wherewith  to  recommend  myself,  but 
my  utter  poverty  and  want.  I  long  to  recline  my  weary  head  upon 
His  dear  bosom,  and  to  sleep  in  Him  for  ever. 

Though  weak  and  poorly,  I  ventured  to  the  Meeting  for  Suffer- 
ings, where  we  had  an  interesting  account  of  a  religious  visit  paid 
by  Sarah  Squire,  to  the  Shetland  and  Orkney  Islands.  There 
seemed  much  openness  among  the  people,  and  a  letter  was  read 
from  David  Priestman,  in  which  he  speaks  very  satisfactorily  of  the 
visit. 

First  Month  5th. — Much  contrited,  with  fervent  prayer  for  pre- 
servation and  direction.  I  appealed  to  the  Searcher  of  hearts, 
'  Lord,  thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee :  thou  knowest  that  I  love  thy 
cause,  and  all  those  who  love  it.  O,  remove  all  my  doubts  and 
fears!  bring  me  into  sweetness  and  tenderness  of  spirit,  and  endue 
me  with  more  of  the  meekness  and  gentleness  of  Christ.  Look 
down  in  mercy  upon  thy  poor  church, — yet  raise  up  from  the  sim- 
ple-hearted amongst  us,  those  who  shall  come  forth  in  thy  power,  to 
maintain  the  testimonies  given  to  this  people  to  bear,  and  exalt  the 
standard  of  truth  in  the  sight  of  the  nations !'  I  renewedly  felt  this 
morning,  the  great  importance  of  encouraging  good  desires  in  all, 
and  of  holding  up  the  hands  of  the  faithful. 

Mary  Fell,  of  Uxbridge,  has  been  engaged  in  paying  religious 
visits  to  the  families  of  Friends  in  Gracechurch  Street  Monthly 
Meeting;  Susanna  Corder  accompanies  her,  and  this  afternoon 
Lucy,  Eliza,  and  I,  received  our  visit.  M.  F.  addressed  us  very 
encouragingly,  and  was  sweetly  engaged  in  supplication.  It  was 
a  memorable  lime. 

Second  Month  ith. — Dr.  Naudi  and  Peter  Bedford  came  to  tea. 
Dr.  N.  gave  me  some  interesting  particulars  relative  to  a  place  in 
Africa,  by  the  Gulf  of  Sidra,  belonging  to  Tripoli,  where  it  seems 
desirable  to  settle  a  colony  of  the  poor  Maltese,  who  are  starving." 

Shortly  after  this  period  William  Allen  addressed  a  letter  to  T. 
F.  Buxton,  in  which  he  says — 

"Inclosed  is  a  note  from  Dr.  Naudi,  soliciting  attention  to  the 
'History  of  the  British  Colonies,'  by  Montgomery  Martin,  and  par- 
ticularly to  pages  274  and  275  of  the  fifth  volume,  relating  to  the 
character  of  the  natives  of  Malta. 


352 


LIFK  AND  COKRESPONDENCE 


•  1836. 


I  shall  also  copy  part  of  a  letter  which  I  have  just  received  from 
my  friend  Captain  W.  H.  Smyth,  now  Secretary  to  the  Royal 
Astronomical  Society.  I  became  acquainted  with  him  when  in  the 
Mediterranean,  and  while  he  was  surveying  the  coasts  there,  by 
order  of  our  Government,  in  the  Aid.  He  says — 'I  am  glad  to 
hear  of  Dr.  Naudi's  benevolent  scheme,  for  there  arc  many  excel- 
lent qualities  in  the  character  of  the  poor  Maltese.  I  strongly  ad- 
vocated their  cause  with  his  Majesty,  at  Windsor,  about  three  years 
ago.  There  are  hundreds  of  square  miles  along  the  North  Coast  of 
Barbary,  of  the  finest  soil  on  earth,  lying  neglected,  whose  capabili- 
ty, if  drawn  forth,  would  be  a  means  of  property  and  wealth  to 
thousands,  as  well  as  of  spreading  religion  and  morality  among  a 
grossly  benighted  population.  The  space  between  Algiers  and 
Bona,  is  a  singularly  fine  country,  and  capable  of  increasing  its 
produce  twenty-fold,  but  it  has  hitherto  been  less  in  the  pale  of  civi- 
lization than  even  the  territory  of  Algiers.  It  is  somewhat  strange 
that  its  savage  natives,  the  Kabils,  or  Zowans,  have,  immemorially, 
had  the  custom  of  having  a  cross  tatooed  on  their  right  arms;  they 
know  not  why,  but  it  strikes  me  as  a  relic  of  the  influence  of  the 
once  powerful  African  bishops.' 

I  see  that  thou  and  dear  Lushington  were  out-voted  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  Mauritius.  Never  mind, — persevere,  be  steadfast,  un- 
moveable,  in  the  cause  of  our  Divine  Master,  for  I  trust  thy  labour 
will  not  be  in  vain  in  Him. 

I  remain. 

Thine  affectionately. 

W.  Allen." 

"Second  Month  lOiA.— Monthly  Meeting  at  Gracechurch  Street. 
I  stated  to  Friends  that  I  had  felt  some  drawings  in  what  I  ven- 
tured to  consider  the  love  of  the  gospel,  towards  paying  a  religious 
visit  to  some  meetings  in  the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Bedfordshire 
and  Hertfordshire,  and  also  in  Buckinghamshire,  and  if  it  should 
appear  right,  I  requested  leave  to  appoint  public  meetings  for  wor- 
ship. A  certificate  was  ordered ;  my  mind  felt  peaceful,  though  I 
was  under  bodily  weakness  and  suffering. 

\Alh. — My  spirit  was  contrited  this  morning,  in  reading  the  Me- 
moirs of  Elizabeth  Mortimer,  a  pious  Wesleyan,  and  an  aged 
widow.  The  following  passage  in  one  of  John  Wesley's  letters  to 
her,  is  very  consonant  with  what  has  always  been  my  opinion: — 

'It  is  doubtless  the  will  of  our  Lord  that  we  should  be  guided  by 
our  reason  as  far  as  it  can  go,  but  in  many  cases  it  gives  us  very 
little  light,  and  in  others  none  at  all.    It  cannot,  in  all  cases,  guide 


183G. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


353 


us  right,  but  is  subordinate  to  the  unction  of  tlie  Holy  One:  so  that 
in  all  our  ways  we  are  to  acknowledge  Him,  and  He  will  direct 
our  paths.' 

In  the  evening  I  read,  with  much  satisfaction,  the  Life  of  Wil- 
liam Dewsbury,  by  John  Barclay. 

Second  Month  I5t/i. — The  remains  of  our  dear  ancient  friend, 
John  Lister,  were  interred  this  morning  in  Stoke  Newington  bury- 
ing ground.  I  regretted  that,  in  consequence  of  indisposition,  I 
could  not  attend. 

22nd. — Correspondence:  wrote  to  Frank,  Louis,  and  Armand 
Courtois." 

W.  A.  says  in  his  letter — 

"  If  my  Lindfield  Reporter  reach  you  safely,  you  will  see  that  we 
have  noticed  the  exertions  now  making  for  the  spread  of  the  Gos- 
pel, in  those  parts  of  France  nearest  to  Switzerland.  No  wonder 
that  the  enemy  rages,  but  may  all  the  Lord's  servants  stand  firm, 
each  one  at  his  post;  the  Lamb  and  his  followers  shall  have  the 
victory. 

I  sympathize  with  you,  my  beloved  friends,  under  the  obstacles 
thrown  in  your  way  by  the  servants  of  anti-christ.  But  '  marvel 
not  if  the  world  hate  you,' — what  said  our  divine  Master?  'Ye 
know  that  it  hated  me,  before  it  hated  you.  If  ye  were  of  the 
world,  the  world  would  love  his  own;  but  because  ye  are  not  of 
the  world,  but  I  have  chosen  you  out  of  the  world,  therefore  the 
world  hateth  you.' 

I  am  glad  of  what  you  tell  me  about  Algiers.  Dr.  Naudi,  who 
interests  himself  much  on  behalf  of  the  poor  natives  of  Malta,  is 
very  anxious  to  form  a  society  for  planting  a  colony  of  them  in 
Africa.  If  any  thing  of  the  sort  should  take  place,  we  shall  be 
most  anxious  to  conciliate  the  aborigines  by  all  christian  means, 
for  by  these  only  can  we  hope  to  prepare  the  way  for  their  receiv- 
ing the  Gospel.  If  your  government  had  adopted  this  plan,  they 
would  have  found  it  work  more  effectunlly  than  the  sword.  Could 
our  British  and  Foreign  School  Society  afford  you  any  assistance 
by  a  grant  of  school  materials  for  Algiers?  If  you  think  it  can, 
please  to  make  a  request  to  the  committee  through  me." 

A  letter  from  C.  Kleinschrod,  of  Munich,  dated  "  February  3rd, 
1836,"  refers  with  much  interest  to  his  visit  to  Lindfield  just  a  year 
before.    He  says — 

"You  will  highly  oblige  me  by  farther  communications  on  the 
progress  of  your  institution  there,  for  the  relief  and  occupation  of 
the  poor;  your  excellent  plans  will  be  kept  in  memory,  and  I  am 


354 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1830. 


anxious  to  give  an  account  as  complete  as  possible  to  my  country- 
men. 

I  had  yesterday  an  interview  with  the  Inspector  of  the  Donau- 
moos,  Mr.  Hautle,  who  desires  to  be  recalled  to  your  kind  remem- 
brance, and  requests  his  best  thanks  for  your  benevolent  care  in  the 
relief  of  the  Donaumoos  colony.  The  seeds  which  you  sent  last 
year  have  been  very  acceptable,  and  some  of  them  have  prospered 
wonderfully,  but  in  general  we  want  still  in  Bavaria,  and  in  the 
whole  of  Germany,  a  perfect  model  of  your  plan." 

Professor  Tholuck,  of  Halle,  writes — 

"  Mv  DEAR  FATHER  IN  ChRIST, 

"  Your  letter  arrived  when  my  dear  Miihler  and  I  were  sitting 
together,  recounting  the  blessings  which  the  Lord  had  bestowed 
upon  us  during  our  journey.  What  delight  it  gave  us,  and  how 
did  we  again  implore  God's  blessing  upon  that  house,  where  Chris- 
tian friendship  had  done  us  so  much  good. 

Your  letter  was,  however,  fraught  with  mournful  intelligence ; 
you  have  lost  the  partner  of  your  life;  yet  is  it  not  a  mercy,  that 
as  we  advance  towards  eternity,  God  takes  from  us,  more  and 
more,  whatever  could  endear  to  us  our  abode  upon  earth,  and 
transports  it  to  those  regions  towards  which  we  are  hastening  1  O, 
that  the  Lord  would  spare  you,  my  dear  fatherly  friend,  to  let  me 
see  you  once  more !  I  particularly  remember  those  quiet  hours 
passed  at  your  fireside,  and  shall  never  forget  the  last  moments 
spent  with  you  and  Shillitoe  ;  their  effect  on  our  minds  will  be 
lasting. 

When  I  was  at  Berlin  I  found  that  the  memory  of  you  and  Gril- 
let  was  still  very  fresh ;  you  ought  to  make  another  little  excursion 
to  Prussia.  Oh !  that  you  could  make  it  convenient  to  come  over 
to  us  once  more  !" 

In  one  of  his  letters  written  about  this  time,  William  Allen  re- 
marks— 

"  How  strong  and  how  sweet  is  the  bond  which  unites  those  who 
love  the  Saviour !" 

''Second  Month  23rJ.— Retirement ;  some  comfort;  reading 
Scriptures ;  contrited  at  that  part  which  relates  the  encouragement 
given  by  the  prophet  Haggai  to  Zerubbabel,  to  begin  building  the 
second  Temple,  *  I  am  with  you,  saith  the  Lord.' 

Third  Month  2?i(f.— Met  John  Kitching  at  Plough  Court;  he 
kindly  consented  to  accompany  me  to  Wycombe,  where  we  ar- 
rived in  the  evening,  and  were  cordially  received  by  our  friends 
Samuel  and  Grizell  Edmonds.    J.  K.  brought  down  some  letters 


1836. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


355 


from  Daniel  Wheeler,  who,  with  his  son,  were  well  at  Eimeo  in  the 
Tenth  Month.  Dear  Daniel  finished  iiis  visit  to  Tahiti  much  to  his 
comfort;  he  has  had  extraordinary  service  in  those  parts.  The 
last  meeting  he  had  was  very  large  and  satisfactory;  the  Queen 
was  present,  she  wrote  a  short  note  to  him,  stating  that  as  his  visit 
was  not  one  of  trade,  but  a  visit  of  love,  she  should  not  take  the 
usual  anchorage  fees  for  his  vessel.  He  and  his  son  have  been 
greatly  favoured  in  having  a  very  suitable  interpreter,  the  son  of 
the  missionary  Wilson." 

The  next  day,  William  Allen  attended  the  Monthly  Meeting  at 
Wycombe,  and  returned  home  in  the  evening,  "  thankful,"  he  says, 
"in  having  been  preserved  through  this  day." 

"  Rode  to  Tottenham  to  attend  the  interment  of  the  remains  of 
my  dear  old  friend,  Mary  Stacey.  There  was  a  calm  and  quiet 
solemnity,  both  at  the  ground,  and  in  the  meeting-house.  I  did  not 
expect  to  have  any  thing  to  say,  but  at  length  had  some  openings, 
and  rose  with  the  words,  '  I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life,'  &c., 
adding,  '  Blessed  and  holy  is  he  that  hath  part  in  the  first  resurrec- 
tion,' &c.  William  Forster  followed,  and  Elizabeth  Dudley  con- 
cluded in  supplication. 

9th. — Retirement ;  strong  breathings  to  the  Lord  for  support  in 
my  impending  religious  engagements.  Monthly  Meeting ;  my  mind 
was  sweetly  calm,  and  stayed  upon  my  Divine  Master,  who  I  trust 
will  not  forsake  me;  I  prefer  His  service  to  all  the  riches,  honours, 
or  friendships  of  the  world.  The  wages  which  He  gives  are  eter- 
nal life. 

In  the  afternoon  I  went  down  by  the  coach  to  licighton  Buzzard, 
and  arrived  at  my  nephew  William  Allen's,  between  seven  and  eight. 
Called  upon  dear  aged  John  Grant  and  his  wife;  a  comfortable  visit. 
J.  G.  has  a  circulating  library  of  more  than  eight  hundred  volumes, 
which  he  lends  to  the  poor,  and  they  are  almost  all  out. 

Third  Month  lOth. — My  nephew  drove  me  over  to  the  Monthly 
Meeting  at  Hogsty-end,  where  the  little  meeting-house  is  situated 
in  a  rural  spot,  with  a  small  burying  ground  adjoining.  My  dear 
brother  Samuel  came  from  Hitchin  to  meet  me.  I  had  satisfaction 
in  being  there,  and  was  very  kindly  received  by  Friends.  Return- 
ed home  in  the  evening." 

A  few  days  afterwards,  W.  A.  received  a  letter  from  his  inter- 
esting correspondents  at  Toulouse,  and  after  gratefully  acknowledg- 
ing his  last  acceptable  communication,  they  thus  write,  in  reference 
to  his  loss — 

"Much  and  deeply  have  we  sympathized  with  you  in  your  sor- 


356 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1836. 


rows;  but  thanks  be  to  our  Almighty  Father,  the  christian  weeps 
not  as  those  who  have  no  hope,  even  in  accompanying  to  their  long 
home,  those  who  are  fallen  asleep  in  Jesus;  he  knows  that  they  are 
happy,  that  they  have  entered  into  the  rest  that  remaineth  for  the 
people  of  God,  where  they  shall  behold  the  King  in  his  beauty; 
where  they  shall  no  longer  be  called  to  bear  the  heat  and  burden 
of  the  day,  but  where  they  shall  with  joy  draw  water  directly  from 
the  wells  of  salvation.  Blessed,  yea  blessed  are  they  that  die  in  the 
Lord,  from  henceforth,  for  they  rest  from  their  labours,  and  their 
works  do  follow  them.  May  the  Lord  Himself  support  you  under 
this  heavy  trial,  and  pour  into  your  heart  the  sweet  assurance  of 
His  love,  so  that  in  all  things  you  may  be  more  than  conqueror, 
through  Him  who  hath  loved  you.  Much  do  we  wish  that  we 
might  be  allowed  to  see  you  once  more  in  this  world,  and  to  renew 
the  expression  of  the  warm  affection  we  feel  for  you.  Often  do  we 
speak  of  the  pleasing  and  edifying  hours  we  have  spent  with  you  ; 
your  name,  and  that  of  your  friend  Mr.  Grellet,  are  ever  mentioned 
in  our  family  with  feelings  of  respect  and  attachment.  But  soon 
will  the  changing  scenes  of  time  give  way  to  that  glorious  and  un- 
changeable state,  where  God  Himself  will  for  ever  be  the  portion 
of  His  people  whom  he  hath  chosen,  whom  Jesus  hath  redeemed, 
and  whom  the  Spirit  hath  sanctified.  We  feel,  though  far  separ- 
ated in  body,  united  to  you  in  spirit,  in  that  sweet  communion  of 
heart  which  begins  here  below  among  christians,  and  which  is  to 
last  for  ever. 

Inclosed  you  will  find  a  letter,  which  we  beg  you  to  deliver  to 
the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society;  we  request  their  fraternal 
co-operation  for  our  Algerine  Society.  We  are  still  in  the  day  of 
small  beginnings ;  something,  however,  has  been  done.  The  school 
contains  forty-eight  children  of  a//  religious  tenets.  We  are  going 
to  set  up  an  infant  school,  and  perhaps  a  school  for  the  Jews,  when 
Albino,  the  schoolmaster,  shall  be  sufficiently  conversant  in  Arabic; 
as  you  well  remark,  such  means  are  much  more  sure  to  produce 
civilization,  than  war.  We  deplore  the  cruelties  which  the  French 
have  committed  in  this  colony.  The  enmity  of  the  Arabs  springs 
in  great  part  from  this  cause,  and  it  will  be  difficult  to  conciliate 
men  whom  you  have  accustomed  to  yield  only  to  brute  force.  We 
feel,  more  and  more,  the  truth  and  the  importance  of  the  pacific 
and  christian  principles  of  the  Friends  respecting  war,  which  is  the 
greatest  of  all  evils,  and  brings  on  the  most  ruinous  and  the  most 
demoralising  consequences  to  all  those  who  are  engaged  in  it,  since 
the  moral  conduct  in  war,  is  such  as  would  expose  men,  who  should 


1836. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


357 


do  the  same  under  other  circumstances,  to  transportation,  or  the 
scafibld." 

In  accordance  with  his  prospect  of  religious  duty,  William  Allen 
attended  the  Quarterly  Meeting  held  at  Hertford  :  he  mentions  being 
inwardly  comforted  at  the  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  and, 
on  the  following  day,  says — 

"  I  was  low,  but  sensible  that  best  help  was  near.  The  meeting 
was  pretty  large ;  a  blessed  sense  of  the  Lord's  power  was  to  be 
felt;  my  mind  was  sweetly  relieved,  and  faith  and  hope  were  re- 
newed. I  proceeded  to  Hitchin  in  the  evening,  with  peaceful  feel- 
ings, and  felt  quite  in  my  place.    Lodged  at  my  brother  Samuel's. 

Tliird  Month  24th. — Attended  the  week-day  meeting  at  Hitchin, 
and  was  mercifully  helped  to  speak  in  ministry;  some  refresbing 
visits  afterwards.  A  satisfactory  religious  opportunity  at  Isaac 
Brown's  school ;  thirty-six  boys." 

The  following  day,  VV.  A.  was  at  the  Monthly  Meeting  at  Ampt- 
hill,  which  proved  a  time  of  encouragement  to  himself,  and  after 
returning  home  on  Seventh-day,  he  writes — 

"  I  have  great  cause  for  thankfulness  in  having  been  able  to  pro- 
ceed so  far  in  this  religious  engagement.  May  I,  more  and  more 
cheerfully,  apply  myself  to  what  may  be  called  the  Great  Master's 
work,  for  His  sake. 

In  my  bereaved  state,  what  a  mercy  it  is  to  have  two  such  kind' 
care-takers  as  my  dear  E.  and  L.  Let  me  remember  my  blessings, 
as  well  as  my  tribulations,  which  have  not  been  few  or  slight  in  the 
course  of  my  pilgrimage." 

On  the  31st  of  Third  Month,  W.  A.  again  set  out  to  pursue  the 
religious  engagements  which  he  had  in  prospect.  He  and  John 
Kitching  attended  the  Quarterly  Meeting  at  Wycombe,  where  he 
mentions  the  acceptable  labours  of  some  Friends  in  the  ministry, 
and  that  he  was  "  favoured  to  preach  the  everlasting  gospel :"  at 
the  conclusion  of  the  day  he  writes — 

"Thus  have  I  been  mercifully  enabled  to  take  another  step  safely." 

He  lodged  at  Leighton,  and  from  thence,  accompanied  by  his 
brother  Samuel,  proceeded  to  Newport  Pagnel.  Believing  it  to  be 
his  path  of  duty  to  have  persons  not  in  religious  profession  with 
Friends  invited  to  attend  a  meeting  for  worship  on  first-day  even- 
ing, arrangements  were  accordingly  made  for  its  being  held  in  the 
Independent  Chapel,  the  use  of  which  was  freely  offered  to  him,  as 
well  as  that  belonging  to  the  Methodist  congregation.  First-day 
m.orning,  he  says — 

"My  brother  drove  me  over  to  Olney  Meeting,  where  I  was 


358 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE. 


1836. 


helped  to  minister,  and  had  peace.  We  dined  with  A.  H.  Smith. 
I  had  many  recollections  of  the  amiable  poet,  Cowper,  whose  house 
in  the  market  place  is  now  in  a  state  of  dilapidation  ;  and  was  par- 
ticularly reminded  of  him  in  passing  over  the  bridge, 

'  That  with  its  wearisome,  but  needful  length, 
Bestrides  the  wintry  flood  ;' 

'  the  wintry  flood'  was  then  indeed  there. 

We  returned  in  the  afternoon  to  Newport  Pagnel.  My  mind 
was  much  bowed  down  under  the  weight  of  the  impending  meeting, 
which  I  felt  to  be  an  awful  engagement.  When  we  arrived,  we 
found  hundreds  of  people  assembled;  all  parts  of  the  large  chapel 
were  crowded.  I  took  my  seat  in  the  reading  desk,  with  strong 
breathings  to  the  Lord  for  support,  and  to  my  exceeding  comfort, 
He  was  graciously  pleased  to  afford  it.  I  first  said  a  few  words  as 
to  the  solemnity  with  which  we  should  approach  the  Divine  Pre- 
sence in  the  act  of  worship,  and  requested  a  solemn  pause,  which 
took  place,  and  after  a  little  time  thus  spent,  I  was  favoured  with 
ability  to  address  this  large  congregation ;  suitable  matter  being 
presented  to  my  mind.  The  audience  were  remarkably  attentive  : 
in  conclusion,  I  was  engaged  in  supplication  for  a  blessing,  and  was 
made  reverently  thankful  for  the  assistance  which  had  been  granted 
to  me.    I  feel  relieved  of  a  great  burden. 

Fourth  Month  4ih. — Breakfasted  at  Thomas  Bull's,  with  James 
Miller,  &c.  T.  B.  is  the  Independent  Minister  here,  and  is  the  son 
of  the  person  who  was  so  intimate  with  the  poet,  Cowper." 

After  attending  meetings  held  at  Buckingham  and  Berkhamp- 
stead,  and  visiting  several  Friends  at  these  places,  William  Allen 
returned  home  in  humble  thankfulness  for  the  mercy  vouchsafed  to 
him,  which,  he  say^  "  is  an  encouragement  to  trust." 

He  continued  to  pay  frequent  visits  to  Lindfield,  and  in  a  letter 
to  a  Friend,  written  from  thence,  he  says — 

"  Our  boarding  school  here  prospers,  and  is  a  source  of  real  com- 
fort to  us.  There  are  now  thirteen  lads;  they  all  appear  very 
happy,  and  are  obviously  improving  in  every  respect.  We  fre- 
quently have  them  and  their  superintendent  to  take  lea  with  us, 
when  we  enter  into  free  and  familiar  conversation  with  them. 
They  all  keep  diaries  of  the  employment  of  their  time.  I  generally 
give  them  some  lectures  on  Chemistry  or  Natural  Philosophy,  when 
I  am  down." 

In  writing  to  S  Grellet,  W.  A.  says — 

*'  We  hear  that  the  Malakans  have  sent  a  deputation  to  Peters- 


183G. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


359 


burg,  to  solicit  protection  from  persecution.  They  speak  with 
affection  and  grateful  remembrance  of  the  visit  we  paid  them." 

"Fifth  Month  \st. — Reading  Scriptures:  finished  both  the  Old 
and  New  Testament  this  morning:  I  began  the  first  chapter  of 
Genesis  in  Seventh  Month  last,  and  have,  with  very  few  exceptions, 
read  a  quarter  of  an  hour  every  day.  It  appeared  to  me,  as  I  lay 
awake,  that  through  fear  of  interference  or  obtrusion,  w^e  are  too 
backward  in  speaking  to  others  on  subjects  touching  their  everlast- 
ing interests. 

\2th. — I  set  off  this  morning  with  my  brother  Samuel,  in  his 
chaise,  for  Hemel  Hempstead,  where  a  meeting  for  worship  w-as 
appointed  to  be  held  in  the  evening.  The  weather  w^as  beautiful ; 
we  went  by  Hornsey,  and  called  to  see  (Catherine  Bradshaw  and 
the  children,  with  whom  we  had  an  agreeable  visit.  We  proceeded 
through  a  fine  country,  and  arrived  about  four  o'clock.  The 
meeting-house  was  nearly  filled,  the  company  quiet  and  respectful, 
and  we  had  a  good  time.  I  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  testi- 
mony to  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  sunk  deep  into  some  hearts,  and 
I  felt  reverently  thankful.  Called  upon  some  Friends,  and  addressed 
a  few  words  of  comfort  to  a  person  under  trial. 

\Wi. — My  brother  drove  me  to  Luton,  where  we  attended  the 
Monthly  Meeting.  The  life  felt  to  me  low  for  some  time,  but  at 
length,  dear  Ann  Lucas  rose  and  made  a  lively  communication, 
which  seemed  to  open  the  way  for  me,  and  I  was  enabled  to  speak 
in  ministry;  Richard  Foster,  from  Scarborough,  followed  in  an 
acceptable  testimony.  In  the  afternoon  I  met  a  London  coach  at 
Market  Street,  and  arrived  at  home  between  six  and  seven  o'clock, 
very  peaceful  and  comfortable  in  mind,  notwithstanding  a  feeling  of 
bodily  weakness." 

In  referring  to  the  transactions  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  W.  A. 
writes — 

"  The  report  from  the  Friends  appointed  to  visit  Lancashire,  was 
very  short,  and  the  committee  was  continued.  An  Epistle,  on  the 
subject  of  Slavery,  was  issued  to  all  the  Yearly  Meetings  of  Ame- 
rica. Samuel  Tuke  made  an  excellent  concluding  minute,  and  on 
the  whole,  I  have  been  comforted.  A  precious  degree  of  solemnity 
has  prevailed  in  some  of  the  sittings  of  our  Meeting  of  Ministers  and 
Elders,  when  the  blessed  power  of  the  Lord  was  eminently  to  be 
felt  over  all;  I  was  thankful  for  the  spiritual  help  with  which  we 
were  at  times  favoured." 

Soon  after  the  Yearly  Meeting,  Peter  Bedford  accompanied 
William  Allen  to  the  Meetings  in  Hertfordshire,  which  he  had  not 


360 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1836. 


previously  visited;  and  he  mentions  being  enabled  to  get  through 
his  rentiaining  religious  engagements,  to  his  own  relief  and  comfort. 
Public  meetings,  for  divine  worship,  were  appointed  at  his  request, 
both  at  Ware  and  Baldock :  in  both  of  them  he  acknowledges  that 
ability  was  mercifully  granted  to  perform  the  service  which  he  be- 
lieved to  be  required  of  him,  and  he  was  led  to  address  the  audience 
for  a  considerable  time,  as  well  as  to  supplicate  for  a  blessing.  The 
7lh  of  Sixth  Month,  when  at  his  brother  Samuel's,  at  Hitchin,  he 
writes — 

"  I  feel  reverently  thankful  for  the  help  which  my  Divine  Master 
has  graciously  afforded  to  his  poor,  feeble,  afflicted  servant,  in  this 
religious  engagement.  I  have  had  to  pass  through  many  baptisms 
and  low  seasons,  but  have  never,  on  any  occasion,  been  deserted, 
and  have  always  been  strengthened  for  every  service,  so  that  to  the 
question,  '  Lacked  ye  any  thing?'  I  could  humbly  reply,  'Nothing, 
Lord.' 

Sixth  Month  8th. — Monthly  Meeting,  Gracechurch  Street.  I  re- 
turned my  certificate  with  a  grateful  acknowledgment  of  the  Lord's 
mercies,  and  of  His  never-failing  goodness..  H.  C.  Backhouse  ex- 
pressed comfort  and  satisfaction,  and  her  husband  also. 

lOth. — At  Somerset  House,  to  attend  the  meeting  of  the  Astro- 
nomical Society,  which  was  very  satisfactory.  I  was  introduced 
to  Professor  Airey,  the  Astronomer  Royal. 

Sixth  Month  IGth. — (At  Lindfield.)  Took  a  walk  to  the  Upper 
Colony.  I  was  delighted  to  see  all  the  cottagers'  gardens  in  a 
flourishing  state;  some  are  extending  them  into  the  field.  Read 
'  Scott's  Diary'  in  the  evening. 

24.th. — At  the  schools  in  the  morning.  Lord  Wallscourt,  of  Gal- 
way,  in  Ireland,  came  to  dine  with  us.  He  had  an  introduction 
from  Woodbridge,  and  Professor  Fellenberg,  of  Hofwyl :  he  has 
land  which  he  wishes  to  appropriate  to  the  poor  upon  our  plans. 

25th. — Returned  to  Stoke  Newingfon. 

26th. — Quarterly  Meeting.  Anna  Thorne,  from  America,  was 
most  acceptable  in  ministry ;  her  communication  was  delivered  in 
simplicity  and  power;  it  was  very  cordial  to  my  feelings.  Second 
meeting  satisfactory. 

29th. — Attended  Gracechurch  Street  Meeting.  I  had  much  real 
peace  in  sitting  with  the  small  company  there.  Lord  Wallscourt 
dined  with  us;  also  Emilie  Mallet,  of  Paris,  and  two  of  her  daugh- 
ters; Edward  and  Isabella  Harris;  Dr.  Hodgkin  and  a  friend  of  his 
from  Paris,  and  Ebenezer  Pike.  We  had  much  useful  and  inter- 
esting conversation  on  various  topics.    We  settled  with  Lord  W. 


1836. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


30 1 


to  meet  him  next  month  at  Galway,  and  Ebenezer  Pike  is  to  meet 
us  at  Cork. 

30<//. — To  town,  and  then  to  the  examination  of  the  boys  at  the 
Borough  Road;  it  was  highly  satisfactory.  Sir  John  Harvey,  who 
is  coins:  out  Governor  to  Prince  Edward's  Island,  was  there,  and 
says  he  will  introduce  the  system  in  his  governments  abroad.  I 
received  a  letter  from  Isaac  Lowndes,  enclosing  one  from  Sir 
Howard  Douglas,  at  Corfu — very  satisfactory." 

Sir  H.  Douglas  says — 

"  I  am  aware  of  the  interest  you  take  in  that  country.  I  find 
Mr.  Ramsay  a  very  zealous  promoter  of  my  plans  for  the  improve- 
ment of  agriculture  and  horticulture,  and,  in  Mr.  Lowndes,  I  have 
an  invaluable  coadjutor  in  what  I  am  doing  for  promoting  the  gene- 
ral condition  of  the  people,  and  for  encouraging  learning.  I  re- 
ceive your  communications  with  respect,  and  Mr.  Lowndes  will 
acquaint  you  with  the  progress  which  these  very  important  matters 
are  making,  under  the  wise  and  liberal  patronage  of  this  govern- 
ment, and  the  legislature  of  the  states." 

Isaac  Lowndes  expresses  great  pleasure  in  Sir  H.  Douglas's  in- 
terest in  the  cause  of  education,  and  says — 

"  Since  he  came,  much  has  been  done,  and  in  consequence  of  the 
plans  that  have  been  brought  forward,  I  feel  very  much  in  hopes 
that  we  shall  realize  exceedingly  interesting  results.  Sir  H.  D.  was 
just  the  person  we  needed. 

I  am  leaving  Corfu  this  morning,  to  proceed  to  Cerigo,  to  orga- 
nize schools  there.  I  hope  I  shall  be  able  to  transmit  to  the  British 
and  Foreign  School  Society,  an  interesting  statement  before  their 
annual  meeting  in  1837." 

From  the  Bahamas,  William  Allen  also  mentions  receiving  very 
satisfactory  accounts.  Colonel  Colebrooke  says,  that  the  publica- 
tions which  had  been  sent  to  him  afforded  him  much  pleasure,  par- 
ticularly the  Linrlficid  Rejiorter,  which  he  begged  might  be  sent  to 
his  wife,  who  was  then  in  England.    He  remarks — 

You  have  noticed,  more  than  they  merited,  our  humble  exer- 
tions in  this  interesting  locality.  I  am  rejoiced  to  say,  we  are 
going  on  as  well  as  can  be.  We  have  a  fine  race  of  black  people, 
— '  A  bold  peasantry,  their  country's  pride,'  and  I  must  do  all  classes 
the  justice  to  say,  that  there  is  the  utmost  disposition  to  harmony 
amongst  them. 

1  think  you  will  be  pleased  with  the  liberality  of  our  school  ar- 
rangements, which  include  all  denominations  of  Christians.  This 
Vol.  II.  24 


362 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1836. 


is  the  most  promising  colony  of  the  West.  I  do  not  call  it  the 
West  Indies,  but  one  of  the  North  American  colonies." 

After  some  further  remarks  upon  the  slate  of  the  Islands,  and  the 
plans  likely  to  benefit  the  people,  Col.  Colebrooke  observes — 

"  Christianity  is  the  great  bond  of  society,  and  the  source  of  all 
the  blessings  which  flow  from  it ;  the  greatest  wisdom  will  be  found 
in  cherishing  it  in  the  hearts  of  the  people,  and  engrafting  it  into 
their  habits." 

After  spending  some  time  at  Lindfield,  W.  A.  says,  in  a  letter  to 
Stephen  Grellet, — 

"  In  the  enclosed  number  of  the  Lindfield  Reporter,  thou  wilt  see 
a  notice  of  the  decease  of  our  dear  friend  Thomas  Shillitoe,  taken 
from  the  Patriot  newspaper,  of  '  June  27lh.'  " 

The  following  is  the  paragraph  alluded  to : — 

"  Died,  on  the  12th  instant,  at  his  residence  at  Tottenham,  in  the 
eighty-third  year  of  his  age,  Thomas  Shillitoe,  a  member  of  the  So- 
ciety of  Friends,  and  many  years  a  minister  in  that  religious  com- 
munity. He  was  very  exiensivelv  known,  and  beloved  both  in  and 
out  of  his  own  Societ}-,  for  his  Ciiristian  simplicity  of  character,  his 
integrity,  and  his  unwearied  eflbrts  to  relieve  the  wants  of  his  fel- 
low-men. In  the  character  of  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  he  had 
travelled  very  extensively,  not  only  throughout  Great  Britain  and 
Ireland,  but  in  America,  and  on  the  Continent  of  Europe;  and  in 
foreign  countries,  as  well  as  at  home,  had  often  pleaded  the  cause 
of  the  op])ressed,  the  ignorant  and  the  afHicted,  before  those  in  au- 
thority. The  suppression  of  vice,  and  the  advancement  of  religion 
and  virtue,  were  objects  for  which  he  diligently  laboured.  After  a 
long  life  conspicuously  devoted  to  the  service  of  his  Creator  and 
his  fellow-creatures,  this  humble  servant  of  the  Lord  was  favoured 
with  a  peaceful  close,  testifying  that  he  had  no  dependence  upon  any 
works  of  righteousness  which  he  had  done,  but  that  his  only  hope 
of  salvation  was  in  the  mercies  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  through  whose 
merits  alone  he  looked  with  confidence  for  acceptance.  '  Mark  the 
perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright,  for  the  end  of  that  man  is 
peace.' " 

In  the  same  number  of  the  Reporter  is  the  following  "Notice  of 
the  late  Sophia  Vansittart,"  which  William  Allen  wrote  on  hearing 
of  some  of  her  very  liberal  bequests  : — 

"  Mark  how  that  little  candle  sheds  its  light. 

So  shines  a  good  deed  in  an  e\'il  world." 

"The  possession  of  wealth  and  leisure  are  talents,  for  the  due 


183(). 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN'. 


2G3 


application  of  which,  those  to  whom  they  have  been  entrusted  by 
Divine  Providence  will  be  found  deeply  responsible,  when  time,  to 
them  here,  shall  be  no  longer.  How  very  generally  do  wc  see 
occasion  to  deplore  the  misapplication  or  non-application  of  these 
talents;  but  England  has  still  bright  exceptions — many  are  found 
employing  the  power  thus  given  them,  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  the 
good  of  tiieir  fellow-creatures.  VVc  have  a  striking  example  of  this 
in  the  late  Sophia  Vansittart,  the  excellent  sister  of  Lord  Bexley ; 
in  her  we  saw  a  strong  and  vigorous  mind  and  great  benevolence 
of  character,  united  with  uncommon  prudence,  which  was  calcula- 
ted to  give  the  most  beneficial  direction  to  her  ample  means  of  cha- 
rity. The  distresses  of  the  poor  in  Ireland  claimed  a  large  share  of 
her  commiseration ;  and  her  name  will  long  be  remembered  in  that 
country,  in  connexion  with  the  extensive  and  important  labours  of 
the  British  and  Irish  Ladies'  Society,  to  the  interests  of  which,  she 
devoted  a  large  proportion  of  her  time  during  several  years  of  her 
life,  directing  its  concerns  with  that  remarkable  judgment  and  good 
sense  for  which  she  was  so  distinguished.  She  reguhirly  inspected 
a  large  correspondence  carried  on  with  ladies  in  different  parts  of 
Ireland,  and  those  who  were  associated  with  her  in  this  work,  as 
well  as  in  other  benevolent  undertakings,  regarded  her  with  feelings 
of  marked  respect,  mingled  with  sincere  affection. 

Her  desire  to  promote  the  cause  of  religion  was  manifested  by 
her  munificent  bequests.  To  the  Missions  of  the  United  Brethren 
was  secured,  by  deed  of  trust,  a  benefaction  of  ten  thousand  pounds, 
three  per  cents;  to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  was  also 
secured  a  similar  sum." 

"Eighth  Month  1st. — Inspector's  Committee  at  the  Borough  Road; 
met  Lord  Morpeth,  Lady  Dover,  &c.,  at  the  boys'  school,  and  had 
a  most  satisfactory  examination  of  the  children. 

2nd. — Friends'  Continental  Association — an  interesting  meeting, 
but  not  near  time  enough.  A  letter  from  Augustus  Beyerhaus,  of 
Berlin,  gives  a  very  favourable  account  of  Kopf's  Institution  for 
Juvenile  Offenders.  He  says, — '  I  went  there  yesterday,  and  was 
highly  pleased  at  the  management  of  the  whole,  and  especially  with 
the  religious  instruction.' " 

In  this  letter,  Beyerhaus  mentions  satisfactory  instances  of  the 
progress  of  efforts,  to  promote  the  cause  of  Christianity  in  Hungary 
and  Austria,  as  well  as  in  Prussia.  He  also  writes,  in  reference  to 
the  cost  of  printing  some  tracts, — 

"  Many  years  ago,  when  I  was  quite  a  youth,  I  received  from 


364 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1838. 


my  dear  friend  Shillitoe,  a  tract  on  the  '  Importance  of  Religion;'  I 
read  it  with  the  greatest  interest,  and  translated  it  for  the  little  cir- 
cle of  my  young  friends.  At  that  time  I  did  not  know  the  author, 
nor  did  I  expect  ever  to  become  personally  acquainted  with  him. 
Some  years  afterwards,  I  saw  a  translation  of  this  same  tract, 
printed  at  Berlin." 

William  Allen  had  long  been  desirous  of  paying  a  visit  to  some 
parts  of  Ireland,  particularly  towards  the  South  West,  in  order  to 
obtain  an  insight  into  the  moral  and  social  condition  of  the  peasan- 
try, and  the  agricultural  resources  of  the  country.  He  also  wished 
to  see  the  experiments  in  progress,  under  the  sanction  of  govern- 
ment, on  the  lands  of  Pobble  O'Keefe,  in  the  county  of  Cork,  and 
to  promote  some  objects  connected  with  education,  and  with  his 
plan  of  home  colonization.  This  month  was  the  time  arranged  for 
the  accomplishment  of  his  object.  John  Harford  of  Chew  Magna 
proposed  to  join  him  in  his  tour  of  investigation ;  he  was  likewise 
accompanied  by  his  nieces,  Eliza  and  Lucy  Bradshaw,  and  after  a 
fine  passage,  of  about  twenty-five  hours,  from  Bristol  to  Cork,  they 
arrived  on  the  7th  of  Eighth  Month.    He  says — 

"The  approach  to  the  harbour  is  by  a  beautiful  river,  between 
wooded  banks,  studded  with  villas.  Our  kind  host,  Ebenezer  Pike, 
and  several  other  Friends,  were  waiting  to  meet  us.  We  attended 
the  evening  meeting,  which  is  much  larger  than  I  expected;  I  was 
engaged  in  ministry,  and  felt  solid  peace.  Many  dear  Friends 
seemed  glad  to  see  us.  The  meeting-house  is  a  remarkably  neat 
building,  and  very  consistent;  it  was  erected  in  1834,  and  is  quite 
a  model.  E.  P.  drove  us  out  to  his  beautiful  seat  at  Besborough, 
about  four  miles  distant;  we  enjoyed  a  walk  round  the  large  gar- 
den and  premises,  which  are  delightfully  situated,  with  a  view  of 
the  river  and  rising  ground  beyond. 

Eighth  Month  Sth. — Rose  at  six ;  comfortable  retrospect  of  yes- 
terday's engagement,  and  a  sweet  feeling  of  peace.  We  took  a 
ride  to  Cork;  paid  some  calling  visits,  &c.,  and  in  the  afternoon 
went  to  see  some  of  the  neighbouring  cottages.  Elizabeth  Pike, 
who  dined  here,  accompanied  us. 

9lh. — After  an  early  breakfast,  Ebenezer  Pike,  who  had  kindly 
arranged  to  go  with  us  to  Killarney,  took  us  to  Cork.  I  called  upon 
William  Harvey,  who  lives  near  the  pleasant  promenade  called  the 
Dyke,  and  between  eight  and  nine  we  set  out  in  the  Tralee  mail, 
which  arrived  at  Killarney  a  little  after  four.  Some  parts  of  the 
country  are  very  rocky,  and  as  we  approach  this  place  it  becomes 


1836. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


365 


more  wild;  there  is  a  great  deal  of  bog,  and  the  people  are  cutting 
large  quantities  of  turf.  E.  P.  introduced  me  to  a  friend  of  his, 
John  Leahey,  who  is  the  agent  of  the  commissioners  at  Pobble 
O'Kecfe,  and  from  him  we  received  much  useful  information.  In 
the  evening  we  took  a  walk  through  Lord  Kenmarc's  grounds,  to 
see  the  Lower  Lake;  the  views  are  very  fine,  but  my  spirits  were 
low.  There  were  many  noisy  people  in  the  streets,  and  their  ap- 
pearance strongly  indicated  the  dark  state  of  their  minds. 

lOlh. — Rose  before  five.  Retirement  and  Scripture  reading  as 
usual.  Posted  up  my  journal.  After  an  early  breakfast,  we  set 
off,  in  a  two-horse  car,  to  King  William's  Town,  on  the  lands  of 
Pobble  O'Keefe.  We  passed  through  a  wild  boggy  country,  bare 
of  trees,  and  saw  many  miserable  cabins;  a  considerable  number 
of  which  have  neither  window  nor  chimney;  the  children  are  uni- 
formly in  rags ;  it  seems  to  be  the  practice  to  wear  their  garments 
as  long  as  one  piece  will  hang  to  another.  I  was  employed  in  read- 
ing the  parhamentary  report  of  the  experimental  improvements  on 
the  crown  lands  here.  King  William's  Town,  which  is  about  six- 
teen miles  from  Killarney,  consists  at  present  of  a  few  houses;  the 
inn  and  the  school-house  are  finished,  and  the  girl's  school  has  been 
opened  six  days.  The  mistress  was  trained  at  Kildare  Street,  and 
she  already  has  sixty-nine  children  in  attendance.  We  were  sorry 
to  find,  that  instead  of  providing  allotments  for  a  number  of  poor 
people,  who  might  easily  support  themselves  upon  the  land  by  their 
labour,  the  plan  seems  to  be,  to  form  farms  of  sixty  or  a  hundred 
acres  and  upwards.  There  are  five  thousand  acres  of  crown  land, 
and  the  result  of  experiments  made  upon  three  hundred  acres  of  the 
bog,  are  delightful.  Land,  that  two  years  ago  was  wholly  unpro- 
ductive, is  now  producing  beautiful  crops  of  corn,  turnips,  carrots, 
and  potatoes.  This  is  the  effect  of  draining,  lime  and  manure. 
James  Weale  and  Richard  Griffith  are  the  agents  or  surveyors.  I 
was  very  much  gratified  with  my  visit,  though  rather  tired  of  our 
jolting  ride.  After  our  return  to  Killarney,  we  met  with  Samuel 
Fox  of  Nottingham,  and  Lucy  Woods  and  her  sister,  who  are  on 
an  excursion  to  the  lakes. 

Eighth  Month  llth. — Eliza  and  Lucy,  with  John  Harford,  took  a 
ride  by  the  Lake,  while  my  kind  friend  Ebenezer  Pike  accompanied 
me  to  the  fair  at  Killorgan,  where  his  steward  had  preceded  us, 
and  made  some  purchases  of  Kerry  cows  for  me.  We  called  antl 
had  an  interview  with  Lord  Headley,  who  has  done  much  for  th© 
poor  of  Ireland,  and  is  still  pursuing  his  benevolent  career  in  im^ 
proving  the  condition  of  his  peasantry. 


366 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1836. 


\2t}i. — This  day  was  spent  in  an  excursion  on  the  Lakes;  the 
weather  was  delightful,  the  mountain  scenery  grand,  and  some 
parts  most  beautiful,  but  my  heart  was  sorrowful.  The  loss  of  those 
whom  1  have  ardently  loved,  and  can  never  more  behold  on  this 
side  of  the  grave,  weighed  heavily  on  me,  as  well  as  the  state  of 
ihe  poor  in  this  land.  I  was,  however,  at  times  contrited  with 
a  feeling  of  the  Master's  peace.  Ebenezer  was  steersman,  and 
acquitted  himself  in  the  first  style;  he  has  been  most  kind,  and 
essentially  useful  to  us.  We  landed  on  several  of  the  islands,  and 
had  some  salmon-trout  roasted  before  a  fire,  upon  sticks  of  arbutus; 
it  was  exceedingly  well  done.  There  was  a  cannon  fired  opposite 
the  Eagle's  Nest,  where  the  echoes  are  very  fine.  It  is  thirteen 
miles  to  the  end  of  the  Lake,  which  is  eight  miles  broad.  The 
water  is  beautifully  clear,  though  it  has  rather  a  darkish  hue,  from 
the  peat.  We  went  round  Turk  Lake,  the  scenery  of  which  is  also 
delightful,  but  with  all  I  did  not  feel  in  my  element,  and  seemed  to 
be  doing  no  good ;  I  had,  indeed,  a  little  serious  conversation  with 
the  boatmen,  and  read  them  a  paper  on  Temperance,  giving  them 
also  some  copies  of  it  to  distribute.  In  the  evening  John  Leahey 
and  his  son,  and  James  Weale,  the  superintendent  of  Pobble  O'Keefe, 
called,  and  we  had  some  very  interesting  conversation. 

Eighth  Month  \2th. — We  took  leave  of  our  kind  friend  this  morn- 
ing, and  proceeded  by  Castle  Island,  Abbeyfeale,  Rathkeel  and 
Adair,  to  Limerick.  The  first  part  of  our  ride  lay  through  the  pro- 
perty of  Lord  Kenmare,  a  good  landlord.  A  new  road  has  been 
made  over  the  mountain  from  Castle  Island,  the  consequences  of 
which  are  very  apparent  in  the  improvement  of  the  country.  The 
bogs  are  being  reclaimed,  and  fine  crops  produced;  this  is  all  Lord 
Headley's  property,  and  bears  ample  testimony  to  his  wise  and 
liberal  policy.  A  striking  change  takes  place,  when  we  enter  upon 
the  estates  of  Earl  Courtenay,  an  absentee  landlord.  As  we  ap- 
proached Limerick,  we  noticed,  in  many  places,  a  failure  in  the 
potato  crop.  We  had  good  accommodation  at  the  Mail  Coach 
Hotel. 

\4th. — First  day;  meeting  at  ten;  many  of  the  elderly  Friends 
who  resided  here,  have  been  removed  by  death,  but  there  is  a  large 
body  of  young  people,  some  I  trust  hopeful.  I  had  to  bear  public 
testimony  to  the  truth,  both  in  the  morning  and  afternoon  meeting; 
the  latter  was  held  at  three  o'clock ;  we  were  kindly  noticed  by 
Friends,  and  paid  several  visits. 

\5ih. — We  heard  an  excellent  account  of  Matthew  Barrington, 


1836. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLE^. 


367 


a  barrister  of  this  place,  who  is  a  remarkably  benevolent  man,  and 
has  built  an  hospital,  called  the  Barrington  Hospital,  which  is  about 
to  be  enlarged.  John  Abel  took  us  to  see  the  prison,  which  con- 
tinues to  exhibit  an  excellent  system  of  discipline.  The  prisoners 
exercise  their  different  trades  in  the  prison,  and  have  one-third  of 
their  earnings.  Almost  all  the  crimes,  particularly  manslaughter 
and  murder,  are  said  to  originate  in  drunkenness,  and  increase  in 
proportion  to  the  consumption  of  ardent  spirits.  It  appears  that  two 
years  ago  the  duty  was  reduced  from  four  shillings  and  six-pence 
to  three  shillings  and  six-pence  per  gallon,  and  subsequently  to  two 
shillings  and  six-pence,  and  yet,  from  the  increased  consumption, 
the  revenue  has  exceeded  its  former  amount  by  six  thousand  pounds 
in  one  quarter.  Ought  it  not  to  be  considered  as  one  of  the  first 
duties  of  a  government  to  put  down  every  thing  which  tends  to  the 
demoralization  of  the  people,  instead  of  permitting  it  to  go  on  upon 
the  plea  of  expediency,  because  the  state  is  in  need  of  money.  Can 
any  amount  of  revenue  compensate  for  the  moral  mischief,  the  mul- 
tiplied crimes,  the  horrible  murders,  which  have  been  traced  to  the 
use  of  this  poison? 

W.  A.  says,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  written  some  months  after- 
wards,— 

"I  have  laid  the  subject  of  the  abuse  of  ardent  spirits  in  Ireland 
closely  upon  T.  S.  Rice;  he  seems  to  deplore  it  deeply;  but  says, 
we  are  not  to  suppose  that  the  consumption  has  increased  with  the 
lowering  of  the  duty  upon  this  article,  for  it  was  procured  cheap 
enough  before,  through  illicit  distillation,  and  that  the  government 
could  not  stop  it." 

"  We  next  visited  the  Lunatic  Asylum,  which  is  superintended  by 
John  and  Elizabeth  Jackson,  who  are  admirably  fitted  for  their 
office :  the  latter  is  descended  from  the  celebrated  Archbishop 
Ussher.  I  never  saw  any  thing  equal  to  the  beauty  and  cleanliness 
of  all  parts  of  the  establishment.  The  York  Retreat  system  is  in 
full  perfection  here.  We  were  exceedingly  gratified  with  this  visit. 
In  the  afternoon,  we  went  to  see  some  of  the  cottages  on  the  Mar- 
quis of  Lansdowne's  property.  I  called  to  see  dear  Edward  Alex- 
ander, and  was  comforted  in  sitting  by  him;  he  has  been  very  ill, 
but  is  recovering.  Visited  several  kind  Friends  to-day. 

Eighth  Month  IGth. — Attended  meeting  and  Monthly  Meeting; 
both  satisfactory;  I  was  glad  that  I  was  there." 

William  Allen  had  learnt  much  of  the  benevolent  and  christian 
exertions  of  Lady  O'Brien,  on  behalf  of  the  poor  around  her,  from 


368  LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  1830 

the  transactions  of  the  British  and  Irish  Ladies'  Society.  They 
were  mutually  known  to  each  other  by  character — and  on  hearing 
of  his  being  at  Limerick,  she  sent  a  pressing  invitation  to  him,  to 
visit  Drumoland.  He  accordingly  arranged  to  call  there  in  the 
afternoon,  purposing  to  lodge  at  Newmarket.    He  says — 

"  We  hired  a  car,  and  set  off  about  half-past  two.  Fine  views  of 
the  Shannon,  and  the  road  good.  On  our  arrival,  we  engaged  a 
boy  to  show  us  the  way  to  Sir  Edward  O'Brien's,  where  we  were 
very  kindly  received  by  himself  and  his  wife,  and  they  insisted  on 
our  staying  the  night ;  this  we  at  length  agreed  to  do,  and  they  sent 
to  Newmarket  for  our  things.  Sir  Edward  is  a  strait-forward, 
sensible  man;  we  spent  an  agreeable  evening,  and  had  much  inte- 
resting conversation  in  the  family  circle.  I  stated  my  opinion  of 
the  mischief  arising  from  the  union  of  church  and  state,  and  did 
not  then  know  that  their  son  Henry,  who  was  of  the  party,  was 
preparing  for  the  church.  Lady  O'Brien  seemed  dejected  at  the 
ascendancy  of  papal  influence. 

Eighth  Month  llth. — Drumoland  Castle  is  indeed  a  fine  structure; 
an  addition  has  been  built,  which  is  not  yet  finished.  Sir  Edward 
purchased  the  mahogany  for  the  furniture,  and  has  had  it  made  on 
the  premises;  it  is  very  beautiful.  We  left  our  kind  friends  after 
breakfast,  and  proceeded  by  Clare,  Ennis,  Crusheen,  Gort,  and  Ar- 
drahan,  to  Oranmore.  The  country,  in  some  parts,  is  wild,  but 
very  populous,  miserable  cabins  and  ragged  inhabitants.  We  en- 
tered Connaught  between  Crusheen  and  Gort;  and  here  we  imme- 
diately perceived  a  change  in  the  costume  of  the  country,  by  the 
women  universally  wearing  a  sort  of  red  petticoat.  We  met  with 
good  accommodation  at  Ryan's  Inn,  Oranmore,  called  an  hotel. 

I8th. — Lord  Wallscourt  came  over  for  us  this  morning,  and  took 
us  in  his  carriage  to  Ardfry.  We  visited  some  of  the  neighbouring 
cottages,  but  the  darkness,  dirt,  filth  and  rags,  are  indescribable. 
Many  of  the  proprietors,  dirty  and  ragged  as  they  are,  have  from 
six  to  ten  acres  of  land,  and  their  crops  look  well ;  but  whiskey  and 
the  priests  are  their  bane,  and  it  seems  almost  impossible  to  raise 
them  out  of  their  present  state.  My  spirits  sunk  at  the  apparent 
hopelessness  of  doing  much  for  them,  except  in  the  way  of  schools. 
Lord  W.  takes  much  pains  to  make  them  keep  the  manure  away 
from  their  doors;  he  has  built  a  very  nice  cottage,  and  would  let  it 
with  six  or  more  acres  of  land,  but  none  of  the  tenants  will  take  it, 
because  '  His  Lordship  would  expect  them  to  keep  it  chmc.'  We 
dined  at  Ardfry,  and  met  Lord  Miltown,  who  is  staying  there. 
Lady  Wallscourt  received  us  very  kindly. 


1836. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


309 


Eishth  Month  iOl/i. — Lord  Wallscourt  again  came  for  us,  and  wc 
spent  the  day  at  and  about  his  castle.  In  one  of  his  cottages, 
dwells  a  Scripture  reader,  who  is  appointed  by  the  Irish  Reading 
Society,  of  Dublin;  he,  of  course,  meets  with  opposition,  but  con- 
tinues his  labours  as  opportunities  offer.  Lord  W.  is  to  send  over 
two  boys  for  a  year's  instruction  at  Lindfield. 

20fJi. — This  is  a  very  excellent  inn  to  sleep  at, — far  beyond  what 
might  be  expected  from  its  outward  appearance.  Lord  Wallscourt 
joined  us  after  breakfast,  and  took  us  to  Galway,  about  five  miles 
distant :  we  stopped  at  Kilroy's  Hotel,  in  a  large  open  space ;  it  is 
the  head  inn,  but  is  filthy  dirty.  This  was  market  day,  and  the 
crowds  of  people  rendered  it  very  disagreeable.  Beggars  swarmed, 
and  annoyed  us  very  much.  We  visited  some  of  the  schools,  and 
also  the  county  jail,  which,  for  neatness  and  order,  rivals  the  prison 
of  Limerick.  Here  there  are  women  turnkeys  for  the  female  pri- 
soners, and  no  men  are  admitted,  except  in  their  presence.  Not 
one-third  of  the  prisoners  can  read  or  write,  but  there  are  schools 
in  the  prison.  I  was  particularly  pleased  with  the  register-book, 
which  seems  to  be  very  systematically  kept,  and  improvement  in 
conduct,  or  the  contrary,  is  regularly  noticed.  Almost  all  the  pri- 
soners come  in,  in  consequence  of  the  effects  of  drunkenness. 

We  went  to  see  the  magnificent  dock,  now  making;  it  will  cover 
many  acres  of  land:  it  is  built  of  beautiful  cut  blocks  of  limestone. 
Excavations  are  made  by  blowing  up  rocks,  some  of  them  fine  ser- 
pentine. We  now  took  leave  of  Lord  W.,  who  is  to  meet  us  in  a 
day  or  two.  He  has  provided  a  carriage  to  convey  our  luggage 
through  Connemara,  and  sends  a  man  with  us:  he  has  been  remark- 
ably kind.  We  hired  a  car  to  take  us  to  Oughterard,  and  were 
heartily  glad  to  get  out  of  Galway.  The  road  was  constantly  un- 
dulating. Lough  Corrib,  with  its  transparent  waters  of  a  deep  blue, 
lay  on  our  right ;  on  the  other  side  a  quantity  of  rocks  were  scat- 
tered over  the  fields,  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  yet  close  by 
these  rocks,  were  excellent  crops  of  potatoes  and  oats  in  the  inter- 
vals. We  arrived  about  sun-set,  and  were  glad  to  find  quarters  at 
O'Flagfierty's  Hotel,  situated  just  on  the  outside  of  the  town  ;  nearly 
opposite  to  it  runs  a  mountain  torrent,  carrying  the  foam  of  the  ra- 
pids over  which  it  has  just  passed. 

Eighth  Month  2\st. — First-day.  We  all  enjoyed  the  quiet  of  this 
place:  sat  down  about  eleven  for  religious  worship.  The  people  do 
not  seem  so  miserable  here  as  at  Oranmore. 

22nd. — We  engaged  a  boat  to  take  us  up  Lough  Corrib  to  Ma'am. 


370 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1836. 


The  islands  on  the  Lake  are  very  fine,  and  the  views  grand, — in- 
deed, as  we  approach  the  upper  end,  they  are  even  sublime;  it  is 
pleasant  to  see  cultivation  creeping  up  the  nnountains.  We  expected 
to  have  reached  Ma'am  in  about  four  hours,  but  our  rowers  took 
seven,  having  to  stop  several  times  to  bale  the  water  out  of  our 
leaky  boat ;  the  weather,  however,  favoured  us.  The  inn  stands 
alone,  and  was  built  by  the  engineer,  Nimmo,  who  has  done  so  much 
for  Ireland  ;  it  is  beautifully  situated,  but  is  too  small  for  the  compa- 
ny who  resort  there.  Lord  Wallscourt  met  us  at  dinner,  and  in  the 
afternoon  we  were  joined  by  Lady  Elizabeth  Alexander  and  a  friend 
of  her's.    Much  interesting  conversation. 

23rd. — We  set  off  this  morning  for  the  Killeries,  Jack  Joyce's 
country.  We  passed  vast  tracts  of  bog  land,  which  might  easily 
be  reclaimed,  but  I  was  glad  to  see  cultivation  increasing.  We  met 
Jack,  with  whom  we  had  some  conversation;  he  has  a  very  pecu- 
liar expression  of  countenance,  and  I  thought  looked  unulterahle 
things.  We  drove  to  his  house,  by  the  side  of  an  arm  of  the  sea, 
called  the  Killeries,  which  extends  about  eight  miles,  and  is  so  deep 
and  free  from  rocks,  that  it  is  said  the  navy  of  England  might  se- 
curely ride  in  it.  The  surrounding  mountains  are  very  grand.  We 
went  some  miles  in  a  boat,  and  landed  at  a  village  on  the  other  side 
called  Bundanah,  belonging  to  the  Marquis  of  Sligo;  it  is  decidedly 
the  most  miserable  place  we  have  yet  seen ;  children  from  eleven 
to  twelve  years  of  age,  almost  naked ;  one  looked  like  a  walking 
skeleton,  with  a  few  rags  hanging  about  it.  The  huts  are  filthy, 
dark  and  smoky,  the  people  are  a  great  deal  worse  off  than  many 
of  the  Russian  peasantry;  we  took  an  opportunity  of  distributing 
a  little  money  amongst  them.  After  a  walk  of  nearly  two  miles, 
through  some  fine  scenery,  we  came  to  a  beautiful  place  by  a  lake, 
amongst  trees,  where  the  Marquis  of  Sligo  has  built  himself  a  shoot- 
ing lodge ;  it  is  called  Delphi,  and  is  at  present  occupied  by  Step- 
ney St.  George  and  his  wife,  who  were  exceedingly  kind  to  us,  and 
insisted  on  our  taking  some  provisions  with  us  for  the  future,  and  it 
is  well  we  did,  as  we  should  otherwise  have  been  really  badly  off. 
Returning  to  Jack  Joyce's  house,  we  took  our  car,  and  proceeded 
to  Westport;  still  fine  views  of  the  mountains;  one,  named  Croagh 
Patrick,  is  like  a  sugar-loaf;  there  are  many  traditions  attached  to 
this  place.  The  entrance  into  Westport  is  down  a  fearfully  steep 
hill;  on  arriving  at  the  hotel  there  appeared  to  be  a  great  bustle, 
and  we  heard  that  a  public  entertainment  was  given  to  Lord  Alta- 
mont,  son  of  the  Marquis  of  Sligo,  and  that  the  place  was  very  full 


jggg  OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN.  37  J 

of  company.  Eliza,  Lucy,  and  I  called  at  the  house  of  W.  M.  Pat- 
ton,  whose  wife  is  first  cousin  to  Catherine  Bradshaw  ;  through  her 
kindness  in  providing  for  us,  we  were  nicely  accommodated,  and 
the  landlord  of  the  hotel  made  way  for  Lord  Wallscourt  and  John 
Harford. 

Eishlh  Month  24///. — Took  leave  of  Lord  W.  who,  with  his  man, 
returns  home  to-day.  Our  kind  friends  Patton,  accompanied  us  to 
see  the  schools.  The  Protestants  have  erected,  by  subscription,  a 
handsome  building,  in  which  are  schools  for  boys,  girls,  and  infants; 
the  children  look  clean  and  comfortable.  There  is  a  large  Roman 
Catholic  school,  conducted  on  the  national  plan,  to  which  govern- 
ment allows  twenty-two  pounds  per  annum:  here  all  the  children 
appeared  very  dirty.  Our  friends  then  sent  us  in  their  carriage  to 
Croagh  Patrick.  The  weather  was  most  propitious,  and  the  views 
of  the  mountains  over  Clew  Bay  were  grand  indeed.  We  visited  a 
manufactory  belonging  to  J.  Thompson,  where  there  are  twenty- 
four  power-looms  at  work.  Women's  wages  two  shillings  and 
six-pence  per  week,  men's  eight  shillings.  The  agricultural  labour- 
ers here  receive  eight-pence  per  day  in  summer,  and  six-pence  in 
winter. 

We  dined  at  W.  Patton's,  met  George  Clendinning,  agent  to  the 
Marquis  of  Sligo,  and  one  of  his  sons,  W.  Livington  and  his  wife, 
and  a  young  person  whom  I  did  not  know.  I  received  some  useful 
information,  and  also  the  names  of  several  persons  whom  G.  C.  re- 
commended me  to  inquire  after,  in  different  places.  Some  of  the 
company  seemed  desirous  to  hear  about  my  foreign  j  )urneys,  so  I 
gave  some  details  of  them,  endeavouring  to  intersperse  important 
truths  with  the  narration. 

Eighth  Month  25th. — Some  humble  trust  in  the  Lord  experienced 
in  my  religious  retirement.  We  left  Westport  by  the  mail  for  Bal- 
lina;  dined  at  Castlebar,  a  large,  gloomy  place,  where  the  beggars 
crowded  round  the  carriage  in  a  manner  more  than  usually  trying. 
Here  is  an  Hibernian  school  for  boys  and  girls,  about  sixty  in  each. 
We  arrived  at  Ballina  between  five  and  six  o'clock,  and  commenced 
a  walk  of  discovery  ;  we  found  a  depot  for  Religious  Tracts  ;  nine- 
ty pounds  worth  sold  last  year.  There  are  about  one  thousand  Pro- 
testants here;  the  monks  have  a  large  school,  where  there  are  said 
to  be  three  hundred  children.  A  great  deal  of  building  seems  go- 
ing forward,  and  there  are  some  good  shops  in  the  town,  but  we 
saw  wretched  hovels  in  the  suburbs ;  the  slavery  the  people  are  evi- 
dently under  to  the  priests  is  heart-sickening.  O,  that  some  benevo- 


372 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1836. 


lent  persons  would  take  land — employ  people  in  reclaiming  it,  and 
locate  some  of  the  most  respectable  poor  upon  my  plan  ! 

Great  quantities  of  corn  and  salmon,  are  annually  exported  from 
Ballina. 

26///. — We  set  out  about  noon  for  Sligo,  thirty-seven  English 
miles;  the  first  part  of  the  road  is  very  wild,  an  extensive  flat  of 
bog,  and  rocks  and  mountains  in  the  distance.  The  want  of  pro- 
fitable einployment  for  the  wretchedly  poor  population  of  Ireland, 
must  be  a  matter  of  astonishment  to  any  scientific  agriculturist,  in 
passing  through  this  country.  Thousands  of  acres  of  easily  re- 
claimable  bog  are  frequently  meeting  the  eye  of  the  traveller,  par- 
ticularly in  the  southern  and  western  districts.  Limestone  occurs 
in  profusion ;  nothing  is  wanting  but  to  convert  it  into  lime,  and 
apply  it  to  the  surface  after  the  land  has  been  thoroughly  drained. 

In  our  ride  to-day  we  have  been  struck  with  the  grandeur  of  the 
great  breakers  of  the  Atlantic.  After  reaching  Sligo,  we  walked 
about  to  see  the  environs,  and  met  with  a  nice  Hibernian  school- 
room for  girls;  one  hundred  on  the  list,  and  seventy  in  attendance. 

Eighth  Month  27th. — Left  Sligo  about  five  o'clock,  in  the  Lon- 
donderry mail ;  fine  views  of  the  wide  Atlantic  on  our  left,  and 
mountain  scenery  on  our  right.  We  are  much  favoured  by  the 
weather.  We  passed  through  Ballyshannon,  a  large  place  where 
there  are  many  lodging-houses,  and  it  is  noted  for  its  salmon  fishery, 
for  which  a  rent  is  paid  of  about  four  thousand  pounds  per  annum. 
We  have  again  seen  wretched  hovels,  and  vast  tracts  of  reclaim- 
able  land.  One  person  has  lately  purchased  two  thousand  five  hun- 
dred acres,  for  five  hundred  pounds,  and  it  is  said  he  is  likely  to 
make  a  good  use  of  it.  We  breakfasted  at  Donegal,  where  we 
were  not  far  from  Lough  Derg,  the  scene  of  the  Papists' purgatory.* 
After  leaving  this  place,  and  passing  through  the  county  of  Tyrone, 
the  face  of  the  country  greatly  improves  ;  there  is  more  cultivation, 
and  the  cabins  are  better,  but  the  roads  are  not  so  good.  We 
crossed  a  river  by  a  large  wooden  bridge,  and  entered  the  city  of 
Londonderry  between  five  and  six  o'clock. 

This  place  is  remarkable  for  the  siege  it  sustained  against  James 
the  Second,  in  1089.  We  walked  round  the  fine  old  walls,  and  saw 
some  of  the  cannon  about  twelve  feet  long.  It  is  seated  on  the 
river  Foyle,  and  though  thirty  miles  from  the  sea,  the  water  is  so 
deep  that  vessels  of  one  thousand  tons  burden  can  come  close 

*  It  is  calculated  that  about  twenty  thousand  pilgrims  annually  visit  an  island  in  this 
lake,  called  "  St.  Patrick's  Purgatory." 


1836. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


373 


enough  to  the  quay  for  a  person  to  step  on  board.  We  took  up  our 
quarters  at  Floyd's  Hotel." 

One  of  William  Allen's  objects  in  visiting  this  part  of  Ireland  was 
to  see  an  agricultural  school  at  Teinplemoyle,  near  Londonderry, 
"  with  which,"  he  says,  "  we  were  much  pleased,"  and  thus  de- 
scribes the  approach  to  it : — 

"  Proceeding  on  the  road  to  Colerain,  about  five  or  six  miles,  we 
turn  short  upon  the  right,  and  in  about  half  a  mile,  come  to  Muff 
Town,  consisting  of  a  number  of  well-built  brick  houses,  erected 
by  the  Grocers'  Company,  who  hold  a  great  quantity  of  land  in 
these  parts;  there  is  also  a  long  line  of  very  neat  almshouses.  The 
school-house,  a  substantial  building,  is  still  further,  and  stands  on 
an  eminence  commanding  a  fine  prospect  of  Lough  Foyle,  the  sui"- 
rounding  country,  with  the  coast  of  Inishowen,  and  the  mountains 
in  the  distance.  The  school  is  managed  by  a  committee,  and  is 
supported  by  private  subscriptions,  and  by  contributions  from  some 
of  the  London  companies  ;  there  are  at  present  fifty-six  pupils  in  the 
house  ;  they  have  an  agricultural  and  literary  master,  and  besides 
receiving  instruction  in  the  cultivation  of  land  and  the  management 
of  cattle,  they  are  taught  many  of  the  higher  branches  of  learning, 
but  the  Scriptures  are  not  read  in  the  school,  excepting  on  first- 
days.  There  is  a  beautiful  garden,  with  beds  for  different  kinds  of 
grasses.  Seven  lads,  paid  for  by  government,  have  been  sent  here 
from  King  William's  Town.  We  had  a  delightful  ride  to  Temple- 
moyle  and  back. 

It  appears  that  the  Fishmongers'  Company  had  an  extensive 
grant  of  lands  under  King  James  the  First,  but  they  can  only  em- 
ploy the  proceeds  in  improvements. 

Eighth  Month  29th. — At  Floyd's  Hotel ;  retirement — calm  ;  Scrip- 
ture reading  in  Matthew. 

Londonderry  seems  one  of  the  cleanest  and  most  respectable 
towns  in  Ireland,  we  wish  that  some  Friends  were  settled  here. 
We  took  our  seals  this  morning,  in  a  car,  for  Belfast ;  wo  had  three 
horses  to  go  across  the  mountains.  The  contrast  in  point  of  culti- 
vation, between  the  North  and  South  of  Ireland,  is  most  striking, 
but  here  the  weeds  frequently  interfere  wofully  with  the  corn  and 
potatoes.  I  never  saw  such  crops  of  ragweed,  or  Senecio  Jaco- 
baja,  as  in  this  country.  At  Randal's  Bridge  we  had  fine  views  of 
Lough  Neagh.  On  arriving  at  Belfast,  we  found  Robert  Bradshaw, 
who  took  us  to  Milecross  to  lodge. 

30th. — Walked  round  the  garden  and  premises;  the  situation  of 


374 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1836. 


the  house  is  delightful,  R.  B.  brought  us  to  Belfast  in  the  afternoon; 
we  paid  some  visits,  and  then  drove  to  James  N.  Richardson's,  at 
Lambecr,  where  we  were  kindlv  received. 

31s/. — T.  C.  Wakefield,  Jun.  accompanied  us  to  the  meeting  at 
Ballinderry ;  Jacob  Green  and  I  were  both  engaged  in  ministry. 
We  called  at  J.  G.'s  house,  partook  of  some  refreshment,  and  then 
walked  on  to  the  land  for  the  new  establishment  called  Brookfield, 
designed  for  the  children  of  the  descendants  of  Friends  in  this  pro- 
vince. William  Shannon  and  his  wife  occupy  the  house,  and  here 
we  met  John  Richardson,  Joshua  Lamb,  and  Jacob  Douglas.  The 
farm  consists  of  about  twenty-four  acres  of  land  of  good  quality. 
The  evening  was  spent  agreeably  ;  my  mind  collected  and  stayed. 

Ninth  Month  \st. — Meeting  at  Lisburn.  I  was  rather  largely 
engaged  in  ministry,  and  felt  peace.  We  visited  the  Ulster  pro- 
vincial school,  and  found  the  house  beautifully  clean  ;  the  children 
appeared  to  be  making  good  progress  in  their  learning,  and  we  had 
much  satisfaction  in  this  institution.  Closely  occupied  in  the  after- 
noon, preparing  hints  and  suggestions  for  the  committee  of  the  new 
school  near  Ballinderry.  Much  interesting  conversation  in  the 
evening. 

2nd. — We  took  leave  of  our  dear  friends  in  much  affection,  and 
proceeded  by  the  Belfast  coach  to  Dublin.  The  number  of  shops 
licensed  to  sell  spirits,  in  the  towns  through  which  we  have  passed, 
is  prodigious — often  four  or  five  of  them  next  door  to  each  other. 
This  was  the  case  at  the  Marquis  of  Downshire's  gate,  at  Hills- 
borough. We  arrived  in  Dublin  before  eight  o'clock  ;  left  J.  H.  at 
Gresham's,  and  E.,  L.,  and  I,  went  on  to  Sarah  and  Maria  Brad- 
shaw's,  at  Great  Brunswick  Street,  where  we  were  most  cordially 
received  by  my  nieces.  I  was  renewedly  thankful  in  having  been 
preserved  through  this  journey,  with  nothing  to  regret  on  looking 
back,  and  having  very  fully  accomplished  every  object  that  I  had 
in  view.  The  lamentable  effects  of  ignorance,  idleness  and  vice, 
consequent  upon  a  demoralizing  system,  have  been  long  deplored 
by  every  humane  traveller;  but  it  is  cheering  to  observe  a  spirit  of 
improvement  manifesting  itself  in  various  directions.  Tiius,  roads 
are  being  formed  through  districts,  which,  for  want  of  access,  were 
placed  beyond  the  protection  of  the  laws  ;  bogs  are  being  drained  ; 
cultivated  fields  are  creeping  up  the  sides  of  the  mountains,  which 
were  before  almost  unproductive  of  food  for  man;  benevolent  indi- 
viduals and  societies  are  actively  engaged  in  promoting  instruction 
and  encouraging  industry  ;  commerce  is  rapidly  increasing ;  light 


1836. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


375 


and  knowledge  arc  spreading ;  and,  in  proportion  as  llicy  prevail, 
■we  may  confidently  expect,  that  superstition  and  ignorance  will 
cease  to  exist.  While,  however,  the  large  proprietors  of  the  soil 
are  adding  to  their  revenues,  through  the  improvement  of  their  es- 
tates, the  persons  and  cabins  of  the  great  mass  of  the  people,  still 
exhibit  a  specimen  of  dirt,  rags,  and  wretchedness,  not  to  be  equalled 
in  any  other  country  in  Europe  ;  but  we  are  consoled  in  observing, 
that  public  attention  is  powerfully  excited  in  the  consideration  of 
what  can  be  done  to  ameliorate  the  condition  of  the  peasantry  of 
Ireland. 

Inglis's  book*  has  been  our  companion  in  this  journey  ;  it  is  a 
most  interesting  work,  and  as  far  as  our  opportunities  of  observa- 
tion went,  we  can  bear  full  testimony  to  the  faithfulness  of  the  au- 
thor's representation  of  important  facts. 

The  causes  of  the  miseries  of  Ireland  are  complicated.  They 
may,  with  justice,  be,  in  some  degree,  referred  to  the  want  of  suit- 
able education,  and  consequent  gross  ignorance — to  the  want  of  a 
fair  opportunity  for  the  exercise  of  honest  industry — to  ecclesiasti- 
cal oppression  of  one  sort  or  other — to  a  blind  subserviency  to  the 
priests,  and,  above  all, — to  the  immoderate  use  of  whiskey.  This 
occasions  the  jails  to  be  filled,  and  is  the  most  frequent  cause  of  the 
murders  and  catalogue  of  crimes,  which  have  so  long  disgraced 
many  parts  of  that  unhappy-  land. 

Ninth  Month  3rd. — We  went  by  the  railroad  to  Kingstown,  and 
from  thence  to  Rockvilje,  where  we  took  tea  with  Samuel  Bewley, 
and  w'cre  much  gratified  with  the  society  of  this  interesting  family. 

4th. — First-day.  Meeting  at  ten  and  two  o'clock.  I  spoke  for 
a  short  time  in  ministry,  and  experienced  the  truth  of  that  portion 
of  Scripture, — 'He  that  watereth,  shall  be  watered  also  himself.' 
The  subject  alluded  to,  was, — '  I  will  leave  in  the  midst  of  thee,  an 
afflicted  and  poor  people,  and  they  shall  trust  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord.' 

6ih. — Some  calls  with  my  nieces.  At  the  Dublin  Society's 
Rooms,  I  met  with  Edmund  Davy,  Sir  H.  Davy's  cousin,  who 
showed  us  the  place.  He  has  discovered  a  new  carburetted  hydro- 
gen gas,  which  takes  fire  when  put  to  chlorine.  We  went  to  the 
Kildare  Street  schools,  where  teachers  continue  to  be  trained.  I 
am  always  gratified  in  visiting  this  establishment.  I  afterwards 
called  on  T.  Drummond  at  the  castle,  and  was  most  kindly  received. 


*  Ireland  in  1834,  by  Henry  David  Inglis. 


376 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1836. 


We  dined  at  H.  White's ;  an  agreeable  visit,  in  which  we  had  a 
linne  of  religious  retirement,  waiting  upon  the  Lord." 

The  following  day  William  Allen  attended  meeting  in  Dublin, 
where  he  says — 

"  My  mind  was  calmed  and  comforted." 

In  the  afternoon  he  embarked  at  Kingstown  for  Liverpool,  and 
on  his  arrival,  the  next  morning,  proceeded  to  Manchester,  to  meet 
the  members  of  the  Yearly  Meeting's  Committee.  Engagements, 
connected  with  the  subjects  under  consideration,  closely  occupied 
their  attention  until  the  16th  instant.  The  morning  previous  to  his 
leaving  Manchester,  he  writes  — 

"I  was  sweetly  refreshed  with  a  feeling  of  that  peace,  which  I 
prize  above  all  things." 

On  his  return  home,  when  taking  a  retrospect  of  their  transac- 
tions in  Lancashire,  he  thankfully  acknowledges  the  help  with 
which  the  committee  had  been  favoured. 

He  continued,  from  time  to  time,  to  receive  satisfactory  intelli- 
gence both  of,  and  from,  his  young  friend  Alexander  D'Junkovsky. 
In  a  letter  from  him,  dated  "  St.  Petersburg,  the  -/y  September, 
1836,"  he  says— 

"  You  may  recollect  that  when  I  was  on  the  point  of  leaving 
England,  you  gave  me,  as  a  token  of  remembrance,  that  copy  of 
the  Scriptures  in  which  you  used  to  read  every  morning  to  the 
family ;  now,  whenever  I  take  that  Bible,  it  reminds  me  of  the 
peaceful  life  which  I  led  in  your  house,  and^>the  kind  way  in  which 
you  instructed  those  around  you  in  the  precepts  of  Christianity,  and 
in  morals;  your  words  and  your  actions  have  left,  such  an  impres- 
sion upon  my  mind,  that  whenever  I  think  of  them  I  feel  a  peculiar 
pleasure,  and  sympathy  towards  the  members  of  your  society.  Do 
please  to  assure  those  of  them  who  remember  me,  of  my  Christian 
love,  and  that  I  do  not  forget  their  kindness  towards  me. 

I  have  now  been  married  two  years,  and  have  got  a  little  boy; 
I  wish  that  he  may  one  day  find  an  opportunity  of  going  to  Eng- 
land, as  I  did,  and  my  father  also,  but  will  my  son  be  so  happy  as 
to  find  as  kind  a  reception  as  I  found  in  your  house,  and  amongst 
your  fi  iends  ?    Of  that  I  very  much  doubt. 

It  will  be  interesting  to  you  to  know  that  our  dear  friend,  Prince 
Alexander  Galitzin,  is  well.  Not  long  ago,  the  Prince  asked  me 
why  he  had  not  this  year,  as  formerly,  received  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing's Epistle  of  the  Society  of  Friends;  accordingly  I  requested 
William  Wheeler  to  give  me  a  copy,  and,  although  he  had  but  one. 


1836. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


377 


he  readily  consented  to  lend  it  to  nic,  and  joined  to  it  '  The  Epistle 
of  Counsel ;'  both  these  papers  1  have  translated  into  the  Russian 
language,  as  I  have  been  used  to  do  every  year  since  my  return 
from  England,  and  presented  the  translation  to  the  Prince,  to  his 
great  satisfaction.    He  is  truly  interested  in  you. 

I  send  you  herewith  a  Russian  silver  coin,  which  was  made  in 
remembrance  of  your  late  friend,  the  Emperor  Alexander  the  1st. 
On  one  side  is  his  likeness,  very  well  executed,  and  on  the  other, 
the  granite  column  erected  to  his  memory  in  a  public  part  of  St. 
Petersburg;  I  thought  you  would  like  to  have  it  for  his  sake. 

May  the  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Clirist  be  with  you  always. 
Your  very  affectionate  and  respectful  friend, 

Alexander  D'Junkovsky." 

An  old  friend  of  William  Allen's,  whom  he  had  not  seen  for  a 
considerable  time,  says — 

"  It  is  very  long  since  we  met,  but  I  have  been  glad  to  hear  good 
accounts  of  you,  from  time  to  time,  from  our  common  friends ;  and 
especially  that  you  go  on  unremittingly  in  the  good  cause  of  edu- 
cation, and  are  still  Treasurer  of  the  Borough  Road  School. 
Would  that  poor  Joseph  Lancaster  had  been  as  faithful  to  his  du- 
ties!" 

Joseph  Sturge  being  about  to  visit  the  West  India  Islands,  W.  A. 
addressed  a  letter  to  him,  in  which  he  thus  manifests  the  affection- 
ate interest  which  he  felt  in  his  proceedings: — 

"  I  feel  much  sympathy  with  thee  in  thy  prospect  of  a  visit  to  our 
West  India  Islands,  undertaken,  as  it  is,  most  disinterestedly,  in 
order  to  be  instrumental  in  completing  that  glorious  measure  of  jus- 
tice, which  the  act  for  the  Abolition  of  Slavery  began.  Keep  near, 
my  dear  friend,  to  that  Guide  and  Teacher  described  by  the  Apostle 
as  '  the  anointing,'  then  wilt  thou  be  led  safely,  and  carried  through 
all  trials  and  difficulties.  'Trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  thine  heart, 
and  lean  not  to  thine  own  understanding;'  He  will  then  be  thy  re- 
fuge and  strength,  yea,  a  very  present  help  in  trouble." 

"  Tbnth  Month  ^Ist. — Read  in  the  manuscript  of  Thomas  Shilli- 
toe's  Journal  to  comfort;  it  is  a  valuable  document,  showing  the 
safety  and  certainty  of  dependence  upon  the  leadings  of  the  Spirit 
of  Christ.  The  Lord  is  with  the  simple-hearted  in  His  Israel, — 
those  who  are  truly  dedicated  to  Him." 

23?y/. — At  Lindfield,  he  writes — 

"  Retirement — low,  but  the  tendency  of  my  soul  was  upward  to 
the  never-failing  Source  of  help. 
Vol.  II.  25 


378 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1836. 


I  went  with  one  of  the  cottagers,  at  his  request,  to  see  his  aged 
mother ;  she  seems  near  her  end ;  read  to  her  in  (he  Gospel  of  John, 
and  was  engaged  in  vocal  prayer;  I  had  comfort  in  this  visit." 

On  the  25th,  William  Allen  again  set  out,  in  company  with  Peter 
Bedford,  to  join  the  Yearly  Meeting's  Committee  at  Manchester. 
The  next  day  he  writes — 

"Notwithstanding  it  was  a  great  trial  to  me  to  come  here,  the 
calm  I  experienced  in  the  night  was  so  precious  that  I  could  not 
wish  to  be  in  any  other  place." 

After  being  closely  occupied  for  about  a  week,  he  says,  on  his 
arrival  at  home — 

"  I  am  returned  from  Manchester  with  very  peaceful  feelings, 
respecting  the  arduous  business  with  which  we  have  been  almost 
overwhelmed.  I  believe  many  prayers  have  been  put  up  by  the 
friends  of  the  blessed  Truth,  for  its  feeble  advocates,  and  that  these 
prayers  have  been  heard. 

Eleventh  Month  29th. — The  prospect  of  public  affairs  makes  me 
low ;  corn  rising ;  scarcity  in  America  ;  bread  ten  pence  half-penny 
the  quartern;  potatoes  dear;  money  scarce;  banks  in  Ireland  fail- 
ing; Carlists  prevaiUng  in  Spain;  public  funds  falling  ;  our  Religious 
Society  shaken  wiih  a  tempest — all  conspire  to  depress  my  spirits, 
but  I  still  perseveringly  look  up  night  and  day  to  my  Almighty 
Saviour  and  Protector,  with  prayer  for  His  sustaining  support  dur- 
ing the  remaining  days  of  my  pilgrimage. 

Committee  at  Devonshire  House  at  three  o'clock  ;  thence  to  Ken- 
sington Palace  to  dine  with  the  Duke  of  Sussex,  with  a  select  party 
of  the  Royal  Society ;  the  Duke  very  kind ;  sat  by  my  old  friend 
Pepys. 

Twelfth  Month  7th. — The  money  panic  a  little  abated. 

21st — At  Lindfield;  rose  at  a  quarter  past  five;  retirement  to 
comfort;  thanksgivings  arose;  reading  Exodus;  contrited  at  the 
Lord's  condescension  to  Moses.  Walked  to  meeting;  satisfactory. 
I  addressed  the  children  on  the  fear  of  God,  and  had  peace. 

24th. — Returned  to  Stoke  Newington.  A  very  heavy  fall  of 
snow. 

25th. — Meeting;  I  had  the  word  of  encouragement  to  those  who 
were  assembled,  and  spoke  of  the  preciousness  of  silent  worship, 
and  of  praying  *  according  to  the  will  of  God,'  showing  from  Scrip- 
ture that  that  prayer  would  certainly  be  answered. 

20th. — An  avalanche  at  Lewes  has  crushed  five  houses,'  and 
buried  fourteen  persons." 


1837. 


OF  WILLfAM  ALLEN. 


379 


-     CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1837 — 1838.  Visit  to  Hitchin — Decease  of  R.  Cliristy — Religious  Retirement  and 
Prayer — Yearly  Meeting — Death  of  the  King — Letter  to  J.  J.  Gurney — Friends'  Ad- 
dress to  the  Queen — Exertions  in  the  Anti-Slavery  and  Scliool  Cause — Yearly  Meet- 
ing— Interview  with  Marshal  Soult — Letter  from  the  Duke  of  Sussex — Death  of 
Joseph  Lancaster — Aborigines  Committee — Committee  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting — 
Case  of  a  young  man  in  the  Army  at  Chatham. 

The  health  of  Samuel  Allen  having  been  in  so  feeble  a  state  as 
to  awaken  the  solicitude  of  his  friends,  his  brother  proposed  paying 
him  a  visit,  and  accordingly,  the  1st  of  Fourth  Month,  he  went  to 
Hitchin  for  a  day  or  two.  He  attended  the  week-day  meeting 
there,  which  he  says  was  satisfactory,  and  a  time  of  refreshing  to 
his  spirit,  and  writes: — 

"  I  spent  the  day  with  my  dear  brother  and  sister,  and  had  much 
peace  and  satisfaction  in  this  visit.  In  the  evening  I  read  to  them 
my  notes  on  our  journey  to  Ireland,  with  which  they  seemed  much 
interested. 

First  Month  I'Sth. — Col.  Colebrooke  and  Capt.  Macphail  dined 
with  us.  The  former  gave  a  very  interesting  account  of  the  Baha- 
mas ;  he  is  appointed  to  the  government  of  Antigua. 

I4:th. — Dear  Rebecca  Christy  was  taken  suddenly  ill  on  Fourth 
day  afternoon,  and  after  a  very  short  illness,  has,  I  doubt  not,  en- 
tered into  the  joy  of  her  Lord.  On  that  morning  we  both  attended 
Gracechurch  street  meeting;  it  was  held  in  silence,  and  was  a 
solemn  time.  We  had  some  free  conversation  afterwards  on  se- 
rious subjects ;  she  spoke  of  longing  to  sing  one  of  the  songs  of 
Zion,  and  said  to  me  rather  earnestly,  but  sweetly,  '  We  are  both 
drawing  towards  the  close.'  She  was  then  looking  very  well,  but 
departed  this  life  on  Seventh  day  evening;  she  has  been  one  of  my 
most  intimate  friends,  for  a  period  of  more  than  forty  years.  No 
one  sympathised  more  deeply  with  me  in  all  my  afflictions  and  tri- 
bulations, and  they  have  not  been  few.  I  have  felt  low  of  late,  but 
I  look  earnestly  and  very  often  towards  that  good  land  on  the  other 
side  of  Jordan.  When  I  endeavour,  as  I  do  more  often  than  the 
returning  morning,  to  draw  near  to  Him  in  whom  are  all  my  fresh 
springs  ;  I  can  truly  say,  O  Lord,  I  have  nothing  to  recommend  my- 
self to  thee,  but  my  utter  want  and  poverty.  My  prayers  are  often 
put  up  both  for  myself  and  those  dear  to  me,  that  we  may  be  kept 
as  in  the  hollow  of  His  hand,  and  stand  in  our  lot  at  the  end  of  the 
day." 

There  is  no  subject  so  frequently  mentioned  in  William  Allen's 
Diary,  as  the  strength  and  comfort  derived  from  his  private  daily 


380 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1837. 


devotion.  Scarcely  any  circumstance  was  ever  permitted  lo  inter- 
fere with  his  practice  of  giving  the  first  part  of  the  morning  to  God. 
He  spent  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour  in  rehgious  retirement,  when  it 
appears  that  prayer  and  praise  usually  formed  a  part  of  his  engage- 
ment.   Soon  after  this  date,  he  writes  — 

"  The  breathing  of  my  soul  was,  '  Forsake  me  not,  O  Lord !'  " 
And  again, — "  Thanksgiving  raised  to  the  Author  of  all  good ;  whilst 
on  my  knees,  this  text  was  remembered, — '  Trust  in  the  Lord  and 
do  good,  so  shalt  thou  dwell  in  the  land,  and  verily  thou  shalt  be 
fed.'  " 

After  a  time  of  retirement,  he  devoted  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour 
to  reading  and  meditating  upon  the  Scriptures,  and  on  one  occasion, 
after  mentioning  being  thus  occupied,  he  says — 

"This  practice  has  been  blessed  to  me,  often  bringing  me  into 
tenderness  of  spirit,  and  contriting  me  to  tears. 

First  Month  20th. — To  Wandsworth,  to  attend  the  funeral  of  dear 
R.  C.  We  had  a  remarkably  solemn  time,  and  I  thought  we  were 
eminently  favoured  with  a  sense  of  the  divine  presence ;  it  was  a 
heart-tendering  opportunity  to  be  long  remembered. 

25th. — It  is  an  awful  time  from  the  prevalence  of  influenza.  Many 
persons  quite  confined  with  it,  and  working  men  obliged  to  give  up. 

Second  Month  llth. — (At  Lindfield.)  Attended  the  Monthly 
Meeting  at  Brighton.  The  second  meeting  was  a  time  of  comfort 
and  refreshment;  Grover  Kemp,  in  a  very  suitable  manner,  stated 
his  concern  to  pay  a  religious  visit  to  Ireland.  There  was  a  sweet 
calm  feeling  over  the  meeting.  After  a  solemn  pause,  much  unity 
and  sympathy  were  expressed,  and  I  had  a  word  of  encouragement 
for  him,  reviving  the  expression  of  our  blessed  Lord,  '  Say  not  ye. 
There  are  yet  four  months,  and  then  cometh  harvest?  behold,  I  say 
unto  you,  lift  up  your  eyes,  and  look  on  the  fields;  for  they  are 
white  already  to  harvest.'  I  also  reminded  him,  that  'He  that 
reapeth  receiveth  wages,  and  gathereth  fruit  unto  life  eternal:  that 
lioth  he  that  soweth  and  he  that  reapeth  may  rejoice  together,'  and 
said,  the  prayer  of  my  heart  was,  that  the  divine  blessing  might  go 
with  him  who  went,  and  rest  upon  him  who  tarried  by  the  stuff'." 

W.  A.  returned  home  a  few  davs  afterwards,  and.  Third  Month 
28th,  writes — 

"Rose  a  quarter  past  five;  retirement.  Prayer  put  up  for  pre- 
servation from  doing  any  thing  tiiat  might,  in  the  least,  injure  the 
great  and  good  cause  of  my  Divine  Master,  in  the  impending  Quar- 
terly Meeting,  and  that  He  would  look  down  in  mercy  and  com- 
passion upon  His  poor  church.   Walked  to  town  to  meeting;  E.  J. 


1837. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


381 


Fry  was  powerfully  engaged  in  supplication.  I  had  some  openings 
on  the  words,  '  Blow  the  trumpet  in  Zion,'  &c.,  and  rose  with  this 
text,  dwelUng  upon  'gathering  the  children.'  The  second  meeting 
was  comfortable — adjourned  and  finished  in  the  evening." 

About  this  time  William  Allen  attended  several  meetings  for 
divine  worship,  appointed  by  the  request  of  Elizabeth  Dudley,  and 
he  says — 

"  I  had  peace  in  showing  sympathy  with  the  Lord's  servant." 
In  writing  to  S.  Grellet,  he  says — 

"  I  do  not  remember  whether  I  told  thee,  that  our  Quarterly 
Meeting  has  revived  the  meeting  for  worship  for  young  people, 
which  used  to  follow  the  meeting  for  business.  It  was  held  on 
the  29th  instant,  at  Devonshire  House,  at  six  o'clock  in  the  evening, 
and  was  considered  to  be  a  very  favoured  meeting.  The  voice  of 
supplication  arose,  with  thanksgiving  for  the  precious  evidence  we 
were  then  favoured  with,  that  the  Lord  had  not  forsaken  the  rem- 
nant of  His  people. 

My  mind  often  dwells  upon  our  journeyings  together,  and  some- 
times I  seem  to  long  for  a  little  intercourse  with  some  of  those  whom 
we  have  visited,  to  see  how  they  do." 

"  Fowth  Month  8lh. — Lord  Brougham  came  to  dine  with  us;  much 
useful  conversation. 

22nd. — Read  T.  Shillitoe's  interesting  manuscript  to  comfort;  the 
following  excellent  sentiment  contained  in  it,  impressed  us  much: — 

'  O,  may  I  ever  remain  willing  that  my  luxuries  in  life  may  be 
given  up,  in  order  to  supply  others'  want  of  comforts,  and  my  com- 
forts at  times  given  up  to  supply  others'  want  of  necessaries,  and 
that  even  my  necessaries  may  also  at  times  be  given  up,  to  relieve 
the  extreme  distress  of  others!  This  is  what  I  crave,  from  the 
assurance  that  such  conduct  is  consistent  with  the  true  Christian 
character.' 

2Ql/i. — Retirement;  reading  Proverbs.  Every  young  man  ought 
to  sludy  this  book. 

Fifth  Month  2nd. — Some  passages  of  Scripture,  respecting  pleas- 
ing God,  have  been  brought  before  the  view  of  my  mind  within  this 
day  or  two.  See  1  Thes.  chap.  iv.  1;  Psalm  xix.  14;  Prov.  xvi.  7; 
Isaiah  Ivi.  4;  1  Thes.  ii.  15;  but  above  all,  the  language  of  the  dear 
Saviour,  John  viii.  29,  when  speaking  of  the  Father,  '  I  do  always 
those  things  that  please  him.'  Our  great  and  sole  object  ought  to 
be  to  please  God ;  this  should  be  the  endeavour,  the  bent  and  ten- 
dency of  our  minds;  hence  the  necessity  of  a  constant  state  of 
watchfulness  on  that  point. 


382 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE. 


1837. 


It  was  said  by  a  worldly-minded  man,  Lord  Chesterfield,  with 
respect  to  the  policy  of  this  world,  ^Endeavour  to  please,  and  you 
will  always  succeed  to  a  certain  degree.'  Of  how  infinitely  greater 
importance  is  this  maxim,  in  relation  to  the  things  of  God.  'But 
without  faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  Him.' 

Fifth  Month  8th. — To  Exeter  Hall,  to  attend  the  anniversary  of 
the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society;  it  was  crowded;  Lord 
John  Russell  was  in  the  chair,  and  Sir  George  Grey  by  him.  Ex- 
cellent speech  by  the  Bishop  of  Norwich;  he  made  happy  allusions 
to  Ireland,  which  were  rapturously  received  in  the  room.  A  fine 
spirit  was  manifested  from  beginning  to  end ;  I  think  we  never  had 
a  more  satisfactory  meeting,  and  we  got  through  most  comfortably, 
for  which  I  was  reverently  thankful. 

20lh. — Read  last  night's  debates  in  the  House  of  Commons,  on  the 
Capital  Punishment  question.  Ewart  moved  an  amendment  of  Lord 
John  Russell's  motion,  viz:  'That  the  punishment  of  death  be  abo- 
lished in  all  cases  except  murder.'  A  debate  of  six  hours  took  place; 
several  spoke  out  nobly,  but  the  amendment  was  lost,  though  only 
by  one.  For  the  amendment,  seventy-two;  against  it,  seventy- 
three.  This  is  a  triumph  as  it  is,  and  we  may  perhaps  succeed  yet, 
on  a  future  division. 

24th. — Yearly  Meeting  at  ten ;  a  precious  solemnity  was  over  us, 
William  Gundry  said  a  few  words  and  J.  J.  Gurney  was  engaged 
in  supplication.  American  Epistles  read — very  acceptable,  and 
much  to  the  purpose. 

25th. — Yearly  Meeting  in  the  morning,  afterwards  to  the  west 
end.  Interview  with  Lord  John  Russell  and  T.  S.  Rice,  at  the  Home 
Office.  I  began  by  saying  that  they  knew  my  feelings  with  respect 
to  them,  and  how  much  I  was  attached  to  them  personally,  and  to 
that  liberal  government  of  which  they  were  members,  and  that  they 
also  knew  my  sentiments  with  regard  to  the  punishment  of  death, 
but  seeing  what  took  place  in  the  House  of  Commons  the  other 
night,  upon  that  subject,  I  could  not  refrain  from  endeavouring  to 
obtain  this  last  opportunity,  in  order  to  entreat  the  minister  to  give 
way.  He  seemed  to  think  that  the  public  were  not  prepared  for 
the  measure;  that  even  if  it  passed  the  Commons,  it  would  not  go 
through  the  Lords,  and  if  it  did,  and  became  law,  that  it  would  be 
repealed  in  a  twelvemonth.  I  stated  briefly  my  objections,  quoting 
the  words  of  Ewart,  that  an  irrevocable  punishment  required  an  in- 
fallible judge.  He  allowed  that  there  was  a  great  deal  in  this.  I 
said  it  was  an  awful  consideration,  that  persons  who  had  sufliered 
this  punishment  had,  in  several  instances,  been  discovered  to  be  in- 


1837. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


383 


nocent  of  the  crime;  that  it  did  7iot  act  in  the  way  intended  in  the 
prevention  of  crime;  that  it  held  out  a  temptation  to  murder,  in 
order  to  get  rid  of,  perhaps,  the  only  witness.  That  we  were,  in 
this  respect,  reproachfully  behind  the  nations  of  the  continent.  That 
altiiough  the  proposed  law  was  a  great  amelioration,  yet,  as  it  did 
not  go  the  whole  length,  I  had  rather  see  the  matter  suspended  for 
another  year.  They  received  what  I  had  to  say  very  respectfully, 
and  I  left  them,  relieved  from  the  burden  which  had  been  upon  my 
mind.  I  reached  the  meeting-house,  after  the  hour  of  adjournment ; 
the  queries  were  finished,  and  the  meeting  broke  up  between  seven 
and  eight  o'clock. 

Fifth  Month  2dth. — Large  meeting  of  men  and  women  Friends, 
to  hear  Joseph  Sturge's  report  of  his  visit  to  the  West  Indies.  J.  S. 
procured  much  valuable  information  as  to  the  mischievous  effects 
of  the  apprenticeship  system  ;  horrid  instances  of  oppression,  excel- 
lent behaviour  of  the  coloured  people,  &c. 

30th. — The  minute  respecting  Lancashire  was  read,  also  the  re- 
port of  the  committee." 

Throughout  all  the  circumstances  connected  with  this  trying  en- 
gagement, William  Allen  unflinchingly  pursued  what  he  regarded 
as  his  path  of  duty:  unmoved  either  by  evil  report  or  good  report, 
he  endeavoured  faithfully  to  uphold  the  spiritual  views  of  the  chris- 
tian religion  as  held  by  the  Society  of  Friends ;  and  to  advocate  the 
principles  of  that  body  by  whom  he,  in  conjunction  with  the  other 
members  of.the  committee,  was  deputed.    In  conclusion,  he  says — 

"  The  report  was  received  and  the  committee  discharged.  A 
great  weight  was  taken  off  my  mind,  and  I  felt  humbly  and  rever- 
ently thankful  to  the  great  Head  of  the  Church." 

In  his  notice  of  the  last  day  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  W.  A. 
writes — 

"  The  General  Epistle  was  read,  and  brought  a  great  solemnity 
over  us.  I  thought  it  particularly  excellent.  J.  J.  Gurney  was  ac- 
ceptably engaged  in  ministry  and  prayer.  We  were  favoured  at 
the  close  with  a  precious  feeling  of,  what  I  humbly  consider,  the 
presence  of  our  God,  and  we  may  reverently  acknowledge  that  this 
Yearly  Meeting  has  been,  at  various  trying  seasons,  eminently  fa- 
voured. I  do  think  we  have  much  to  hope  for.  Samuel  Tuke,  our 
clerk,  has  evidently  been  assisted  from  above,  and  we  have  been 
refreshed  and  comforted  together  in  the  Lord.  O,  the  goodness 
and  mercy  of  our  Heavenly  Father  to  His  poor  afflicted  people!" 

Soon  after  the  Yearly  Meeting,  he  went  down  to  Lindfield,  and 
in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  says — 


384 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1837. 


"  Our  boys'  school  is  in  a  flourishing  state,  and  we  have  great 
comfort  and  satisfaction  in  this  third  year  of  the  experiment,  so  that 
we  can  now  safely  recommend  it.  We  find  that  the  habits  of  in- 
dustry, in  which  they  are  brought  up,  has  an  excellent  moral  effect, 
and  is  also'conducive  to  health  and  vigour." 

"Sixth  Month  2lst. — We  had  heard  rumours  of  the  decease  of 
the  King,  and  tliis  morning  received  certain  intelligence  that  he 
died  on  second-day  morning;  violent  political  struggles  will  now 
take  place,  in  consequence  of  the  dissolution  of  Parliament. 

John  Smith  came  down  to-day,  and  was  quite  delighted  with  the 
appearance  of  the  whole  place.  I  also  was  much  gratified  with 
seeing  the  crops  and  gardens  of  the  upper  cottages  so  flourishing. 

24th. — Returning  to  Stoke  Newington.  A  very  agreeable  visit 
to  Peter  Bedford  on  our  way. 

27th. — Quarterly  Meeting;  I  thought  we  were  favoured  with  a 
little  of  the  feeling  of  that  loving-kindness  which  is  better  than  life, 
and  I,  among  others,  was  encouraged  to  bear  public  testimony  to 
this  effect. 

2dth. — Anti-Slavery  (/Ommittce  at  Aldermanbury ;  much  at  a 
loss  for  a  chairman  for  the  great  meeting  at  Exeter  Hall,  being  dis- 
appointed in  several;  at  length  I  agreed  to  try  the  Duke  of  Sussex, 
and  we  went  up  to  Kensington  Palace.  I  was  soon  admitted,  and 
had  a  most  gratifying  conference.  The  first  subject  entered  upon 
was  the  King's  death;  the  Duke  said  that  he  was  quite  sensible  till 
within  the  last  hour,  and  passed  quietly  away.  I  then  introduced 
the  object  of  my  visit ;  he  objected  at  first,  but  I  endeavoured  to  re- 
move the  obstacles,  and  he  most  kindly  consented,  for  which  I  was 
very  thankful. 

Sixth  Month  Met  Thomas  Clarkson  at  Plough  Court;  he 

is  very  infirm  and  is  now  about  seventy-seven  years  of  age,  just  ten 
years  older  than  I :  we  were  mutually  comforted  in  each  other's 
company. 

Seventh  Month  3rd. — Inspector's  Committee  at  the  Borough  Road, 
very  satisfactory — forty-three  minutes  upon  the  books — much  busi- 
ness. Then  to  W.  Crawford's,  Raymond's  Buildings;  heard  from 
him  the  good  news  that  government  are  about  to  establish  a  peni- 
tentiary for  boys,  in  the  Isle  of  Wight. 

4lh. — With  J.  T.  B.  to  Apsley  House  to  wait  upon  the  Duke  of 
Wellington  ;  he  was  much  engaged,  but  very  kind  ;  I  made  tiie  best 
use  I  could  of  the  little  time  I  had,  to  impress  him  with  the  impor- 
tance of  abolishing  the  punishment  of  death,  gave  him  Wrightson's 
book,  &c.    I  was  sorry  I  could  not  introduce  J.  T.  B.  this  time,  but 


1837. 


OF  WILLtAM  ALLEN. 


385 


the  door  is  left  open.  Received  a  note  from  Brougham  to  meet  him 
at  the  House  of  Lords;  he  wishes  me  to  have  something  printed 
for  him  immediatel}',  on  the  subject  of  normal  schools.  J.  T.  B.  and 
I  went  into  the  gallery  and  heard  debates;  the  important  subject  of 
the  criminal  code  came  on.  Denman  opened  it,  and  Lord  Wynford 
opposed,  then  Lord  Lyndhurst,  but  I  came  away  whilst  he  was 
speaking.    Very  tired,  but  this  has  been  an  important  day. 

1th. — Meeting  for  Sufferings  to  comfort.  Address  to  the  Queen 
agreed  upon,  and  a  committee  appointed.  Continental  Committee 
afterwards;  and  it  was  settled  to  propose  to  the  Meeting  for  Suffer- 
ings that  a  sub-committee  should  visit  Pyrmont  and  Minden." 

In  addressing  a  Friend  in  the  United  States,  and  conveying  to 
him  some  particulars  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  W.  A.  writes — 

"  Dear  Joseph  John  Gurney  laid  before  us  his  concern  to  pay  a 
religious  visit  to  North  America;  the  sense  of  the  meeting  was 
clearly  for  his  liberation,  and  my  judgment  went  with  its  decision." 

In  a  letter  to  Nathan  Hunt,  he  further  says — 

"I  earnestly  hope  that  you  who  are  capable  of  feeling,  will  exer- 
cise a  kind  and  fatherly  care  over  this  dear,  talented  brother." 

The  following  letter  was  addressed  to  Joseph  John  Gurney,  a  day 
or  two  before  his  departure  for  America  : — 

"  Qth  of  Seventh  Month,  1837. 

"  My  dear  friend, 

"  The  love  and  sympathy  I  feel  for  and  with  thee,  would  have 
brought  me  to  Liverpool  instead  of  this  letter,  if  circumstances  had 
not  been  too  adverse  to  the  undertaking.  May  the  sacrifice  of  all, 
which  I  believe  thou  hast  made,  be  accepted  by  our  Divine  Master  ! 
and  may  He  condescend  to  hear  and  to  answer  the  ardent  prayers, 
which  thy  fellow-servants  are  pouring  out  before  Him,  for  thy  pre- 
servation, and  for  a  blessing  upon  thy  labours  in  His  cause !  May 
He  preserve  thee  humble,  and  ever  depending  upon  Himself,  in  all 
thy  movements  and  undertakings;  and  then,  whatever  may  be  the 
permission  of  His  providence,  in  life  or  in  death,  thou  wilt  be  sweet- 
ly and  eternally  His  own,  and  He  will  give  thee  to  feel  that  it  is  so. 
Remember  those  precious  words,  '  I  know  my  sheep,  and  af?i  known 
of  mine.' 

I  wished  to  have  said  something  to  thee  about  encouraging  the 
prosecution  of  our  agricultural  plans  for  the  benefit  of  the  people 
of  colour,  but  this  may  become  the  subject  of  future  correspondence. 
My  feelings  are  too  solemn,  at  present,  to  admit  of  more  than  fare- 


386 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1837. 


well  in  the  Lord,  my  belov'ed  brother,  and  may  He  be  with  thee  in 
every  extremity.    So  prays  thy  affeciionate 

William  Allen." 

It  appeared  that  this  letter  was  peculiarly  acceptable  to  J.  J.  G., 
who  felt  the  strength  and  encouragement  which  so  paternal  a  com- 
munication was  calculated  to  afford,  under  circumstances  of  trial 
and  depression. 

"Seventh  Month  9th. — Stoke  Newington  meeting  in  the  morning; 
walked  to  Tottenham  in  the  afternoon,  with  my  nieces.  We  took 
tea  with  Hannah  Pim,  and  before  we  parted  had  a  quiet  pause,  when 
I  revived  some  passages  of  Scripture  to  the  dear  old  Friend,  who 
seems  in  a  very  tranquil,  peaceful  frame  of  mind. 

lOlh. — Anti-Slavery  Committee,  then  to  the  Palace  at  Kensing- 
ton, where  I  found  several  persons  before  me,  and  I  had  to  wait 
some  time ;  however,  when  my  turn  came,  I  was  very  cordially  re- 
ceived by  the  Duke;  gave  him  the  papers  relative  to  the  meeting 
to-morrow,  and  explained  the  course  of  proceedings ;  he  entered 
heartily  into  the  subject.  I  also  gave  him  the  petition  of  Friends  of 
Ireland,  on  the  subject  of  the  punishment  of  death,  to  present  to  the 
House  of  Lords,  and  read  it  to  him  whilst  he  was  smoking  his  pipe; 
he  was  much  pleased  with  it,  and  promised  to  let  me  know  when  it 
was  brought  forward. 

l\th. — Walked  to  the  Anti-Slavery  meeting  at  Exeter  Hall, — the 
great  room  crowded.  The  Duke  arrived  about  half-past  twelve ; 
he  was  very  cordially  received,  and  opened  the  meeting  well.  Bur- 
net made  a  capital  speech,  bringing  out  the  great  points  beautifully. 
Joseph  Sturge  followed,  and,  I  thought,  was  enabled  to  plead  the 
cause  of  the  oppressed  ;  he  closed  admirably.  The  Duke  after- 
wards, in  a  very  suitable  speech,  took  leave,  and  Sir  Culling  Eard- 
ley  Smith  was  put  in  to  the  chair.  All  the  resolutions  passed  unani- 
mously ;  there  were  some  very  spirited  speeches,  and  it  was  a  most 
satisfactory  meeting.  The  Anti-Slavery  Committees  throughout  the 
country  are  to  be  revived. 

12th. — Adjourned  Meeting  for  Sufferings — Address  to  the  Queen 
brought  in,  commented  upon,  and  agreed  to. 

IGth. — At  Plaistow  meeting  in  the  morning.  Dined  at  Samuel 
Gurney's;  T.  F.  Buxton  and  his  son  were  there.  S.  G.  took  me  to 
see  his  delightful  allotments  of  land  for  the  poor,  fifty-four  of  them 
in  high  cultivation  ;  the  plan  answers  admirably.  Stoke  Newing- 
ton in  the  afternoon;  a  good  meeting. 

nth. — Parliament  dissolved  this  day.    The  Queen  went  in  state 


1837. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


387 


to  the  House.  The  Duke  of  Sussex  read  the  Petition  of  Friends 
of  Ireland  against  Capital  Punishment.  Met  some  Friends  at  De- 
vonshire House,  and  informed  them  that,  in  an  interview  with  Lord 
John  Russell,  on  Seventh-day,  he  said  that  the  deputation  to  the 
Queen  must  not  exceed  twenty-four,  but  dissatisfaction  being  ex- 
pressed at  this  limitation,  Josiah  Forster,  George  Stacey,  and  I,  were 
directed  to  see  him  again  on  the  subject." 

The  minister  could  not  be  seen  at  the  time  appointed,  in  conse- 
quence of  his  being  engaged  at  the  levee,  and  having  to  attend  a 
Privy  Council  afterwards,  but  W.  A.  writes,  that  he  had  a  gratify- 
ing interview  with  the  Duke  of  Sussex,  who  said  that  the  limitation 
of  numbers  in  carrying  up  addresses,  was  established  in  Charles  the 
Second's  time,  but  does  not  apply  to  bodies,  who  were  to  have  iheir 
addresses  received  on  the  throne. 

''Seventh  Month  2lst. — To  Westminster  meeting-house  at  twelve 
o'clock ;  about  fifty  Friends  of  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings  met,  and 
afterwards  proceeded  to  James's  Palace  to  present  the  address  to 
the  Queen  Victoria.  We  were  first  shown  into  the  anti-room,  the 
doors  of  which  were  thrown  open,  and  the  young  Queen  appeared 
sitting  on  the  throne,  at  the  further  end  of  the  presence  chamber,  a 
row  of  gentlemen  at  arms,  right  and  left.  The  Duke  of  Sussex 
was  there.  Lord  John  Russell,  the  Marquis  of  Lansdowne,  Lord 
Glenelg,  &c. ;  several  ladies  were  also  present.  We  advanced  to 
within  a  few  paces  of  the  foot  of  the  throne,  when  I  read  the  Ad- 
dress. There  was  a  solemn  feeling  over  us.  The  Queen  listened 
with  serious  attention,  and  seemed  as  though  the  contents  made  an 
impression ;  she  read  her  answer  in  a  very  clear  and  audible  man- 
ner, and  we  then  withdrew.  The  whole  proceeding  was  highly 
satisfactory." 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  Address : — 
"  To  Victoria,  Queen  of  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and 

Ireland,  and  the  Dominions  thereunto  belong;ing. 
"  May  it  please  the  Queen, 

"  We,  thy  dutiful  and  loyal  subjects,  members  of  the  Religious 
Society  of  Friends,  commonly  called  Quakers,  and  representing 
that  body  in  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  are  anxious  to  take  the  ear- 
liest opportunity  of  thus  expressing  our  cordial  and  faithful  attach- 
ment to  our  Queen. 

We  sensibly  feel  the  loss  of  our  late  beloved  monarch,  King  Wil- 
liam the  Fourth;  we  look  back  upon  his  reign  as  a  period  of  no 
common  importance  in  the  history  of  our  country,  marked  as  it  has 


388 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1837. 


been  by  the  extension  of  civil  and  religious  liberty,  by  mercy  and 
compassion  to  the  guilty,  and  by  recognition  of  the  rights  of  our 
enslaved  fellow-subjects ;  we  rejoice  in  these  features  of  his  govern- 
ment, as  evidences  of  the  increasing  sway  of  Christian  principles  in 
the  legislation  of  our  country. 

Under  feelings  of  thankfulness  to  Almighty  God,  we  offer  to  thee, 
our  Queen,  on  thy  accession  to  the  throne  of  these  realms,  our  sin- 
cere congratulations  on  the  prevalence  of  peace  abroad  and  tran- 
quillity at  home.  May  nothing  be  permitted  to  interrupt  these 
blessings,  and  may  the  conviction  more  and  more  prevail,  that  war 
is  alike  anti-christian  and  impolitic. 

Convinced,  as  we  are,  that  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord 
and  Redeemer,  is  the  only  foundation  for  the  true  happiness  of  man, 
and  the  prosperity  of  a  people,  and  that  it  is  the  surest  bulwark  to 
any  government,  our  prayer  to  God  is,  that  it  may  be  the  stability 
of  thy  throne,  and  influence  all  the  deliberations  of  thy  council. 

Be  pleased,  O  Queen,  to  accept  our  earnest  and  heartfelt  desire 
^hat  thou  mayest  seek  for  heavenly  wisdom,  to  enable  thee  to  fulfil 
the  arduous  duties  which,  in  the  ordering  of  Divine  Providence, 
thou  art  thus  early  called  to  perform.  Mayest  thou  live  in  the  fear 
of  God;  and  may  He  incline  thy  heart  to  keep  His  law,  and  richly 
endow  thee  with  the  graces  of  His  Holy  Spirit ;  and  at  length,  when 
the  days  of  thy  delegated  trust  on  earth  are  ended,  mayest  thou, 
through  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  enter  upon  an  inheritance 
incorruptible  and  undefiled,  and  that  fadeth  not  away." 

The  Queen  returned  the  following  answer  to  the  Address: — 

"  1  thank  you  for  your  condolence  upon  the  death  of  his  late  Ma- 
jesty, for  the  justice  which  you  render  to  his  character,  and  to  the 
measures  of  his  reign,  and  for  your  warm  congratulations  upon  my 
accession  to  the  throne. 

I  join  in  your  prayers  for  the  prosperity  of  my  reign,  the  best 
security  for  which  is  to  be  found  in  reverence  for  our  holy  religion, 
and  in  the  observance  of  its  duties." 

"Eighth  Month  5th. — (At  Lindfield.)  Samuel  Gurney  and  his 
daughter  Sarah,  with  E.  J.  Fry,  and  her  daughter  Catherine,  spent 
some  hours  with  us  very  agreeably ;  they  seemed  much  pleased 
with  what  they  had  seen,  and  before  they  left  us,  E.  J.  F.  was  en- 
gaged in  prayer  for  us  and  for  the  establishment." 

During  his  stay  in  Sussex,  William  Allen  took  an  excursion  with 
E.  and  L.  B.,  and  their  young  nieces  Catherine  and  Sarah  Brad- 
shaw,  to  Brighton,  Worthing,  Arundel,  Dale  Park,  and  Chichester. 
He  attended  the  Monthly  Meeting  at  Chichester,  where,  he  says, 


1837. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


389 


"  Divine  goodness  was  near,  to  our  comfort  and  help,"  and  in  speak- 
ing of  his  intercourse  with  his  Itind  friend  John  Smith,  and  his  family, 
lie  observes,  "  We  were  cordially  received,  and  had  some  useful 
and  important  conversation."  He  admired  the  beauty  of  the  coun- 
try about  Dale  and  Houghton  Bridge,  the  weather  was  fine,  his 
miiid,  as  he  says,  was  "  peaceful,"  and  the  whole  excursion  appeared 
to  have  afTorded  him  real  enjoyment. 

Business  having  called  him  to  London  for  a  day  or  two,  he  thus 
writes — 

23rd. — To  Kensington  Palace  :  an  important  interview  with  the 
Duke  of  Sussex ;  most  kindly  received.  We  had  much  conversa- 
tion about  educational  plans,  and  upon  employing  the  poor  on  the 
waste  lands  in  Ireland.  He  is  to  see  me  again  after  my  return  on 
the  31st. 

27///. — E.  J.  Fry  and  Samuel  Gurney  came  over  from  Crawley, 
to  attend  a  public  meeting  for  worship,  appointed,  on  her  request, 
to  be  held  in  the  girls'  school-room.  It  was  a  very  satisfactory 
meeting.  Peter  Bedford  and  his  nephew  have  been  with  us  for  a 
day  or  two.    E.  J.  F.  came  to  lodge  with  us. 

26t/i. — Peaceful  review  of  yesterday.  Elizabeth  Fry  and  Peter 
Bedford  left  us  this  morning. 

Ninth  Month  3rd. — First-day.  Meeting  at  Stoke  Newington ; 
tea  at  the  girls'  school,  and  reading  afterwards.  There  was  a 
solemn  pause,  and  I  thought  I  felt  that  divine  goodness  was  near;  I 
encouraged  the  dear  children  to  keep  up  an  exercise  of  mind  in  our 
silent  meetings,  reminding  them  that  though  the  disciples  had  toiled 
all  night  and  caught  nothing,  yet,  when  the  Master  came,  and  they 
followed  his  directions  by  casting  the  net  at  the  right  side  of  the 
ship,  they  enclosed  a  great  multitude  of  fishes.  My  spirit  was  re- 
vived and  comforted. 

4th. — Inspector's  Committee,  Borough  Road ;  met  Robert  Fors- 
ler,  who  is  just  returned  from  Ireland,  and  informs  me,  that  a  friend 
of  the  name  of  Pike  has  laid  down  twenty  farms  upon  my  plan,  and 
that  the  experiment  answers  well. 

5th. — To  Kensington  Palace  ;  took  J.  T.  B.'s  present  of  two 
volumes  on  the  subject  of  Capital  Punishment,  extracted  from  the 
Morning  Herald,  to  the  Duke  of  Sussex.  Engaged  him  to  give  a 
copy  also  to  the  Queen,  and  one  to  the  Duchess  of  Kent.  I  com- 
mitted to  his  care  the  address  to  the  Queen,  on  the  subject  of  Negro 
Apprenticeship,  signed  by  three  hundred  thousand  females ;  he  is  to 
take  it  to  Windsor  with  him  this  afternoon. 

Tenth  Month  4th. — Monthly  Meeting ;  I  informed  Friends  of  the 


390 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1837. 


drawings  I  felt  towards  attending  some  meetings  in  Sussex,  and 
also,  if  way  should  open,  to  have  some  public  meetings  for  worship 
appointed.  There  was  a  solemn  pause;  many  Friends  expressed 
their  unity,  and  a  minute  was  accordingly  made. 

Gth. — Meeting  for  Sufferings  ;  report  of  the  visit  paid  by  Friends 
to  Pyrmont  and  Minden;  very  satisfactory." 

On  the  12th  instant,  William  Allen  set  out  for  Sussex.  It  was  a 
great  help  and  encouragement  to  him,  in  the  prosecution  of  his  re- 
ligious engagements  there,  to  have  the  company  of  his  dear  friend 
Elizabeth  Fry,  who  was  liberated  by  her  Monthly  Meeting  for 
gospel  service  in  that  and  a  neighbouring  county. 

"  We  were  favoured,"  he  says,  "  to  labour  together  in  much  har- 
mony. On  the  13th,  we  attended  the  Quarterly  Meeting  held  at 
Horsham,  and  a  public  meeting  for  divine  worship  on  the  evening 
of  the  same  day;  it  was  large  and  very  satisfactory,  the  people  be- 
haved remarkably  well,  and  a  deep  solemnity  prevailed  ;  this  was 
a  time  to  be  remembered  with  gratitude,  and  faith  and  hope  were 
strengthened.  Peter  Bedford  was  with  us.  The  m.eeting  conclud- 
ed with  prayer,  and  before  we  separated,  I  requested  that  we  might 
have  a  few  muinents'  quiet  pause,  silently  to  crave  a  blessing." 

The  following  day  he  proceeded  to  Brighton,  accompanied  by 
his  nieces,  and  says — 

"  We  met  E.  J.  F.  and  P.  B.  at  the  house  of  our  kind  friends, 
Isaac  and  Sarah  Bass. 

Tenth  Month  15//*.— First-day.  Meeting  at  ten  ;  E.  J.  Fry  had 
good  service,  and  I  was  enabled  to  speak  in  ministry.  In  the  even- 
ing, we  attended  a  meeting  appointed  to  be  held  at  Shoreham ;  it 
was  a  precious  time,  and  the  next  day  we  had  one  at  Newhaven, 
where  the  covering  of  divine  love  was  over  us ;  the  place  was 
crowded ;  many  very  respectable  persons  were  present,  and  the 
Truth  was  declared  with  boldness;  it  was  a  favoured  meeting,  and 
we  returned  to  our  kind  friends  in  peace.  A  number  of  tracts 
were  distributed." 

In  the  course  of  the  week,  W.  A.,  in  company  with  his  friends, 
attended  meetings  at  Lewes,  Ifield,  and  Reigate,  and  at  the  latter 
place  those  not  in  profession  with  Friends  were  invited  to  be  pre- 
sent;  they  are  mentioned  as  times  of  divine  favour,  wherein  the 
help  of  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  was  sensibly  felt,  and  on  re- 
turning^ to  Lindfield,  he  says — 

"  Looked  back  with  coinfort  and  solid  peace  on  my  late  religious 
engagements. 

21st. — Visit  from  Lord  John  Russell,  who  was  on  his  way  to 


jgg^  OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN.  39  J 

Brighton  to  dine  with  the  Queen.  I  sliowed  him  the  upper  colony, 
the  farms,  &c.,  and  explained  my  plans  for  agricultural  schools ; 
gave  him  the  bound  copy  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Socie- 
ty's Report,  to  present  to  the  Queen,  and  engaged  him  to  solicit 
her  patronage  and  the  continuance  of  the  Royal  subscription. 
Spoke  freely  on  the  subject  of  the  Punishment  of  Death,  and  told 
him  how  much  the  execution  of  Perry  at  Glasgow  had  injured  the 
cause  of  ministers.  I  took  him  to  the  schools  and  printing  office; 
he  was  very  kind  and  cordial,  and  left  us  about  three  o'clock. 

Eleventh  Month  2nd. — Returned  to  Stoke  Newington  ;  found 
several  letters,  among  which,  was  an  important  one  from  Jonathan 
Pike,  of  Beech  Grove,  near  Dungannon,  showing  the  good  effects 
of  our  Lindfield  plans,  tried  upon  an  experiment  of  one  hundred 
acres." 

W.  A.  mentions  receiving  a  sweet  letter  from  Marianne  Vernet; 
in  forwarding  to  him  the  likeness  of  her  dear  father,  Professor 
Pictet,  she  observes,  that  it  was  not  his  children's  desire  to  have 
this  engraving. 

"  I  prefer,"  she  says,  "  the  remembrance  which  is  engraved  upon 
the  heart,  to  that  which  strikes  the  eye. 

We  sometimes  hear  of  you,  and  always  with  unabated  interest ; 
it  would  give  me  great  pleasure  to  hear  from  you — of  your  labours, 
of  your  family.  My  husband  charges  me  to  recall  him  to  your 
kind  remembrance.  We  are  both  growing  old  ;  everything  reminds 
us  to  look  towards  the  end  of  our  pilgrimage,  and  to  keep  our  eyes 
steadily  fixed  above.  We  pray  for  help;  we  intercede  on  behalf  of 
our  friends,  and  you  will  permit  me  to  include,  amongst  the  number, 
you,  whose  Christian  sympathy  I  have  so  deeply  felt. 

Do  not  forget  us,  and  above  all,  my  very  dear  friend,  remember 
us  when  you  pour  out  your  soul  before  God.  May  He  preserve 
you,  and  shed  His  choicest  blessings  upon  your  labours,  especially 
those  for  the  advancement  of  His  kingdom.  Adieu!  if  we  never 
meet  again  upon  this  earth,  may  we  rejoin  each  other  in  those 
celestial  abodes  where  Jesus  is  gone  to  prepare  a  place  for  us! 
Receive  the  assurance  of  my  unalterable  Christian  affection. 

M.  Vernet  n^e  Pictet." 

"  Ath. — Called  on  Lord  Brougham,  and  had  a  long  conference 
about  his  bill  for  education.  Lord  Clanricarde,  who  has  large 
estates  in  Galvvay,  called ;  I  read  them  parts  of  Jonathan  Pike's 
letter,  detaihng  his  interesting  experiment  near  Dungannon ;  I  also 
introduced  the  subject  of  Capital  Punishment.  Then  walked  to 
Seymour  Street,  to  see  F.  Trembicka  (recommended  by  the  Baro- 


392 


LIFE  A\D  CORRESPONDENCE 


1837. 


ness  Drechsel ;)  she  implored  me  to  take  her  interesting  little  son* 
Leo  to  educate.  I  was  affected  at  the  interview  ;  the  poor  boy  took 
hold  of  my  hand,  and  entreated  me  to  stay  longer.  I  must  see  what 
can  be  done. 

Eleventh  Month  lOth. — Heard  of  the  sudden  decease  of  Samuel 
Bewley  of  Dublin,  an  elder  in  our  Religious  Society;  his  death  will 
long  be  felt,  both  in  public  and  private  life ;  he  was  one  of  the  most 
valuable  and  active  members  of  the  Kildare  Street  School  Society. 
William  Ilargrave  also  died  this  morning;  a  worthy  member  of  our 
meeting.  Thus  my  friends  are  dropping  off  around  me;  'Be  ye 
also  ready.'  My  thoughts  are  almost  continually  directed  to  the 
solemn  close  of  all  things  here. 

II///. — To  Lord  Brougham's;  met  Dunn  and  Binney.  Robert 
Forster  came  afterwards.  We  had  much  conversation  about  the 
proposed  bill  for  national  education,  and  Brougham  is  to  sketch  out 
something  further,  and  show  it  to  us. 

12th. — Meeting  at  Stoke  Newington.  Read  in  my  private  jour- 
nal for  1823,  the  account  of  the  decease  of  my  precious  child.  I 
was  much  broken  and  contrited,  though  I  am  assured  of  her  glori- 
fied state,  with  her  dear  Redeemer. 

13th. — Morning  Meeting — comfortable.  Anti-Slavery  Committee 
at  Aldermanbury ;  a  memorial  to  government,  embodying  strong 
facts  against  the  apprenticeship  system,  was  read;  it  is  ably  drawn 
up.  A  number  of  delegates  are  coming  up  from  the  country  to 
meet  at  Exeter  Hall  to-morrow. 

15///. — Retirement;  prayer  for  preservation  and  right  direction 
through  this  day.  Two  committees  impending  of  great  importance. 
Attended  the  committee  of  the  Morning  Meeting  at  eleven,  of  the 
Anti-Slavery  Society  in  the  afternoon. 

16//t.— Under  some  conflict  of  mind  whether  I  should  go  to 
town,  to  attend  the  very  important  meeting  of  the  Anti-Slavery  So- 
ciety, or  attend  our  own  meeting  here,  and  the  interment  of  the 
remains  of  William  Hai-grave;  the  latter  seemed  to  preponderate, 
and  I  was  glad  I  staid.  We  had  a  very  precious  solenm  time  at 
the  ground,  and  a  holy  solemnity  also  prevailed  in  the  meeting; 
several  Friends  spoke  in  ministry  and  supplication.  To  town  after- 
wards. Attended  the  Council  of  the  Royal  Society.  I  walked 
home  with  a  peaceful  mind,  in  reference  to  my  engagement  in  the 
meeting  this  morning.  I  greatly  prefer  the  Lord's  service  to  all 
other,  and  feel  the  necessity  of  even  seeking  opportunities  to  be  em- 
ployed in  it. 

Eleventh  Month  22nd. — (At  Lindfield.)    Meeting.    Spoke  in  min- 


1837. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


393 


istry  on  the  words,  *  I  will  not  send  them  away  fasting,  lest  they 
faint  in  the  way.'    Addressed  the  children." 

William  Allen  having  returned  to  town  for  a  few  days,  writes 
on  the 

"  29lh. — Dined  with  the  Duke  of  Sussex  at  Kensington  Palace ; 
about  thirty  of  the  principal  scientific  characters  of  the  Royal  Socie- 
ty there.  The  Duke  was  very  kind  and  affable,  but  there  was  too 
much  of  a  feast ;  my  heart  was  not  in  it,  and  I  was  favoured  to 
keep  my  place. 

Twelflk  Month.  \st. — Meeting  for  Sufferings;  I  was  thankful  for 
the  tranquilizing  influence  of  divine  good.  A  committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  prepare  a  petition  to  Parliament  on  the  apprenticeship 
clause.  Met  a  deputation  of  the  Anti-Slavery  Society,  and  waited 
upon  Lord  Glenelg ;  we  were  well  received,  and  had  a  long  inter- 
view. Several  points  were  laid  before  him,  and  he  requested  to 
have  them  submitted  in  writing:  we  are  also  to  send  him  our  me- 
morial as  soon  as  possible. 

1th. — (After  returning  to  Lindfield.)  Received  a  letter  from  E.  J. 
Fry,  who  proposes  to  meet  me  at  Chichester;  this  is  reviving.  A 
kind  letter  also  from  Peter  Bedford,  who  intends  to  join  us,  and  this 
also  is  a  comfort." 

According  to  the  proposed  arrangements,  W.  A.  and  his  dear 
friends  met  at  Chichester,  on  first-day.    That  morning  he  writes — 

"I  awoke  many  times  in  the  night,  always  in  a  state  of  supplica- 
tion for  best  help.  Meeting  at  ten;  it  was  a  good  time,  and  my 
faith  was  strengthened." 

A  meeting  for  divine  worship  was  appointed  to  be  held  at  Arun- 
del in  the  evening.    He  says — 

"  Though  the  weight  of  this  engagement  was  heavy,  yet  I  felt 
some  inward  comfort  and  support.  The  meeting-house  was  crowd- 
ed ;  fervent  were  my  breathings  for  divine  help,  and  this,  I  reve- 
rently believe,  was  mercifully  granted  to  my  dear  companions  and 
myself.  E.  J.  Fry  was  sweetly  engaged  in  supplication,  and  ad- 
dressed the  people,  particularly  the  children,  with  much  weight.  I 
spoke  more  at  length  than  is  usual  for  me,  and  was  carried  through 
with  a  feeling,  I  humbly  trust,  of  the  power  which  can  alone  qualify 
lor  the  ministry.  Grover  Ivemp  added  a  very  acceptable  commu- 
nication, and  the  meeting  closed  well,  under  a  sense  of  our  Divine 
Master's  peace.  Thus,  by  His  help,  has  this  formidable  undertaking 
been  accomplished. 

I  received  a  note  from  John  Smith,  wishing  us  to  go  to  Dale  to- 
morrow. 

Vol.  II.  26 


394 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1837. 


Twelfth  Month  \\th. — Breakfast  at  the  Norfolk  Arms,  Arundel. 
E.  J.  Fry,  and  E.  S.  Gurney,  with  E.,  L.,  and  I,  paid  an  interesting 
visit  at  Dale  Park,  on  our  way  to  Billingshurst,  where  a  meeting 
was  appointed  for  the  evening,  and  several  of  our  Friends  were 
gone  forward  to  make  the  arrangements.  Our  road  was  through 
a  wild  part  of  the  country  called  the  Weald.  Billingshurst  is  about 
thirteen  miles  from  Dale.  A  room  was  procured  for  the  meeting, 
which  was  a  solemn  opportunity,  blessed  be  the  Great  Helper  of 
His  people !  Many  of  the  company  expressed  much  satisfaction, 
and  we  felt  very  thankful  for  the  divine  assistance  afibrded. 

E.  J.  F.,  P.  B.,  and  E.  G.,  set  oft' after  meeting  for  Horsham  ;  my 
nieces  and  I  lodge  at  the  inn,  where  we  have  good  accommodation. 

I  find  that  the  wages  of  the  labourers  are  only  ten  shillings  per 
week  here,  and  that  the  farmers  are  opposed  to  their  having  allot- 
ments of  land.  It  seems  that  there  are  no  schools,  except  Sabbath 
schools,  and  that  there  is  very  little  benevolent  exertion  in  this 
quarter. 

I2th. — We  breakfasted  at  Cowfold;  the  weather  was  fine,  and 
we  had  a  pleasant  ride  to  Lindfield. 

Twelfth  Month  I3lh. — To  the  schools  to  meeting;  E.  J.  Fry  and 
P.  Bedford  there;  they  afterwaids  visited  the  establishment,  and 
seemed  much  pleased.  Public  meeting  at  Cuckfield  in  the  evening; 
it  was  well  attended,  and  very  satisfactory;  I  was  much  relieved 
and  comforted." 

The  next  morning  W.  A.  joined  his  friends  at  Crawley;  they  pro- 
ceeded together  to  Capel,  and  from  thence  to  Guildford,  where  a 
public  meeting  was  held  in  the  evening. 

"  Here,"  he  says,  "  I  was  led  to  speak  of  the  call  and  qualifica- 
tion of  a  gospel  minister,  and  the  nature  of  true  ministry,  more  par- 
ticularly than  I  ever  remember  to  have  done  before.  I  was  not 
then  aware  that  a  rector  of  three  parishes  was  present,  but  I  was 
told  that  he  afterwards  expressed  himself  fully  satisfied,  and  evinced 
much  feeling.  Dear  E.  J.  F.  was  sweet  in  testimony  and  supplica- 
tion, and  it  was  acknowledged  by  several  present  to  be  a  very 
satisfactory  meeting. 

I5th. — Attended  meeting  at  Godalming,  which  was  comforting. 
Our  labours  for  this  time  are  now  peacefully  closed.  I  took  leave 
of  my  dear  companions,  and  returned  to  Lindfield,  where  I  was  joy- 
fully received  by  E.  and  L. 

18///. — I  have  engaged  to  receive  Leo  Trembicka  at  this  school, 
and  he  arrived  here  to  day. 


jg3Y  OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN.  395 

2ist. — Retirement ;  some  comfort  in  prayer  for  several  who  came 
sweetly  before  the  view  of  my  mind. 

'22nd. — I  have  been  arranging  about  the  alteration  of  my  pre- 
mises, so  as  to  accommodate  twenty  boarders,  and  this  morning 
met  Constable,  to  consult  on  the  subject.  He  is  to  make  an  esti- 
mate of  the  expense,  and  let  me  know  what  it  will  be." 

The  interest  which  William  Allen  ever  felt  in  the  concerns  of 
Africa,  led  him  thus  to  address  Lord  Glenelg,  on  hearing  of  the 
death  of  Governor  Kendall: — 
"Esteemed  Friend,  Lord  Glenelg, 

"  Having  for  many  years  past  corresponded,  from  time  to  time, 
with  the  late  Governor  Rendall  of  St.  Mary's,  Gambia,  on  subjects 
connected  with  the  civilization  of  Africa,  and,  since  I  had  the  plea- 
sure of  an  interview  with  thee  at  Downing  Street,  having  heard  of 
his  decease,  I  am  most  anxious  to  see  a  person  appointed  to  that 
increasingly  important  station,  who,  with  the  requisite  talents  for 
the  discharge  of  such  a  trust,  should  have  a  feeling,  upon  christian 
])rinciple,  for  exertions  calculated  to  diffuse  a  knowledge  of  the 
gospel,  and  who  would  be  likely  to  use  the  influence  which  his  situa- 
tion would  afford  him,  to  promote  the  success  of  these  exertions.  I 
wish  it  were  in  my  power  adequately  to  impress  upon  the  members 
of  the  government,  the  importance  of  the  station  cn  the  Gambia. 
Why  could  not  the  growth  of  cotton  in  all  that  country  be  en- 
couraged by  every  means  in  our  power,  instead  of  suflering  our 
most  important  manufactures  to  be  dependent,  in  great  measure, 
upon  the  United  States,  where  it  is  the  main  prop  and  support  of 
slavery?  I  very  much  wish  that  thou  wouldest  order  thy  book- 
seller to  send  thee  Laird  and  Oldfield's  Africa,  just  come  out  in  two 
volumes.  The  conclusion  of  the  second  volume  will  be  read  with 
intense  interest  by  all  those  who  sympathise  with  the  suffering  po- 
pulation of  that  country.  It  goes  far  to  prove,  that  on  account  of 
the  diabolical  proceedings  of  the  subjects  of  Spain  and  Portugal, 
and  of  some  Americans,  Great  Britain  is  vainly  expending  one  hun- 
dred thousand  pounds  annually." 

"Twelftk  Month  26///.— Quarterly  Meeting;  E.  J.  Fry  spoke- 
powerfully  in  ministry;  Elizabeth  Dudley  in  prayer.  In  the  second 
meeting,  E.  J.  F.  hi  id  before  us  her  concern  to  pay  a  religious  visit 
to  some  parts  of  France,  and  produced  the  certificate  of  her  Month- 
ly Meeting.  Much  unity  was  expressed;  a  minute  of  approval  was 
made,  and  the  certificate  endorsed.  The  time  is  not  yet  come,  if  it 
ever  should,  for  my  joining  in  such  an  engagement.    Josiah  Fors- 


39G 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1837. 


ter  brought  forward  a  proposition,  that  a  committee  should  be  ap- 
pointed to  visit  all  the  Monthly  Meetings  in  our  quarter,  in  the  third 
month.  This  was  cordially  united  with,  and  six  Friends  were  no- 
minated.   I  was  one." 

In  taking  a  review  of  the  Boarding  School  department,  at  Lind- 
field,  during  the  course  of  the  year,  William  Allen  mentions,  that 
the  two  lads  who  had  been  sent  by  Lord  Wallscourt,  were  returned 
to  Ardfry;  that  five  other  boys  had  left  the  establishment,  three  of 
whom  were  gone  to  Ireland,  and  two  to  different  parts  of  England, 
and  that  it  was  with  great  satisfaction  he  had  witnessed  the  suc- 
cessful progress  of  the  experiment.  He  says,  in  a  sketch  of  the 
concern — 

"Although  the  proprietor  feels  it  difficult  to  enlarge  much  upon  a 
subject  so  closely  connected  with  himself,  yet  he  considers  it  due 
to  the  cause  he  is  desirous  of  advocating,  to  acknowledge,  that  in 
contemplating  the  satisfactory  results  of  this  important  experiment, 
in  seeing  the  fruits  that  it  has  already  produced,  and  what  may  be 
reasonably  expected  from  the  extension  of  the  plan,  a  feeling  of 
gratitude  arises  in  his  heart  to  the  Author  of  all  Good,  that  he  has 
been  so  far  enabled  to  surmount  the  difficulties  and  obstacles  that 
lay  in  his  way.  He  is  deeply  convinced,  that  the  attention  of  chil- 
dren being  so  much  directed  to  useful  objects,  and  their  powers, 
bodily  as  well  as  mental,  called  into  action  for  their  own  benefit 
and  future  advantage,  has  a  tendency  to  strengthen  these  powers, 
to  expand  the  mind,  to  create  habits  of  cheerful  industry,  and,  con- 
nected as  it  is  with  religious  instruction,  to  form  useful  characters 
for  the  generation  to  come. 

An  encouraging  instance  of  the  result  of  the  course  of  education 
pursued  at  Liiidfield,  has  been  already  apparent  in  the  case  of  one 
dear  child,  who,  during  a  long  illness,  which  terminated  in  his  death, 
gave  many  proofs  of  having  profited  by  the  instructions  received 
there,  as  well  as  of  his  affectionate  remembrance  of  the  place,  and 
grateful  feelings  towards  those  connected  with  it.  He  was  among 
the  first  pupils  at  the  school,  and  was  early  distinguished  for  those 
dispositions  which  endeared  him  to  his  master  and  to  his  school- 
fellows, for  whom,  particularly  the  former,  he  ever  retained  a  sin- 
cere attachment." 

In  a  letter  addressed  to  some  of  his  friends  at  Stoke  Newington, 
this  yonth  says — 

"  I  must  conclude  with  dear  love  to  my  friend  William  Allen, 
to  whom  I  owe  more  than  I  can  ever  repay  for  all  his  kindness.  I 
would  say  more,  but  I  cannot  get  words  to  express  my  feelings." 


1838. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


397 


Shortly  before  his  decease,  he  spoke  of  his  love  to  his  Lord  and 
Saviour,  fcehngly  attributing  much  of  the  peace  he  then  felt,  to  the 
religious  privileges  which  he  had  enjoyed  at  Lindfield. 

First  Month  1st,  1838. — Rose  at  five.  My  mind  turned  to  the 
Lord,  and  contrited  in  prayer;  tender  breathings  for  divine  notice 
and  preservation,  under  deep  feelings  of  my  nothingness. 

4th. — To  meeting.  In  a  communication,  addressed  very  much 
to  ministers,  R.  B.  said  they  had  two  temptations ;  one,  to  speak 
when  not  authorized,  the  other,  to  be  silent  when  they  ought  to 
speak.  He  dwelt  most  on  the  latter,  and  compared  ministers  to 
vessels  which,  when  filled,  had  the  contents  taken  out,  to  prepare 
them  to  receive  a  fresh  supply;  observing,  that  if  they  stood  upright, 
they  received  all  that  was  designed  for  them,  but  if  they  leaned  to 
one  side,  they  would  only  be  partially  filled,  or  not  at  all. 

Slh. — Called  on  Dr.  Lushington  about  five  black  men  on  whose 
behalf  I  have  been  spoken  to;  he  considers  it  a  case  of  gross  op- 
pression, and  encouraged  me  to  proceed.  I  therefore  went  on  to 
the  Colonial  Office,  saw  Sir  George  Grey,  and  put  the  abstract  into 
his  hands  for  Lord  Glenelg. 

9th. — Long  conversation  with  Lord  Brougham  about  his  school 
bill.  He  invited  himself  to  dine  with  me  on  sixth-day,  and  was 
very  cordial. 

llth. — We  learnt,  this  morning,  that  a  fire  had  broken  out  about 
eleven  o'clock  last  evening,  and  that  the  whole  of  the  buildings  of 
the  Royal  Exchange  are  entirely  consumed.  It  appears  that  it 
began  at  Lloyd's  Coffee  House. 

13^//. — Lord  Brougham  came  to  dine  with  us,  and  brought  a 
newly  invented  stove,  which  consumes  very  little  fuel,  but  keeps  up 
a  uniform  heat  for  hours;  the  fuel  seems  to  be  pieces  of  charcoal 
prepared  in  a  peculiar  manner;  it  is  said  not  to  produce  carbonic 
acid  gas,  but  I  do  not  believe  this.  We  made  some  experiments  on 
the  fuel,  which  certainly  does  not  burn  so  fast  as  common  charcoal. 
If  practice  should  justify  expectation,  this  will  be  a  useful  and  im- 
portant discovery.  The  inventor's  name  is  Joyce.  Lord  B.  was 
very  interesting  and  communicative  in  conversation. 

Second  Month  3rd. — Satisfactory  interview  with  the  Duke  of  Sus- 
sex. He  will  present  Friends'  petitions  (on  Negro  Apprenticeship, 
and  against  Church  Rates),  to  the  House  of  Lords.  He  advises  me 
to  write  to  the  Queen  about  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society, 
and  he  will  deliver  the  letter.  We  conversed  on  various  subjects, 
and  he  spoke  much  to  me,  of  his  own  accord,  about  Ireland,  and  a 
plan  of  his  for  procuring  land,  upon  which  to  employ  the  poor. 


398  LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  1838 

Second  Month  G'Ji.—To  Lord  John  Russell's,  Wilton  Crescent; 
met  Robert  Forster  there,  conversed  on  the  plans  for  normal  schools 
— they  are  open  to  receive  suggestions  from  us.  Left  Lord  John  a 
copy  of  the  minutes  of  the  inspector's  committee,  as  a  specimen  of 
our  mode  of  doing  business.  Called  also  on  Lord  Morpeth,  and  in- 
vited him  to  attend  one  of  our  inspector's  committees ;  he  seemed 
disposed  to  do  so. 

9ih. — Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society — very 
satisfactory.  Conference  with  T.  F.  Buxton  about  negro  appren- 
ticeship. To  Dr.  Lushington,  Doctor's  Commons,  but  he  was  out. 
Dined  at  Plough  Court,  then  up  to  the  House  of  Lords,  to  meet 
Brougham.  Sadly  fagged, — this  hurrying  about  does  not  suit  me 
at  all. 

lltk. — At  Westminster  meeting.  Spoke  in  ministry  on  the  words, 
'  If  thine  eye  be  single,  thy  whole  body  shall  be  full  of  light,'  allu- 
ding also  to  this  text,  '  Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace  whose 
mind  is  stayed  on  Thee.'  Called  on  Lord  Brougham  at  his  request. 
Dr.  Lushington  and  Lord  Sligo,  the  late  governor  of  Jamaica,  came 
in,  and  we  entered  into  the  subject  of  the  present  state  of  the  ap- 
prenticeship clause.  Dr.  Black,  an  American,  from  the  state  of 
Kentucky,  gave  some  important  information  respecting  slavery  in 
America. 

13th. — Anti-Slavery  Committee  at  eleven.  T.  F.  Buxton  and  his 
son-in-law,  A.  Johnstone,  dined  with  us,  also  Colonel  Nicolls,  from 
whom  we  obtained  many  useful  particulars  relative  to  Africa.  A 
very  satisfactory  time. 

14th. — A  deputation,  consisti;ig  of  T.  F.  Buxton,  G.  Stacey,  H. 
Waymoulh,  and  I,  being  appointed  to  present  the  petition  to  the 
Queen  against  Negro  Apprenticeship,  met  at  Hatchard's,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  the  levee.  The  petition  was  signed  by  four  hundred  and 
forty-nine  thousand  females.  There  was  much  form  and  state,  and 
I  was  truly  glad  when  the  ceremony  was  over.  Came  afterwards 
to  the  City  of  London  Tavern,  to  the  public  meeting  on  Negro  Ap- 
prenticeship. I  was  prevailed  on  to  take  the  fifth  resolution,  which 
gave  me  an  opportunity  of  stating  that  the  friends  of  the  cause  were 
united  in  this  great  object,  but  differed  only  as  to  the  means  of  ac- 
complishing it ;  denounced  the  Colonial  Assembly  of  Jamaica,  as 
not  to  be  depended  upon,  and  said,  we  were  convinced,  from  long 
experience,  that  nothing  would  secure  the  object  in  view,  but  the 
Parliament  of  England  legislating  for  them.  I  added,  that  the 
Mauritius  furnished  the  blackest  chapter  in  the  history  of  villany 
and  oppression,  and  alluded  to  some  other  points. 


1838. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


399 


Second  Month  20th. — Rose  at  half-past  five.  Reverently  thankful 
for  the  refreshment  of  sleep — sweetness  in  prayer  for  my  dear  friends 
by  name,  those  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Reading  John 
Gratton's  Journal  last  evening,  I  was  brought  into  tenderness  of 
spirit  at  his  acknowledgment  when  under  persecution,  and  in  the 
prospect  of  loss  of  property,  for  the  Gospel's  sake,  '  The  Lord  was 
sweetly  with  me.' 

Third  Month  2nd. — Meeting  for  Sufferings.  Calm  feeling  of  the 
over-shadowing  of  divine  love  on  sitting  down,  under  which,  before 
the  meeting  was  opened,  I  rose  and  expressed  my  thankfulness  for 
it,  and  also,  a  desire  that  we  might  all  draw  near  to  the  Lord,  who 
would  then  bind  us  together  in  His  love." 

In  accordance  with  the  suggestion  of  the  Duke  of  Sussex,  W.  A. 
wrote  the  following  letter  to  the  Queen : — 

"  May  it  please  the  Quee\, 

"  Permit  me,  as  Treasurer  to  the  British  and  Foreign  School  So- 
ciety, established  under  the  special  patronage  of  thy  illustrious  father, 
in  the  first  place  to  thank  the  Queen  on  behalf  of  the  Society,  for  the 
continuance  of  the  patronage  it  has  enjoyed  from  the  Sovereigns,  her 
predecessors,  George  the  Third,  George  the  Fourth,  and  William 
the  Fourth,  and  at  the  same  time  permit  me  to  solicit  the  Queen  for 
the  continuance  of  the  donation  of  one  hundred  pounds  per  annum, 
which  has  been  most  kindly  and  uniformly  bestowed  upon  this  im- 
portant establishment  by  her  royal  predecessors  above  named. 

In  the  early  period  of  the  society,  and  down  to  the  lime  of  his 
lamented  death,  thy  royal  father  watched  over  the  concerns  of  this 
institution,  with  a  kindness  and  zeal  which  will  never  be  forgotten 
by  those  labourers  in  the  cause,  who  were  honoured  by  his  friend- 
ship, and  cheered  amidst  all  their  difficulties  by  his  powerful  sup- 
port. With  his  assistance,  and  that  of  his  royal  brother,  the  Duke 
of  Sussex,  the  foundation  was  firmly  laid  of  a  society  which  in  the 
course  of  thirty  years,  has  planted  schools  for  the  children  of  the 
poor  in  every  part  of  the  dominions  of  Great  Britain  and  its  colo- 
nies, and  also  on  the  continents  of  Europe  and  America,  as  well  as 
in  Asia  and  Africa.  The  central  establishment  in  the  Borough  Road 
is  continually  training  and  sending  out  school-masters  and  mistresses 
to  all  parts  of  the  kingdom,  and  to  foreign  stations. 

The  society  has  always  considered  it  an  object  of  the  greatest 
importance,  to  have  the  poor  taught  the  knowledge  of  their  civil 
and  religious  duties,  and  habits  of  industry,  order,  and  subordina- 
tion, at  the  same  time  that  they  are  acquiring  the  elements  of  school 


400 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1838. 


learning,  and  therefore  they  make  it  a  principal  point  to  secure  the 
reading  of  the  Holy  Bible  in  all  their  schools,  thus  combining  scrip- 
tural with  literary  instruction. 

May  I  beg  the  Queen  to  present  my  dutiful  and  kindest  respects 
to  her  illustrious  mother,  the  Duchess  of  Kent,  while  I  subscribe 
myself  the  Queen's  loyal  and  affectionate  subject, 

William  Allen." 

A  few  days  afterwards,  he  says — 

"  To  Kensington,  to  the  Duke  of  Sussex,  who  had  several  per- 
sons with  him,  so  I  came  away.  Then  to  the  palace;  met  Sir 
Henry  Wheatley,  who  informed  me  that  he  had  settled  our  business 
with  the  Queen. 

Third  Month  5th. — Dined  at  Hampstead  with  my  sister  Hoare 
and  Sarah ;  it  reminded  me  of  happy  days  that  are  past,  when  my 
precious  wife  enjoyed  going  there  with  me.  My  heart  was  sad, 
but  the  visit  was  satisfactory. 

7th. — Our  Select  Monthly  Meeting ;  a  sweet,  comfortable,  memo- 
rable time.  We  were  united  together  under  the  covering  of  the 
Lord's  spirit,  and  were  made  reverently  thankful  for  the  blessing. 

Third  Month  lAth. — To  Exeter  Hall,  to  attend  the  public  meeting 
on  Negro  Apprenticeship ;  there  were  immense  crowds  who  could 
not  get  in,  and  it  was  supposed  that  between  three  and  four  thou- 
sand persons  were  present;  Lord  Brougham  was  in  the  chair. 
There  was  a  fine  spirit  manifested,  and  there  were  some  capital 
speeches.  It  was  agreed  to  adjourn  the  meeting  to  twelve  o'clock 
to-morrow,  on  account  of  those  who  could  not  gain  an  entrance. 
Such  a  meeting,  for  effect  and  interest,  never  took  place  in  that 
building  before. 

1.5///. — At  Westminster  Monthly  Meeting,  and  afterwards  at- 
tended the  adjournment  of  the  Negro  Apprenticeship  meeting;  Lord 
Brougham  again  in  the  chair;  the  Hall  nearly  full;  an  evidence  of 
the  intense  feeling  of  the  public  on  the  subject.  Some  powerful 
speeches,  but  in  part  marred  by  personal  reflections,  much  to  be  re- 
gretted. 

\8th. — First-day.  Meeting  at  Stoke  Newington ;  spoke  in  min- 
istry on  the  words,  '  All  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of  the  glory 
of  God.' 

20th. — Various  engagements  at  the  west  end.  Committee  of 
Negro  Apprenticeship  ;  some  members  of  parliament  present." 

This  subject,  together  with  the  affairs  of  his  own  Religious  So- 
ciety, had  lately  engrossed  much  of  William  Allen's  time,  and  he 


1838. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


401 


states,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  dated  Third  Month  31st,  that  he  had 
been  "  intensely  occupied  for  some  weeks  past."    He  says — 

"  The  committee  appointed  last  Twelfth  Month,  have  visited  all 
the  Monthly  Meetings  within  the  compass  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting 
of  London  and  Middlesex.  We  have  been  favoured  to  accomplish 
this  engagement  with  satisfaction,  and  our  labours  were  peacefully 
closed  at  Wandsworth  on  fifth-day.  In  many  of  the  meetings  we 
were  permitted  to  feel  that  the  Lord  hath  not  forsaken  His  people, 
and  that  a  precious  remnant  still  remain,  who  are  firmly  and  faith- 
fully supporting  the  testimonies  given  us  to  bear." 
In  reference  to  the  Anti-Slavery  cause,  he  writes — 
"  The  cruelty  and  oppression  of  the  planters  of  Jamaica,  as  ex- 
ercised upon  those  poor  suflerers,  for  whose  redemption  from  Slav- 
ery we  have  paid  twenty-millions,  has  been  exposed  in  the  face  of 
day.  *  The  West  Indies  in  1837,' the  result  of  a  personal  inves- 
tigation by  our  friend  Joseph  Sturge,  has  created  a  great  sensa- 
tion, which  has  been  further  increased  by  the  publication  of  parlia- 
mentary evidence.  The  Anti-Slavery  Associations  in  all  quarters, 
are  in  a  high  degree  of  excitement,  and  petitions  are  loading  the 
tables  of  both  Houses  of  Parliament,  begging  for  the  abolition  of 
the  apprenticeship  clause,  and  the  complete  establishment  of  the 
freedom  of  the  negroes,  on  the  1st  of  Eighth  Month,  1838.  It 
seems  that  the  people  of  England  will  not  now  be  satisfied  with  any 
thing  short  of  this.  Delegates  are  in  town  from  Abolition  Societies 
in  England,  Scotland,  and  Ireland.  They  are  daily  at  Brown's 
Hotel,  Palace  Yard,  close  to  the  Parliament  House.  Lord  Broug- 
ham, with  whom  I  have  laboured  in  the  cause  for  more  than  thirty 
years,  is  now  exerting  his  powerful  talents,  with  unparalleled  en- 
ergy. Our  position  is  taken  in  immediate  and  perfect  emancipation. 
We  can  have  no  more  half  measures ;  no  more  confidence  in  colo- 
nial assemblies  ;  the  Rubicon  is  passed, — there  is  no  retreat.  The 
events  of  the  last  few  weeks  are  astonishing :  on  fourth-day  (the 
28th,)  three  hundred  and  twenty  delegates  went  in  procession  to 
wait  upon  ministers,  but  I  am  sorry  to  say  the  government  consider 
that  a  contract  has  been  made  with  the  planters,  and  they  seem  dcr 
termined  to  do  nothing  now  till  the  apprenticeship  shall  cease  by 
the  efflux  of  time  in  1840.  I  was  confined  to  the  house  that  day  by 
indisposition,  so  that  I  could  not  accompany  them,  but  I  did  not  so 
much  regret  it,  as  I  had  previously  taken  an  opportunity  privately 
to  express  my  sentiments  to  several  in  authority,  and  to  implore 
them  not  to  oppose  the  wishes  of  the  people.  Tlic  subject  was 
brought  before  the  House  of  Commons,  on  the  29th,  and  a  resolu- 


402 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1838. 


tion  moved  by  Sir  George  Strickland,  declaratory  of  the  opinion  of 
that  House,  that  all  should  be  free,  and  no  more  slavery  exist  after 
the  1st  of  Eighth  Month  next,  or  something  to  this  import.  The 
House  divided ;  for  Sir  G.  Strickland's  motion,  two  hundred  and 
five  ;  against  it,  two  hundred  and  sixty  nine  ;  motion  lost  by  sixty- 
four  ;  but  the  cause  is  not  lost,  and  this,  I  believe,  will  only  tend  to 
promote  increased  exertion.  The  Marquis  of  Sligo,  the  late  Gov- 
ernor of  Jamaica,  has  publicly  declared  that  the  apprenticeship 
clause  shall  cease  and  determine  upon  his  vast  estates  in  that  island, 
as  regards  the  Predial  as  well  as  the  non-Predial  slaves,  on  the  1st 
of  Eighth  Month  next,  and  that  all  shall  be  free  on  that  day.  I  hear 
that  others  are  following  his  example. 

A  large  steam  vessel,  called  the  '  Great  Western,'  is  nearly  ready 
for  sea,  and  I  understand  that  it  is  proposed  to  take  us  to  New 
York  in  twelve  days  ! 

Fourth  Month  4th. — The  great  meeting  on  Negro  Apprenticeship, 
was  to  be  held  at  Exeter  Hall,  at  eleven  o'clock,  but  I  felt  most 
easy  to  attend  our  own  Monthly  Meeting  first,  and  am  glad  I  did 
so.  I  was  engaged  in  ministry,  and  the  second  meeting  was  im- 
portant. 

1th. — Agreeable  company  at  dinner ;  T.  F.  Buxton  and  his  son- 
in-law,  Andrew  Johnstone,  Count  Krasinski,  and  his  friend  Thomas 
Tancred,  Col.  Nicolls,  &c.  We  had  much  interesting  conversation, 
and  everything  answered  extremely  well.  I  must  procure  for  Count 
Krasinski,  our  Rules  of  Discipline,  Sewel's  History,  &c. 

Fifth  Month  2nd. — Anniversary  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society ;  Lord  Bexley  in  the  chair ;  the  report  speaks  very  favour- 
ably as  to  progress  and  funds. 

Dear  Daniel  Wheeler  and  his  son  Charles  are  safely  arrived  in 
London.  How  confirming  to  the  faith  of  some  of  us,  and  what 
cause  of  deep  and  reverent  thankfulness  to  the  Preserver  of  Men  !" 

William  Allen  retained  a  lively  interest  in  the  boys  who  had  been 
at  his  school  at  Lindfield,  and  occasionally  corresponded  with  them. 
In  one  of  his  letters,  when  addressing  two  who  had  lately  left  him, 
and  who  were  not  connected  with  the  Society  of  Friends,  he  says — 

"  It  will  be  a  great  comfort  to  me  to  hear  that  you  continue 
steady.  Avoid  bad  company,  love  retirement,  and  continue  to  set 
apart  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  or  more,  every  day,  for  the  duties  of 
religion;  pray  to  our  blessed  Saviour  in  secret,  and,  through  him, 
to  God  the  Father,  that  He  would  give  you  more  and  more  of  His 
Holy  Spirit,  as  a  guide,  comforter,  and  protector.    Read  the  Holy 


1838. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


403 


Scriptures  diligently;  they  arc  plain  enough  for  the  most  common 
capacity." 

In  another  letter,  he  writes — 

"I  understand  that  you  are  to  have  some  boys  to  work  under 
you;  I  hope  that  you  will  do  all  in  your  power  not  only  to  teach 
them  how  to  work,  but  that  you  will  try  to  be  of  use  to  them  in 
things  of  still  greater  consequence.  Show  them  that  no  human 
being  can  be  really  happy  who  does  not  love  and  fear  God,  and 
endeavour  to  serve  Him :  tell  them  that  they  must  carefully  avoid 
whatever  they  know  is  displeasing  to  Him  :  frequently  remind  them 
of  what  our  blessed  Lord  said, '  All  things  whatsoever  ye  would 
that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them.'  Tell  them  that 
we  must  not  only  cease  to  do  evil,  but  learn  to  do  well ;  that  they 
should  often  think  of  Almighty  God,  and  of  His  son  Jesus  Christ  our 
Saviour,  especially  when  they  are  alone,  and  pray  for  the  assistance 
of  His  Holy  Spirit,  to  enable  them  to  do  His  will,  and  to  resist  the 
temptations  of  the  devil,  and  of  wicked  men  :  that  they  should  re- 
member their  latter  end,  and  pray  earnestly  that  they  may  be  re- 
conciled to  God  by  the  death  of  His  Son,  and  experience  the  blood 
of  Christ  to  cleanse  them  from  all  sin.  Suitable  opportunities  should 
be  chosen  to  impress  these  great  truths  upon  their  minds." 

"Fifth  Month  4th. — Called  on  Sir  Henry  Wheatley ;  very  kindly 
received,  and  obtained  the  Queen's  subscription  to  the  British  and 
Foreign  School  Society,  one  hundred  pounds.  Then  to  Prince  Es- 
terhazy,  who  gave  me  a  cordial  reception  ;  much  conversation  about 
Pesth  in  Hungary,  where  the  people  have  suffered  much  in  con- 
sequence of  a  great  inundation.  It  is  seated  on  the  east  bank  of  the 
Danube,  opposite  to  Buda,  and  the  river  has  overflowed  its  banks. 
He  gave  me  papers  in  which  the  calamit}'  is  described.  We  also 
conversed  about  the  peasants  in  Hungary,  and  the  true  principles  on 
which  he  might  form  flourishing  villages  there.  This  was  a  very 
important  interview. 

Read  W.  Savory's  Journal  in  the  evening  as  usual ;  there  is  some- 
thing very  precious  in  these  accounts  of  the  religious  labours  of  the 
servants  of  Christ. 

Fifth  Month  9th. — Gracechurch  Street  Monthly  Meeting;  some 
comfort.  Then  to  the  City  of  London  Tavern  to  a  meeting  of  the 
Negroes'  Friend  Society ;  I  had  to  move  the  first  resolution ;  but 
did  it  reluctantly,  as  it  is  trying  to  me,  thus  to  come  forward  in 
public.  Several  persons  spoke  well,  and  it  was  a  good  meeting. 
Some  very  intelligent  men  were  present.  Petitions  to  both  Houses 
of  ParUament  agreed  to. 


404 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1838. 


loth. — To  town  in  the  morning,  then  with  Joseph  Pease  to  call 
upon  the  Duke  of  Richmond ;  a  very  agreeable  conference  with 
him.  He  is  active  about  the  union  workhouses,  and  is  establishing 
libraries  in  them  with  good  effect.  Called  upon  W.  Crawford,  had 
a  long  and  interesting  conversation  with  him  about  juvenile  offend- 
ers and  prison  discipline ;  eight  thousand  criminals,  in  and  about 
London,  under  sixteen  years  of  age  ! 

IGth. — To  Exeter  Hall,  to  attend  the  first  public  meeting  of  the 
Aborigines'  Protection  Society,  held  in  the  small  room ;  a  good 
meeting.    T.  F.  Buxton  presided. 

17th. — Interview  with  the  Duke  of  Cleveland  ;  he  is  rather  elderly, 
and  a  member  of  the  turf;  spoke  to  him  about  the  Hippodrome; 
he  says  he  will  oppose  the  bill  in  the  House  of  Lords,  for  such  things 
as  race-grounds  should  not  be  brought  so  near  the  metropolis.  He 
mentioned  having  presented  Friends'  petition  against  church-rates, 
wliich  the  Duke  of  Sussex  was  prevented  from  doing  by  indisposi- 
tion. I  endeavoured  to  interest  him  on  the  negro  apprenticeship 
clause.  Attended  a  public  meeting,  held  at  Southwark,  at  six 
o'clock,  on  this  subject;  numbers  small  at  first,  but  gradually  in- 
creased to  a  good  meeting ;  I  was  put  into  the  chair,  and  was  fa- 
voured to  get  througli  well ;  some  animated  speeches,  and  much 
energetic  feeling  manifested. 

22nd. — Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders.  The  subject 
of  Daniel  Wheeler's  late  religious  engagements  in  the  South  Sea 
Islands,  &c.,  was  introduced  by  reading  the  minutes  of  the  Morning 
Meeting;  we  had  a  very  precious,  solemn  covering,  and  were  fa- 
voured with  a  sense  of  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  I  felt  mercifully 
helped  in  my  office  of  clerk  to  the  meeting;  read  the  testimonials 
of  the  American,  Wcsleyan,  and  Church  Missionaries,  which  were 
very  sweet  and  striking.  The  Lord's  work  is  going  on,  though  un- 
der different  dispensations.  Our  dear  Friend,  in  great  humility, 
acknowledged  the  support  that  he  had  received  from  his  Divine 
Master,  in  all  his  perils,  trials,  and  afflictions.  He  said,  that  before 
he  entered  on  the  service,  he  had  felt  an  inward  assurance  that  he 
should  be  brought  safely  back,  and  that  this  feeling  never  forsook 
him  in  any  of  his  dangers  and  ditficulties.  His  statement  was  very 
comforting  and  encouraging. 

Fifth  Month  22rd.—\  found  that  Sir  Eardley  Wilmot's  motion  for 
the  immediate  abolition  of  the  apprenticeship  was  carried  last  night 
by  a  majority  of  three. 

2Sth. — Our  aged  friend,  William  Rickman,  addressed  the  meeting 


1838. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


405 


on  the  subject  of  the  excitement  prevailinir,  on  account  of  the  ap- 
prenticesliip  system,  warning  Friends  against  being  carried  too  far 
by  their  zea!,  and  expressing  his  full  confidence  that  the  object 
would,  through  the  divine  blessing,  be  accomplished." 

In  concluding  his  account  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  W.  A.  writes — 
"  This  has  been  a  precious  Yearly  Meeting,  marked  by  peace 
and  love.  The  Lord  hath  indeed  condescended  to  be  with  us, 
comforting  and  refreshing  our  spirits  in  Him,  and  encouraging  us 
to  hope  and  to  trust  in  the  continuance  of  His  loving-kindness  and 
mercy. 

Sixth  Month  37' d. — Retirement  to  comfort;  reverently  thankful  on 
a  retrospect  of  the  Yearly  Meeting.    Faith  and  hope  confirmed. 

In  addressing  Stephen  Grellet,  soon  after  this  period,  he  says — 

"In  my  private  retirements,  when  enabled  to  pray  for  my  own 
preservation,  thou  art,  at  times,  brought  sweetly  before  me,  and  the 
fervent  aspiration  ascends  for  thee,  as  for  myself. 
,  •  4th. — Received,  through  Lord  Erskine,  our  Ambassador  at  Mu- 
nich, a  diploma,  as  member  of  the  Agricultural  Society  of  Bavaria. 

Seventh  Month  2nd. — Much  engaged  at  the  west  end  to-day; 
some  secret  support  from  a  feeling  that  I  have  been  in  the  way  of 
my  duty,  though  in  the  cross. 

I  hear  that  my  old  friend  Basil  Papof  is  confined  in  a  monastery, 
on  account  of  some  religious  opinions.  When  will  the  rulers  of 
this  world  cease  from  meddling  in  matters  which  certainly  do  not 
belong  to  them  ?  We  support  government  for  the  maintenance  of 
our  civil  rights  and  privileges,  but  when  it  interferes  in  the  concerns 
of  religion,  it  interferes  with  the  prerogative  of  the  King  of  kings, 
to  whom  alojie  every  human  being  is  responsible  for  his  religious 
opinions. 

Seventh  Month  I4th. — Through  the  medium  of  an  introduction 
from  Lord  Brougham,  I  waited,  according  to  appointment,  upon 
Marshal  Soult,  Duke  of  Dalmatia.  He  was  talking  to  some  gen- 
tlemen when  I  entered,  but  he  received  me  most  kindly,  and  took 
me  to  a  sofa  in  an  adjoining  room,  where  I  stated  first,  the  great 
satisfaction  which  I  felt  in  the  harmony  that,  at  present,  subsisted 
between  France  and  England,  and  my  conviction  that  while  this 
continued,  the  world  in  general  would  be  kept  in  peace;  to  this  he 
responded  most  heartily.  I  then  adverted  to  the  object  of  my  visit, 
viz.,  the  Slave  Trade  and  Slavery,  and  expressed  my  belief  that  if 
these  two  countries  cordially  united,  they  might,  in  great  measure, 
put  down  Slavery.  He  said  it  was  his  ardent  wish,  and  that  of  his 
nation,  or  government,  to  follow  our  example ;  but  he  added,  they 


406 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1838. 


were  waiting  to  see  the  result  of  our  experiment.  I  gave  him  a 
copy  of  my  letter  to  Count  Montmorenci,  written  in  1822,  and  pro- 
mised to  send  him  the  work  on  Porto  Rico.  He  was  very  kind  and 
affable;  expressed  himself  gratified  with  the  opportunity,  and  said 
he  hoped  I  would  come  to  Paris,  and  call  at  once  upon  him,  as  he 
should  be  glad  to  receive  further  information  upon  these  subjects.  I 
gave  him  some  little  religious  publications,  one  of  which  was  E.  J. 
Fry's  Scripture  Texts,  in  French,  with  which  he  seemed  much 
pleased,  and  we  parted  in  a  very  kind  and  friendly  manner.  I  after- 
wai'ds  went  with  Joseph  Pease,  to  dine  with  Sir  Charles  Forbes ; 
he  made  a  good  speech  at  the  East  India  House,  a  day  or  two  ago, 
on  the  subject  of  the  natives  of  India,  who  are  dying  of  famine  by 
ten  thousands,  in  the  western  parts  of  Bengal.  He  gave  me  a  copy 
of  the  correspondence  with  government  on  the  subject  of  Hill  Coo- 
lies, &c.,  including  the  bill  now  before  parliament." 

About  this  period,  William  Allen  was  much  engnged  in  prepara- 
tions for  extending  his  Boarding  School,  at  Lindfield.  The  appli-f 
cations  for  admission  having  far  exceeded  the  capability  of  accom- 
modation, he  determined  to  build  eight  additional  chambers,  and 
increase  the  number  of  pupils  to  twenty.  He  was  encouraged  in 
this  interesting  undertaking  by  the  kind  co-operation  of  some  of  his 
friends,  who  were  desirous  of  pi'omoting  so  useful  an  establishment; 
and,  whilst  at  Lindfield,  during  this  month,  he  expresses  satisfaction 
in  having  received  a  visit  from  John  Bell,  Peter  Bedford  and  Philip 
Frith, — adding,  that  they  appeared  highly  gratified  with  the  schools. 

Eighth  Month  \st,  he  writes — 

"I  hope,  on  this  day,  the  apprenticeship  system  is  abolished  in 
all  the  colonies,  and  that  our  work  is  complete  ;  but  much  vigilance 
will  be  necessary  for  the  protection  of  the  coloured  population. 

Srrf. — Returned  to  town  yesterday.  Finished  reading  the  third 
report  of  prison  inspectors, — a  most  valuable  performance. 

Qth. — Interesting  conference  with  Lord  John  Russell,  about  Bri- 
tish and  Foreign  Schools ;  with  Lord  Brougham  afterwards,  upon 
the  same  subject." 

The  cause  of  education,  and  the  circumstances  of  the  coloured 
population  of  the  colonies,  continued  to  engage  much  of  his  time. 
Upon  these  subjects  he  had  several  interviews  with  persons  in  au- 
thority, both  as  forming  one  of  a  deputation,  and  alone.  His  desire 
to  promote  the  welfare  of  his  fellow-creatures,  led  him  to  pursue, 
with  unwearied  diligence,  any  means  w'ithin  his  reach,  which  were 
likely  to  accomplish  the  end  he  had  in  view;  and,  on  many  occa- 


1838. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEIV. 


407 


sions,  he  gratefully  acknowledges  the  kindness  with  which  he  was 
received,  and  the  disposition  manifested  to  act  upon  such  sugges- 
tions as  were  deemed  practicable. 

"  m/i. — (At  Lindfield.)  After  supper  read  in  the  Psalms,  and 
the  conclusion  of  Thomas  Chalkley's  Journal.  The  experience  of 
the  pious,  who  are  gone  before,  is  exceedingly  precious  to  me. 

Eighth  Month  27th. — I  had  three  of  the  boys  to  tea  this  evening, 
and  took  them  into  my  study,  separately,  to  have  some  religious 
conversation  with  them ;  it  was  very  satisfactory,  and  afforded 
peace  to  my  own  mind.  Afterwards  showed  them  Saturn,  the 
Moon,  &c.,  through  the  large  telescope. 

20th. — I  am  sixty-eight  years  old  this  day.  Solemn  reflections 
present. 

30///. — Attacked,  by  name,  in  the  leading  article  of  the  Times 
newspaper,  on  account  of  the  memorial  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
School  Society. 

The  remainder  of  the  boarders  came  this  evening  :  I  pursued  the 
plan  of  giving  them  private  religious  advice,  in  which  I  felt  satis- 
faction and  peace. 

Ninth  Month  2nd. — At  Plaistow  meeting.  My  spirits  were  much 
depressed,  but  sitting  with  my  mind  directed  to  the  Source  of  all 
good,  a  little  life  arose,  with  openings  for  communication,  and  I  was 
mercifully  favoured  to  preach  Christ,  our  '  hope  of  glory.'  Dined 
at  Samuel  Gurney's;  our  dear  friends  were  very  kind.  T.  F.  Bux- 
ton was  there,  and  we  had  an  opportunity  for  some  useful  conver- 
sation." 

W.  A.  had  frequently  been  in  communication  with  the  Duke  of 
Sussex,  on  subjects  connected  with  the  criminal  code,  and  on  the 
means  of  improving  the  condition  of  the  Irish  peasantry,  and,  in  a 
letter  dated  "  September  2nd,"  the  Duke  writes — 

"Care  and  anxiety  have  shaken  my  constitution  of  late,  and 
therefore  I  require  both  quiet  and  retirement.  However,  I  shall 
always  be  ready  to  labour  in  the  vineyard  in  a  quiet  way. 

I  am  delighted  with  the  account  of  your  school  at  Lindfield  ;  you 
talk  of  the  good  it  will  produce  in  Ireland.  Under  the  protection 
of  Divine  Providence,  I  have  no  doubt  of  it,  and  how  much  that 
poor  country  wants  it,  and  what  a  debt  have  we  not  to  pay  her,  to 
blot  out  the  injuries  which  a  reign  of  seven  hundred  years  of  mis- 
rule has  produced  in  that  unhappy  land ! !  I  fear  a  sigh  will  not 
remedy  the  evil;  it  is  by  active  operations  solely,  that  we  can  stop 
the  mischief,  and  this  is  principally  to  be  done,  by  adopting  just 


408 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1838. 


measures,  by  paying  great  attention  to  the  wants  of  the  people,  as 
also  to  their  education,  and  by  multiplying  the  means  of  occupying 
and  of  encouraging  the  industrious  class,  and  not  by  allowing  them 
to  emigrate,  which  I  consider  both  an  unsound  and  impolitic  step. 

And  now  I  must  take  leave  of  you  for  the  present,  with  signing 
myself  your  sincere  well-wisher  and  friend,  Augustus." 

"  Alnt/i  Month  Gtk. — To  Kensington  Palace  to  the  Duke  of  Sus- 
sex :  he  is  about  to  retire  for  a  season,  and  is  going  into  Yorkshire 
and  Norfolk.    He  resigns  the  presidency  of  the  Royal  Society. 

10th. — Rose  at  half-past  five.  Retirement.  In  my  endeavours  to 
draw  near  to  the  Lord,  this  text  was  presented,  '  Like  as  a  father 
pitieth  his  children,  so  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  Him,'  and  I 
had  a  humble  trust  that  I  did  love  and  fear  Him. 

16th. — (At  Lindfield.)  Solemn  feelings  at  meeting  during  the 
silence ;  revived  the  petition  recorded  in  Holy  Writ,  for  a  blessing 
on  the  lads,  showing  that  the  blessing  was  only  to  be  expected 
through  obedience  to  manifested  duty,  &c. ;  and  that  my  prayer  for 
them  was,  that  the  Lord  might  do  for  them,  what  they  could  not 
do  for  themselves,  any  more  than  those  who  were  most  interested 
for  them,  viz. — soften  their  hearts,  contrite  their  spirits,  and  make 
them  feel  the  sweetness  of  His  love,  &c." 

llth. — In  addressing  a  letter  to  a  friend,  W.  Allen  says — 

"  The  famine  in  India  occupies  much  of  our  attention  at  present. 
Our  Aborigines*  Protection  Society  has  taken  up  the  cause,  and  we 
are  having  public  meetings  held  in  the  country.  Our  object  is  to 
collect  and  diffuse  information  of  facts,  in  order  that  public  opinion 
may  be  brought  to  bear  upon  those  who  have  it  in  their  power  to 
remedy  the  evils  which  give  rise  to  so  deplorable  a  state  of  things. 

There  is  great  emigration  now  going  on  to  Adelaide,  in  South 
Australia,  near  Kangaroo  Bay, — some  members  of  bur  Society 
amonw  the  rest." 

He  afterwards  mentions  that  a  committee  of  the  Meetinsr  for 

O 

Sufferings  had  drawn  up  an  Epistle  to  these  Friends,  and  also  to 
those  professing  with  us  at  Hobartown,  with  both  of  which  he  had 
much  unity. 

"  JVinth  Month  21.^t. — Attended  the  Monthly  Meeting  at  Brighton; 
spoke  for  a  short  time  in  ministry,  beginning  with  the  words,  '  With 
some  the  eleventh  hour  has  struck,  and  the  proclamation  is  at  hand, 
"  Behold  the  Bridegroom  cometh,  go  ye  forth  to  meet  him,"'  &c.; 
remarking,  that  the  eleventh  hour  had  not  always  a  reference  to 
age.    The  second  meeting  was  satisfactory. 


1838. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


409 


Tenth  Month  3rd. — 7\nti-Slaveiy  Committee  at  Aldermanbury, 
joint  meeting  of  that  and  the  Central  Negro  Emancipation  Com- 
mittee.   Scoble  and  Palmer  about  to  be  sent  out  to  the  West  Indies. 

6lh. — Aborigines' Committee.  Captain  Scoble  visitor;  he  gave 
an  interesting  account  of  the  Arrovvhavvk  Indians,  in  Guiana,  South 
America.  We  agreed  to  have  a  publication  committee.  In  the 
afternoon  attended  a  Continental  Committee  at  Steward  Street,  and 
heard  a  report  from  Peter  Bedford,  of  his  visit  to  Minden  and  Pyr- 
mont,  with  his  nephew  Oswald  Gilkes  and  Dr.  Hodgkin ;  two  beau- 
tiful epistles  were  read,  addressed  to  the  Friends  in  those  places. 
This  appears  to  have  been  a  very  seasonable  visit.  An  interesting 
and  a  satisfactory  committee." 

In  connection  with  William  Allen's  morning  reading  of  the 
Scriptures,  he  had  been  going  through  the  Notes  of  Dr.  Adam 
Clarke  on  the  New  Testament,  and  having  considered  some  of 
them  calculated  to  afford  much  instruction,  he  says,  it  occurred  to 
him  that  it  might  be  very  useful  to  have  the  Gospel  of  John,  with  a 
selection  from  the  Notes,  printed  for  general  circulation.  He  ac- 
cordingly arranged  this  little  work,  which  also  contained  a  few  of 
his  own  remarks,  and,  Tenth  Month  16th,  he  says — 

"  Wrote  the  Preface  to  the  Gospel  of  John  ;  much  contrited." 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  Preface,  he  says — 

*'  The  Notes  which  accompany  this  Gospel,  except  those  marked 
with  an  asterisk,  are  extracted  from  the  valuable  work  of  the  learn- 
ed and  pious  Dr.  Adarn  Clarke." 

It  was  printed  at  his  Schools  of  Industry,  Lindfield,  and  forms  a 
nice  little  volume. 

"  Tenth  Month  21s/.— (At  Lindfield.)  Meeting;  I  felt  much  for 
those  present,  particularly  the  children,  and  desired  that  their  minds 
might  be  rightly  diiected.  I  was  engaged  in  ministry,  urging  the 
importance  of  turning  to  the  Lord,  and  seeking  Him. 

30th. — Returning  from  Lindfield  ;  stopped  at  Croydon,  and  lodged 
with  Peter  Bedford  ;  much  interesting  conversation,  and  spent  a 
very  satisfactory  evening. 

31s/. — Rose  at  seven;  peaceful  feelings,  and  I  said  in  my  heart, 
'Peace  be  to  this  house.'    Home  to  dinner. 

Eleventh  Month  I2th. — Joseph  Sturge  breakfasted  with  us,  and 
we  afierwards  went  up  to  Lord  Brougham,  and  had  a  very  impor- 
tant conference  witli  him  about  the  foreign  Slave  Trade,  ihe  West 
Indies,  &c.    Reached  Devonshire  House  in  good  time  for  the 

Vol.  II.  27 


410 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1838. 


Morning  Meeting;  comfortable.  I  said  a  few  words  on  the  peti- 
tion, ♦  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.'  " 

In  writing  to  a  Friend  respecting  his  engagements  at  Cuckfield, 
W.  A.  says — 

"  Since  the  14th  of  the  Sixth  Month,  I  have  given  the  children 
sixteen  lectures,  of  about  two  hours  each,  on  Experimental  Philoso- 
phy and  Chemistry;  eight  more  will  complete  the  course,  and  as 
long  as  health,  &c.  is  continued,  I  purpose  to  repeat  this  once  in 
every  year.  The  day  schools  for  boys,  girls,  and  infants,  are  going 
on  satisfactorily.  The  reading  meetings,  held  on  First-day  even- 
ings when  we  are  there,  afford  us  much  solid  comfort;  divers  of 
our  colonists  attend  with  their  children,  and  we  have  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  these  opportunities  are  frequently  blessed  by  our  Divine 
Master,  to  the  spiritual  benefit  of  these  poor  people.  They  are  also 
generally  improving  in  their  outward  circumstances,  and  the  im- 
portance of  making  allotments  of  land  to  the  labouring  class,  under 
proper  regulations,  is  becoming  every  year  more  and  more  appa- 
rent.   O,  how  I  long  to  see  the  plan  spread  in  Ireland ! 

Eleventh  Month  I3ih. — Anti-Slavery  Committee,  Aldermanbury. 
Waited  upon  Sir  George  Grey;  well  received.  Captain  Macphail 
is  appointed  Governor  of  Dominica.  First  meeting  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Chemistry,  at  Somerset  House.  Pepys  there,  and  after- 
wartij  accompanied  him  to  the  Athenaeum  ;  then  to  the  Useful  Know- 
ledge Committee,  at  Lincoln's  Inn  Fields. 

15th. — Attended  a  sub-committee  of  the  Token  House  Yard  Com- 
mittee, on  a  memorial  relative  to  the  produce  of  slave  labour,  to  be 
addressed  to  Lord  Melbourne.  Dinner;  Lord  Brougham,  and 
Colonel  Nicolls  and  his  daughter;  much  conversation  about  African 
Slavery  and  Portuguese  Slave  Trade,  Useful  Knowledge,  and  Dr. 
Hodgkin's  Book  on  Health,  which  Lord  B.  highly  approves  and 
thinks  that  Dr.  II.  ounrht  to  belong  to  the  committee. 

16th. — Thanksgiving  arose,  and  I  had  a  comfortable  time  of  re- 
tirement before  the  Lord. 

27th. — (At  L'ndfield.)  We  have  now  seventeen  boarders;  this 
evening  they  all  came  to  tea,  which  I  enjoyed  very  much.  Before 
they  left  us,  we  had  a  little  time  of  quietness,  when  I  addressed  ihem 
on  religious  subjects,  and  on  their  general  conduct,  and  felt  much 
peace.  I  have  an  humble  and  somewhat  confident  hope,  that  the 
divine  blessing  will  rest  upon  this  concern.  Read  Samuel  Scott's 
Diary,  to  comfort. 

Twelfth  Month  3rd. — Rose  a  quarter  before  six ;  fervent  prayer. 


1838. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


411 


In  all  oUr  engagements,  the  Lord's  work  should  have  the  prece- 
dence. Inspector's  Committee,  Borough  Road  ;  then  with  Tredgold 
to  Piccadilly,  and  was  introduced  to  Capt.  Stockenstroni  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  the  friend  and  protector  of  the  Hottentots. 
They  have  been  grossly  persecuted  by  the  Boors,  who  wish  to  ex- 
terminate the  Aborigines,  and  possess  themselves  of  their  rich  lands. 
He  came  over  here  to  defend  himself  with  our  government.  He 
mentioned  some  instances  of  the  good  effects  of  conciliatory  mea- 
sures towards  ihe  natives. 

Twelfth  Month  5th. — Strong  breathings  of  soul  to  the  Lord,  for 
preservation  in  His  love  and  fear. 

Poor  Joseph  Lancaster  was  knocked  down  in  the  street  in  New 
York,  by  a  frightened  horse,  on  the  22nd  of  Tenth  Month;  several 
of  his  ribs  were  broken,  and  his  head  was  much  lacerated.  He  was 
so  much  injured,  that  he  died  the  next  day;  but  J.  Gayler,  an  old 
pupil,  who  was  with  him,  says,  that  he  had  been  for  some  time  past 
*  ripening  for  heaven,'  and  that  he  died  in  a  sweet  state  of  mind." 

Shortly  before  this  period,  William  Allen  received  a  letter  from 
the  son-in-law  of  Joseph  Lancaster,  dated  "  Guadalaxara,  Republic 
of  Mexico,  Oct.  4th,  1838,"  in  which  he  says,  that  probably  from 
the  political  circumstances  of  the  country,  his  wife  had  not  heard 
of  her  futher  for  more  than  two  years;  he  begs  to  know  whether 
any  tidings  of  him  had  reached  England,  and  adds — 

"His  last  letter  was  from  Philadelphia,  in  which  he  announced 
his  intention  of  again  visiting  his  native  country.  In  this  letter  he 
mentions  having  the  prospect  of  renewing  his  old  friendship  with 
his  first  and  best  friends,  William  Allen  and  William  Corston,  Esqrs., 
from  whom  he  had  received  proofs  of  unbounded  kindness,  and  also 
most  important  services," 

19th. — Attended  the  Aborigines'  Committee;  Captain  Stocken- 
strom  came,  and  we  had  an  interesting  conference  with  him  respect- 
ing his  return  to  the  Cape ;  it  is  proposed  to  form  a  branch  com- 
mittee there. 

2271(1. — To  Somerset  House ;  Committee  on  Chemistry;  elected 
Faraday,  chairman,  and  Professor  Daniel,  secretary.  Saw  Herschel 
for  the  first  time  since  his  return  from  the  Cape." 

None  of  the  interests  and  occupations  which  were  constantly  press- 
ing upon  the  attention  of  William  Allen,  made  him  unmindful  of  the 
claims  of  his  own  Religious  Society,  and  in  the  course  of  the  last 
few  months,  in  conjunction  with  the  committee  of  the  Quarterly 
Meeting,  appointed  in  accordance  with  the  recommendation  of  the 


412 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1838. 


Yearly  Meeting,  much  time  had  been  spent  in  labouring  in  the  vine- 
yard of  his  Lord.    In  writing  to  Stephen  Grellet,  he  says— 

"  Thnu  wilt  have  heard  of  our  engagement  in  a  general  visit  to 
Friends'  families  in  the  Monthly  Meetings  of  this  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing. I  joined  in  some  of  the  families  in  Westminster,  and  the  Peel, 
and  also  in  those  of  Longford  and  Gracechurch  Street.  We  have 
had,  at  times,  abundant  evidence  that  this  measure  was  owned  by 
the  Great  Master,  and  that  it  was  very  seasonable.  We  have  still 
some  farther  service  in  prospect. 

Our  last  Quarterly  Meeting  was  held  on  the  25th.  H.  C.  Back- 
house was  very  striking  on  the  state  of  our  Society,  past,  present, 
and  to  come.  She  dwelt  beautifully  upon  the  brightness  of  the 
morning;  then  showed  how  it  was  gradually  obscured  by  the  pre- 
valence of  a  worldly  spirit,  degenerating  into  a  dull,  dry,  formal 
state ;  then  the  revival,  and  lastly  pointed  to  a  still  brighter  time  yet 
to  come. 

In  the  second  meeting  the  concern  of  E.  J.  Fry  to  visit  France 
and  other  parts  of  the  continent  came  on;  much  approbation  was 
expressed,  and  an  indorsement  ordered  on  the  certificate  of  the 
Monthly  Meeting. 

Thy  notice  of  J.  J.  Gurney  was  cordial  to  me;  his  sweet  little 
addition  at  the  close  of  thy  letter  was  very  precious :  remember  me 
to  him  in,  I  trust,  the  love  of  the  Gospel." 

The  following  lines  are  those  to  which  W.  A.  alludes: — 
"  My  beloved  Friend, 

"I  am  glad  to  have  an  opportunity  of  sending  thee,  by  my  own 
hand,  a  message  of  near  love  and  gratitude  for  all  thy  kindness  to 
me.  Thy  letter  received  at  Liverpool,  before  my  departure,  was 
remarkably  precious  to  me,  and  has  continued  to  be  so  on  re-peru- 
sal from  time  to  time.  I  hope  I  may  conclude  from  all  I  hear,  that 
thou  art  favoured  with  health,  and  that  abundant  opportunities  of 
usefulness  to  thy  fellow-men,  and  of  service  for  the  Lord,  continue 
to  arise  for  thee.  Mayest  thou  be  helped  and  comforted  in  thy 
work ;  thy  soul  stayed  on  the  Lord !  I  think  I  may  report  favour- 
ably of  my  progress.  S.  G.  is  every  thing  to  me  that  an  elder  bro- 
ther in  the  Truth  can  be.    Our  unity  is  sweet  indeed. 

"  Thy  attached  and  grateful  friend, 

J.  J.  Gurney." 

Tu-elfth  Month  28th. — I  heard  an  account  of  the  cruel  treatment 
of  a  young  man  in  the  band  of  musicifins,  in  the  troops  stationed  at 
Chatham,  which  affected  me  much,  and  cast  me  down  all  the  rest 
of  the  day.    He  appears  to  have  become  convinced  of  the  truth  of 


1838. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


413 


the  principles  of  Friends,  and  1ms  attended  our  meeting  at  Roches- 
ter, for  some  time  past. 

29^;^. — A  very  poor  night.  I  concluded  to  go  to  Chatham,  and 
accordingly  set  off  for  Gravescnd  at  half-past  ten.  Put  up  at  the 
Crown  at  Rochester,  and  was  in  the  same  sitting  room  that  I  occu- 
pied on  my  I'eturn  from  the  continent  in  the  year  1820,  when  my 
precious  child  and  my  brother  Joseph  came  here  to  meet  me. 

I  requested  Frederick  Wheeler  and  William  Talum  to  go  with 
me  to  Chatham.  We  had  an  interview  with  the  ofBcer  and  his 
wife,  and  I  found  that  the  latter  had  taken  great  interest  in  the 
young  man,  who  is  become  decidedly  serious,  and  from  religious 
principle  objects  to  continue  in  the  army.  His  health  has  been 
much  injured  by  his  occupation,  which  was  blowing  the  French 
horn,  and  some  Friends  who  compassionated  his  case,  raised  twenty 
pounds  to  procure  his  discharge.  His  services  in  the  band  were, 
however,  considered  much  too  valuable  for  this  sum  to  be  accepted. 
He  requested  to  speak  to  his  Colonel,  but  was  not  permitted,  and 
when,  from  conscientious  motives,  he  could  no  longer  comply  with 
the  regulations  of  the  army,  he  was  cruelly  treated,  sent  to  prison, 
and  afterwards  to  the  hospital,  as  a  lunatic,  where  the  reducing 
measures  resorted  to,  endangered  his  life.  After  some  friendly 
conversation  with  the  Colonel,  I  requested  an  order  to  see  the  young 
man,  which  was  readily  granted ;  and  I  had  an  opportunity  for 
communication  with  him,  as  well  as  with  the  medical  man,  to  whom 
I  spoke  very  plainly. 

Twelfth  Month  30th. — It  seemed  best  for  me  again  to  see  Col. 
Lawrence,  so  Frederick  Wheeler  and  I  walked  to  Chatham :  both 
he  and  his  wife  received  me  very  kindly.  He  instructed  me  what 
course  to  pursue  on  behalf  of  the  youth,  and  said  he  would  put  no 
impediment  in  the  way  of  his  discharge." 

The  following  day,  W.  A.  went  up  to  the  Admiralty,  had  an  in- 
terview with  the  secretary.  Sir  John  Barrow,  with  whom  he  was 
well  acquainted,  and  in  the  course  of  a  short  time,  the  young  man 
was  got  clearly  off,  to  his  inexpressible  comfort. 


414 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1839. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1839 — 1840. — Notice  of  Count  Confalonicri — Engagements  in  the  School,  Bible  Cause, 
&c. — Letters  from  Russia — Address  to  the  Parishioners  of  Lindfield — Prospect  of  Re- 
ligious Service  on  the  Continent — Friends  present  Addresses  to  the  Queen,  to  Prince 
Albert,  and  to  the  Duchess  of  Kent — Journey  to  the  Continent — Religious  and  Philan- 
thropic engagements  in  Belgium — Interview  with  the  King — Visit  to  Rotterdam,  the 
Hague,  Amsterdam,  and  Zwoll — Orphan  Establishment  at  Veenhuisen — ReUgious 
awakening  at  Osnaburg — Visit  to  Friends  at  Minden  and  Pyrmont — Proceeds  to 
Hanover — Interview  with  the  Prince  Royal — with  the  Queen — Letter  to  the  Prince — 
Magdeburg — Arrival  at  Berlin — Interviews  with  several  of  the  Royal  Family — Institu- 
tions— Rehgious  Engagements — Correspondence — Departure  from  Berlin. 

The  diary  of  the  new  year  opens  with  a  notice  of  retirement 
and  fervent  prayer."    Shortly  afterwards,  this  passage  occurs — 

"  My  mind  panting  after  the  Lord,  and  my  heart  lifted  up  to 
Him  in  prayer,  that  He  would  make  me  more  entirely  His.  A  de- 
gree of  sweetness  attended,  which  I  humbly  receive  as  a  token  of 
divine  regard. 

Second  Month  3rd,  1839. — Low  as  I  walked  to  meeting,  but  after 
sitting  some  time  in  silence,  I  was  furnished  with  a  degree  of 
strength  and  power,  from  the  only  Source  of  Good,  and  enlarged 
upon  the  words,  '  Thy  children  shall  be  all  taught  of  the  Lord,'  &c. 
I  was  led  on  under  a  feeling  of  Holy  help,  to  show  the  efficacy  of 
the  Spirit's  teaching,  and  felt  strong  inward  support.  '  O  thou  of 
little  faith,  wherefore  didst  thou  doubt  V  Much  peace  in  walking 
home. 

It/i. — (After  being  closely  engaged  in  paying  religious  visits  to 
some  of  the  families  of  his  own  meeting.)  I  think  I  may  humbly  say, 
this  has  been  a  day  of  divine  favour.    I  am  nothing;  Christ  is  all. 

Second  Month  lUh. — Lord  Glenelg  resigned  as  Minister  of  the 
Colonies. 

24th. — (At  Lindfield.)  Meeting ;  under  exercise  of  mind  for  my- 
self and  others ;  deeply  feeling  my  own  nothingness,  and  that  all 
ability,  even  to  worship  acceptably,  comes  through  the  teaching  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.  Reading  meeting  in  the  evening;  I  humbly  trust 
that  the  good  presence  of  our  Divine  Master,  through  the  medium 
of  His  Spirit,  was  measurably  with  us ;  my  heart  was  filled  with 
reverent  thankfulness.  When  He  openeth,  none  can  shut,  and  when 
He  shutteth,  none  can  open. 

Third  Month  1st. — Meeting  for  Sufferings;  an  appeal  on  the 
Slave  Trade  and  Slavery  was  brought  in,  and  cordially  agreed  to. 
It  is  to  be  translated  into  different  languages,  at  the  discretion  of 
the  committee. 

8th. — To  town  in  the  morning ;  Lieut.  Armitage  waiting  for  me 


1839. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


415 


at  Plough  Court,  about  the  case  of  the  Flora  de  Loando,  a  Portu- 
guese slaver,  on  board  of  which,  through  the  wicked  detentior  of 
the  Portuguese  government,  one  hundred  and  nineteen  Africans 
perished,  and  were  thrown  into  the  sea. 

Qth. — Met  Lieut.  Armitage,  and  went  with  him  to  Lord  Broug- 
ham. Left  the  case  of  the  Flora  de  Loando  with  him ;  he  is  to 
move  for  papers.  Then  to  Lord  Palmerston's  office ;  too  soon,  so 
took  Lieut.  A.  to  the  Admiralty,  and  introduced  him  to  Sir  John 
Barrow's  son. 

22rd. — When  I  was  at  Milan,  on  my  return  from  my  longest 
journey,  with  dear  Stephen  Grellet,  in  1820,  I  visited  Count  Con- 
falonieri,  with  a  letter  of  introduction  from  Tartini  of  Florence.  I 
found  him  a  fine,  open-hearted  young  man ;  he  received  me  not  only 
with  respect,  but  affection,  and  conducted  me  to  their  public  insti- 
tutions, introducing  me  also  to  his  friends;  about  a  dozen  of  us  din- 
ed together  at  Count  Porro's,  and  enjoyed  it  much.  The  following 
particulars  of  his  sufferings  since  that  period,  are  extracted  from  an 
article  addressed  to  the  Editor  of  the  Morning  Chronicle,  and  signed 
'  Decio  Bruto,  a  victim  of  the  same  event.' 

"  The  subject  of  this  notice,  Count  Confalonieri,  is  descended 
from  a  family  one  of  the  most  eminent  in  Milan,  and  perhaps  in 
Italy.  He  is  now  about  fifty  years  of  age.  It  will  be  remembered 
that  in  1821,  the  revolution  of  Piedmont  failed  through  the  cow- 
ardice and  treachery  of  a  very  exalted  personage,  who  not  only  be- 
trayed the  confidence  that  the  Liberals,  from  all  parts  of  Italy,  had 
placed  in  him,  by  yielding  to  the  insidious  counsels  of  persons  sent 
to  him  by  two  northern  potentates,  but  who  became  also  a  traitor  to 
the  cause  by  giving  up  the  correspondence,  and  thus  sacrificing 
thousands  of  families  to  the  vengeance  of  tyrants.  At  that  time, 
Count  Confalonieri  was  confined  to  his  bed,  and,  as  almost  every 
one  knew  that  he  had  taken  an  active  part  in  the  attempt  to  free  his 
country  from  the  Austrian  yoke,  it  was  generally  expected  that  he 
would  be  arrested,  when,  to  the  surprise  of  all,  in  the  beginning  of 
the  autumn  of  the  same  year,  he  went  to  the  Lake  of  Como,  close 
on  the  frontiers  of  Switzerland,  without  experiencing  any  interrup- 
tion from  the  police.  After  a  few  weeks  he  came  back  to  Milan, 
where  he  continued  to  see  his  friends,  his  health  being  still  in  a  very 
precarious  state.  At  last,  on  the  10th  of  December,  1821,  the  Mar- 
quis Parravicini  was  arrested  at  about  twelve  o'clock  at  noon;  and 
immediately  all  Confalonieri's  friends  hastened  to  warn  him  not  to 
tarry  a  minute,  but  to  be  off  instantly.  I  was  one  of  those  who  gave 


416  I'IfE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  1839 

liim  such  advice,  but  when  I  spoke  to  him,  he  told  me  that  it  was  a 
false  alarm,  since  Parravicini  was  already  released ;  and  so  it  was, 
for  the  police  wisliing  to  have  a  clue  for  discovering  those  impli- 
cated in  this  last  attempted  revolution,  had  allowed  the  Marquis  to 
go  at  large,  and  had  meanwhile  set  to  work  numerous  spies  to  trace 
all  his  steps,  and  ascertain  all  the  visits  which  he  paid  at  the  moment 
when  he  left  the  police  office.  On  the  same  evening,  Parravicini 
was  again  arrested,  and  this  lime  finally.  The  morning  after,  as 
soon  as  I  heard  of  it,  I  ran  to  Count  Confalonieri,  where  I  found  that 
others  had  already  carried  him  the  appalling  news.  I  again  attempt- 
ed to  induce  him  to  leave  Milan  with  all  possible  speed,  but  could 
not  prevail.  He  said  to  me,  '  I  will  not  become  a  wanderer ;  I  had 
rather  be  arrested;  they  can  do  me  no  harm  ;  I  am  perfectly  safe; 
my  papers  can  be  examined  at  any  time  without  the  least  danger; 
ihey  dare  not  arrest  me,  or  at  all  events  keep  me  in  prison,  without 

'  some  proper  cause.'  This  was  on  the  11th  of  December,  1821.  I 
saw  him  a  second  time  on  the  13th,  but  with  the  same  ill  success. 
He  was  arrested  the  next  day,  the  14th,  and  after  a  long  trial, 
(which  but  for  certain  documents  that  had  been  discovered  by  the 
treachery  of  a  policeman,  who  had  been  formerly  a  servant  of  the 
Countess,  his  wife,  would  have  ended  in  his  liberation),  he  was  con- 
demned to  death.  The  Countess,  who  was  foster-sister  to  the  Em- 
press of  Austria,  at  this  trying  moment  set  out  by  forced  journeys 
to  Vienna,  travelling  day  and  night  with  an  avant  courier,  and 
reached  the  capital  after  twelve  o'clock  at  night.  She  sent  up  her 
name  to  the  Empress,  with  a  message  that  it  was  of  the  greatest 
necessity  that  she  should  see  Her  Majesty  instantly,  as  it  was  on  a 
matter  of  life  and  death.  She  was  admitted  without  delay,  and, 
throwing  herself  at  the  Empress's  feet,  she  had  only  the  power  to 
utter,  '  Save  my  husband  !'  The  Empress  observed  to  her,  that  no- 
thing could  be  done  until  next  morning,  the  Emperor  having  already 

,  retired  to  his  apartments.  The  Countess,  however,  did  not  rise 
from  her  humble  position,  but  begged  the  Empress  to  go  that  very 
minute,  or  the  Count  would  be  lost  for  ever.  The  Empress  could 
no  longer  resist  the  heart-rending  entreaties  of  so  virtuous  a  wife. 
She  passed  immediately  to  the  apartments  of  the  Emperor,  and  ten 
minutes  afterwards  returned  with  an  order  under  his  own  hand  for 
a  respite  of  the  sentence.  The  courier  who  carried  the  order  for 
the  execution  of  the  sentence,  had  left  Vienna  a  few  hours  previ- 
ously to  the  arrival  of  the  Countess:  she  had,  therefore,  the  ardu- 
ous task  of  repeating  the  same  journey  without  the  least  repose,  as 


1839. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


417 


she  constantly  refused  (o  trust  any  body  with  her  valuable  docu- 
ment. She  set  out  therefore  on  her  return,  almost  immediately,  and 
succeeded  in  reaching  Milan  before  the  imperial  courier.  It  was 
in  this  precipitous  journey  that  the  Countess  made  use  of  a  small 
silk  pillow  to  lean  her  head  upon,  which  was  bathed  through  with 
her  tears.  She  soon  fell  a  victim  to  her  sorrow,  and  after  her  death, 
some  friends  found  means  to  convey  this  very  pillow  to  the  Count, 
in  his  horrible  dungeon  ;  but  being  discovered  by  the  Cerberus  placed 
as  gaoler,  it  was  taken  from  him,  and  all  the  under  gaolers  were 
examined,  in  order  to  discover  who  had  committed  so  heinous  a 
crime.  Count  Confalonieri  has  survived  his  imprisonment  of  four- 
teen years,  and  has,  in  my  opinion,  shown  more  strength  of  mind 
and  heroism,  than  if  he  had  fought  hundreds  of  battles.  He  was 
the  first  institutor  of  the  Lancasterian  Schools  in  Milan;  and  any 
thing  which  could  tend  to  improve  the  condition  of  the  people,  was 
always  sure  of  his  strong  support.  Heaven  grant  him  in  New  York, 
for  which  place  he  left  Trieste  on  the  27th  ultimo,  as  much  happi- 
ness as  he  has  suffered  tortures,  from  the  tyrants  of  his  own  dear 
country." 

"  Third  Month  21th. — At  Freemason's  Hall  about  twelve,  to  at- 
tend a  meeting  of  the  friends  of  religious  liberty,  and  of  national 
education  on  liberal  principles.  It  was  a  large  and  influential  meet- 
ing, though  broken  in  upon  by  a  fiery  strong-willed  chartist  and  a 
friend  of  his;  they  were  very  properly  put  down  by  Sir  Culling  E. 
Smith,  who  was  in  the  chair.  Many  excellent  speeches  were  made, 
and  all  the  resolutions  carried  almost  unanimously. 

Fourth  Month  5th. — To  Bedwell  Park  to  pay  a  visit  to  Sir  Cul- 
ling Eardley  Smith  :  a  warm  reception.  Dr.  Lushington  and  his 
brother  Charles  were  there.  Colonel  Baker  and  his  wife,  &c.,  &c., 
a  large  party.  Dr.  L.  and  I  were  very  glad  to  meet  in  this  way; 
we  spent  the  evening  very  agreeably  in  open  conversation. 

6///. — Returned  to  town  in  the  morning.  Aborigines  Committee; 
George  Thompson  resigned  his  connection  with  us. 

10th. — Monthly  Meeting ;  short,  but  satisf  ictory ;  with  L.  after- 
wards to  the  Religious  Tract  Society,  about  our  village  library  at 
Lindfield;  then  to  the  Borough  Road,  to  consult  about  a  Chairman 
for  our  Annual  Meeting.  I  went  up  to  the  Home  Office,  and  pro- 
cured a  letter  from  Lord  John  Russell  to  Lord  Morpeth ;  took  it  to 
the  Irish  Office,  and  had  an  interview  with  him;  he  was  very  kind, 
but  very  reluctant  to  take  the  chair  in  the  present  position  of  public 
affairs.    I  pleaded  strongly  with  him,  and  prevailed  at  last. 


419 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1S39. 


20th. — Walked  to  Gordon's  Hotel,  Albemarle  Street,  to  meet  the 
Deputation  on  the  subject  of  Education ;  Sir  C.  E.  Smith  in  the 
chair,  several  members  of  parliament  present.  We  proceeded  to 
the  Council  Office,  and  were  received  by  the  Marquis  of  Lansdowne 
and  Lord  John  Russell;  Lord  Duncannon  was  also  present.  We 
presented  the  abstract  of  our  proceedings  on  the  27th  of  Third 
Month,  which  stated  our  principles ;  the  conference  was  very  satis- 
factory.   Their  plan  is  to  come  out  shortly. 

Fourth  Month  2Sth. — (At  Lindfield).  Urgent  call  to  town  to  join 
a  deputation  to  Lord  Normanby  from  the  Aborigines'  Protection 
Society.    I  concluded  to  return  to  Newington. 

29;/«. — Conference  with  Lord  Brougham  about  the  Jamaica  bill ; 
he  was  very  much  opposed  to  suspending  the  constitution  of  the 
Jamaica  Assembly,  and  was  displeased  with  me  for  approving  of  the 
measure.  I  spoke  very  openly  to  him,  and  said  he  well  knew  that 
the  Colonial  Assembly  was  an  engine  of  oppression;  that  we  had 
found  it  such  for  twenty  or  thirty  years ;  that  it  had  not  worked 
well  for  the  natives,  and  needed  alteration.  We  conferred  about 
schools,  and  I  fully  relieved  my  mind  to  him. 

At  the  Colonial  Office  at  half-past  twelve;  pretty  large  deputation 
of  the  Aborigines'  Protection  Society.  A  very  satisfactory  inter- 
view with  Lord  Normanby.  The  question  of  Canada  Indians  was 
brought  forward. 

Fifth  Month  \st. — Attended  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Piritish 
and  Foreign  Bible  Society;  Lord  Bexley  in  the  chair.  Brandram 
read  the  report  in  his  usual  excellent  style.  It  was  cheering;  in- 
come, eight  thousand  pounds  more  than  last  year,  and  a  number  of 
new  auxiliaries ;  Lord  Glenelg  spoke  well,  also  Grimshaw,  a  cler- 
gyman, just  returned  from  France,  who  bore  testimony  to  the  great 
use  of  colporteurs.  I  was  well  satisfied  in  being  there ;  there  was 
a  very  good  attendance. 

2nd. — Meeting  to  comfort.  A  sweet  feeling  in  silence;  spoke  on 
the  words,  'And  the  peace  of  God  which  passeih  all  understanding, 
shall  keep  your  hearts  and  minds  through  Christ  Jesus.' 

3/-C?. — Reflected  with  comfort  on  the  meeting  of  yesterday.  I  am 
not  forsaken,  though  often  brought  very  low.  Meeting  for  Suffer- 
ings. Then  to  the  examination  at  the  Borough  Road,  which  was 
not  over,  and  I  found  it  had  been  most  satisfactory.  The  Bishop 
of  Norwich  examined  very  strictly  for  great  part  of  an  hour,  and 
expressed  himself  astonished.  He  made  an  excellent  speech  at  the 
close,  and  defended  us  ably  against  the  misrepresentations  of  our 


1839. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLE^. 


419 


adversaries.*  Lord  Bexlcy  was  there;  it  was  quite  a  triumph.  To 
the  lobby  of  the  House  of  Commons  in  the  afternoon;  a  full  house 
on  the  Jamaica  Suspension  Bill ;  saw  several  members,  and  urged 
them  to  support  the  government. 

Fifth  Month  4th. — R.  Peek  called,  and  we  walked  together  to 
Newgate,  to  sec  the  Canadian  on  whose  behalf  I  am  solicited  to 
exert  myself. 

6th. — Anniversary  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society. 
Lord  Morpeth,  who  was  to  take  the  chair,  came  punctually,  also 
Lord  Howick,  and  Sir  George  Grey ;  the  Bishop  of  Norwich  was 
likewise  present,  and  a  great  many  Members  of  Parliament,  who,  I 
doubt  not,  wished  to  evince  their  kind  feeling,  in  consequence  of 
some  late  severe  attacks  upon  us.  Lord  Morpeth  opened  the  meet- 
ing with  a  plain,  sensible,  excellent  speech.  Our  cause  was  nobly 
advocated,  and  I  was  truly  thankful  that  all  went  off  so  well.  Dr. 
Hamel,  from  Russia,  was  there.  I  afterwards  walked  to  the  lobby 
of  the  House  of  Commons ;  great  bustle,  it  being  the  second  day  of 
the  debate  on  the  Jamaica  Suspension  Bill ;  caught  several  mem- 
bers, who  were  known  to  be  adverse  to  the  measure,  and  I  told 
them  it  would  be  cruel  to  vote  against  it.  Very  tired  in  the  even- 
ing, and  a  feeling  of  great  weakness. 

8lh. — We  gained  the  Jamaica  Suspension  Bill  by  five.  Ministers 
resigned. 

10th. — Several  calls  on  persons  ill  and  in  distress;  I  had  to  hand 
a  little  religious  advice  and  comfort  on  several  of  these  occasions, 
and  found  peace  in  doing  so. 

12th. — (At  Lindfield).  I  yesterday  received  an  account  from 
Ireland  of  the  death  of  one  of  our  late  pupils,  a  remarkably  promi- 
sing lad,  who  died  of  consumption,  which,  his  father  says,  was  at- 
tributed to  his  having  over-grown  his  slrenglh." 

Before  the  illness  of  this  interesting  youth,  he  had  written  a  grate- 
ful letter  to  William  Allen,  giving  an  account  of  his  occupations,  &c.; 
and  saying  he  was  induced  to  address  W.  A.  from  well  knowing  his 
feelings  towards  him  and  the  other  boys  at  the  school,  and  the  care 
which  had  been  bestowed  upon  them.  Some  time  afterward  his 
father  wrote  to  mention  the  illness  of  his  son,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
spoke  with  comfort  of  the  desirable  state  of  his  mind  ;  he  said,  that 
since  B.'s  return  from  school,  he  had  evinced  much  thoughtfulness 
and  gravity,  that  he  enjoyed  reading  the  Scriptures,  and  works  of 

•  Alluding  to  recent  attacks  made  upon  the  Society,  charging  them  with  indifference 
to  religion. 


420 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONJJENCE 


1839. 


a  serious  character,  and  that  his  conduct  was  in  every  respect  satis- 
factory. 

The  letter  whicli  contained  an  account  of  his  death,  thus  speaks 
of  him : — 

"  When  near  his  close,  he  imparted  to  us  much  suitable  counsel, 
becoming  a  rnaturc  christian.  At  that  solenm  moment,  when  taking 
a  retrospect  of  his  past  life,  the  recollection  of  the  time  spent  at 
Lindfield,  afforded  him  real  comfort.  In  the  course  of  his  illness,  he 
often  dwelt  upon  this  period  with  particular  pleasure.  He  requested 
to  be  affectionately  remembered  in  love  to  thee  and  thy  kind  nieces, 
and  often  also  mentioned  his  master,  William  Watkins,  for  whom 
he  feelingly  expressed  his  sincere  regard.  He  departed  in  great 
peace." 

William  Allen  thus  writes  in  reply: — 

*'  We  were  all  much  affected  on  receiving  thy  last  letter;  these 
are  dispensations  which  come  very  close  to  the  natural  part,  as 
thou  and  thy  dear  wife  have  deeply  felt:  but  surely  the  Judge  of 
all  the  earth  will  do  right,  and  his  permissions,  however  painful  and 
mysterious  they  may  seem  to  us  noic,  will  appear  hereafter  to  have 
been  ordered  in  infinite  wisdom.  I  trust  from  your  account  of  the 
dear  departed,  that  he  is  now  gathered  to  that  blessed  company  that 
surround  the  Throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb,  uniting  in  the  everlast- 
ing Hallelujah.  After  the  public  reading  at  the  schools  on  First- 
day  evening,  I  read  parts  of  thy  letter  to  the  lads  and  to  the  com- 
pany, adding  such  remarks  as  might  encourage  the  survivors  to 
endeavour  to  follow  so  bright  an  example  ;  it  had  a  contriting  effect, 
and  many  tears  were  shed." 

"Fifth  Month  21s<. — Very  sweet  feelings  in  my  retirement  this 
morning.  The  Donaumoss  came  before  the  view  of  my  mind,  in  a 
way  that  surprised  me. 

22»f/. — Yearly  Meeting.  Dear  Eliza  began  her  plan  of  giving 
tea  to  Friends  in  the  committee-room  at  Devonshire  House;  it  an- 
swered admirably,  and  a  number  were  accommodated." 

"  Fifth  Month  21th. — The  reports  from  the  Quarterly  Meetings 
on  the  subject  of  family  visits,  have  been  particularly  consoling; 
that  measure  appears  to  have  been  signally  blest.  The  state  of 
Northamptonshire  claimed  the  sympathy  of  Friends,  and  an  ap- 
pointment was  made  to  visit  the  meetings  there;  I  am  one  of  the 
committee.  The  reports  of  the  schools,  read  to-day,  were  very  in- 
teresting, particularly  that  of  Brookfield;  I  spoke  in  favour  of  it, 
and  of  manual  labour  in  schools.  It  has  been  a  remarkably  quiet, 
satisfactory  meeting  throughout." 


1830. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


421 


W.  A.  says  in  a  letter  to  Stephen  Grcllet,  dated  Sixth  Month 
16th— 

"Our  Governinent  has  been  trying  to  carry  a  plan  for  the  gen- 
eral education  of  poor  children,  but  such  is  the  opposition  raised  to 
it,  that  it  seems  doubtful  whether  they  will  be  able  to  effect  much 
this  session.  The  government  measure  intended  to  afford  due  pro- 
tection to  the  black  population  in  the  West  India  Islands,  has  also 
been  opposed.  There  is  some  talk  of  a  general  convention  of  Abo- 
litionists from  the  principal  nations  of  Europe  and  America,  to  be 
held  in  London,  to  consist  of  delegates,  in  order  to  see  what  can  be 
done  by  general  consent,  to  put  down  the  Slave  Trade. 

The  accounts  from  our  West  India  Islands,  are,  on  the  whole,  of 
a  cheering  character.  Our  three  agents,  Scoble,  Stuart,  and  Pal- 
mer, keep  us  well  informed  of  what  is  going  on  there. 

Sixlh  Month  25th. — At  the  lobby  of  the  House  of  Commons,  the 
education  question,  respecting  the  grant  of  thirty  thousand  pounds, 
being  to  come  on.  Saw  some  of  the  members,  and  urged  them  to 
support  the  plan  of  government.  The  question  was  carried  only 
by  a  majority  of  two. 

Met  with  two  Americans  at  Plough  Court,  Dawes  and  Keep,  who 
are  come  over  to  this  country  to  beg  for  the  Oberlin  Institute  in 
Ohio,  containing  four  or  five  hundred  coloured  children,  girls  as 
well  as  boys,  who  are  receiving  education,  but  the  establishment 
has  become  embarrassed,  on  account  of  the  pecuniary  difficulties 
of  the  country. 

Sixth  Month  2C)th. — Called  on  Lord  John  Russell,  Wilton  Crescent, 
and  had  some  very  interesting  conversation  with  him  about  British 
and  Foreign  Schools;  he  says  that  the  thirty-thousand  pounds  is  not 
yet  quite  safe,  and  may  be  opposed  when  the  report  is  brought  in. 
Then  waited  on  the  Duke  of  Sussex,  upon  the  same  subject ;  he  was 
very  kind  and  friendly,  and  is  cordially  with  us.  I  next  went  to 
Lord  Brougham,  and  had  a  useful  interview  with  him;  thus  the 
business,  with  regard  to  future  proceedings,  is  satisfactorily  ar- 
ranged. Meeting  at  Devonshire  House  in  the  evening,  and  was 
engaged  in  ministry ;  several  Friends  spoke  acceptably,  and  it  was 
a  good  meeting. 

21lh. — Up  to  Piccadilly,  and  then  to  Lord  John  Russell ;  told  him 
of  my  success  with  the  Duke  of  Sussex  and  Lord  Brougham,  with 
which  he  expressed  pleasure.  He  will  speak  to  the  Queen,  to  solicit 
her  patronage  to  the  Invalid  Asylum  at  Stoke  Newington.  He  was 
very  kind,  and  I  afterwards  left  with  him  the  letter  to  the  Queen 
on  this  subject. 


.422 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1839. 


Seventh  Month  2nd. — Inspectors'  Committee,  Borough  Road. 
We  had  several  very  suitable  applications  from  apparently  pious 
young  men,  who  are  candidates  to  be  taught  the  system ;  they  seem 
lo  be  entering  on  the  work  mainly  with  a  view  to  do  good.  This 
is  cheerina;  " 

In  the  afternoon  William  Allen  proceeded,  in  company  with 
George  Stacey,  to  visit  the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Northamptonshire. 
They  met  the  other  members  of  the  committee,  and  in  concluding 
the  notice  of  the  following  day,  he  writes — "  A  satisfactory  day's 
work."    After  returning  home,  he  says — 

"  I  am  glad  that  I  went  into  Northamptonshire. 

Qth. — Received  a  kind  note  from  Lord  John  Russell,  stating  that 
the  Queen  had  consented  to  become  Patroness  of  the  Invalid  Asylum. 

1th. — First-day.  Several  callers  on  returning  from  meeting  in 
the  evening;  much  conversation,  which  would  have  been  interest- 
ing at  some  other  time,  but  I  like  to  be  quiet  after  a  meeting  for  di- 
vine worship,  tliat  the  feeling  of  solemnity  may  not  be  dissipated." 

Seventh  Month  8th. — The  retrospect  of  last  evening's  engagement 
in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  was  peaceful.  At  White  Hart  Court 
to  attend  the  committee  appointed  to  watch  over  the  education 
business;  then,  according  to  my  summons,  went  to  Dr.  Lushington's 
to  meet  T.  F.  Buxton,  and  thuse  wiiom  he  had  invited,  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  projected  societies  for  putting  down  the  Slave  Trade,  and 
promoting  civilization  in  Africa.  There  was  a  large  company.  It 
was  agreed  to  apply  to  government  about  steamers.  I  afterwards 
called  on  Lord  John  Russell,  at  the  Home  office,  and  gave  him  the 
vote  of  thanks  on  behalf  of  the  committee  of  the  Invalid  Asylum. 

9th. — Anti-Slavery  Committee,  Broad  Street;  Joseph  Sturge 
there;  an  important  meeting.  I  am  directed  to  see  the  Danish 
Ambassador,  about  St.  Croix,  &c.  L.  and  I  went  to  Blackwall,  to 
go  on  board  the  British  Queen,  a  magnificent  steamer  for  New 
York. 

10th. — Several  of  the  Polish  Refugees  dined  with  us,  also  Mayer 
of  Florence,  and  Capt.  Stockensti  om ;  we  had  a  good  deal  of  inter- 
esting and  satisfactory  conversation;  gave  them  'Brief  Remarks,' 
in  French  and  German. 

15th. — Prepared  some  short  queries  for  some  of  my  boys,  calcu- 
lated to  lead  to  self-examination,  as  'What  have  I  learned  to-day? 
Have  I  done  any  thing  this  day  which  affords  me  comfort  on  reflec- 
tion, or  the  contrary?'  &c. 

18th. — Special  Meeting  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Com- 


1839. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


423 


mittec  at  the  Borough  Road.  I  was  dcpulcd  to  go  to  the  Duke  of 
Sussex,  and  request  him  to  attend  a  meeling  to  be  held  at  the 
Thatched  House,  on  the  30th  instant,  to  consider  of  means  for  rais- 
ing twenty  thousand  pounds  for  Norman  Schools,  and  three  thou- 
sand per  annum  in  subscriptions  to  support  them:  to  consider  also 
of  the  propriety  of  holding  a  public  meeting  for  the  object.  I  found 
the  Duke  at  liberty,  and  we  had  a  free  and  very  satisfactory  con- 
versation;  he  is  heartily  with  us,  and  is  to  have  an  outline  of  the 
proposed  business  before  the  meeting.  Proceeded  afterwards  to 
Lord  John  Russell,  and  had  a  very  satisfactory  conference  with 
him  also.    Wrote  to  the  Duke  of  Bedford. 

Seventh  Month  25th. — Received  a  nice  letter  from  Sarah  Biller  of 
Petersburg,  daughter-in-law  of  our  late  dear  Friend,  Hannah  Kil- 
ham,  with  a  letter  from  the  Archimandrite  Macarius,  whom  dear 
Stephen  Grellet  and  I  saw  at  Ekaterinoslav,  in  1819."* 

The  Archimandrite  thus  writes — 

"  May  the  mercy  of  God,  our  beneficent  Father,  be  granted  to 
you  in  full  measure,  generous  friends  of  humanity,  that  you  may 
receive  eternal  life  in  the  celestial  kingdom,  through  his  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  and  ever  be  guided  by  his  Holy  Spirit.  These  feelings  are 
cherished  in  my  heart  towards  you.  I  recollect  the  love  you  mani- 
fested towards  me  during  your  journey  in  Russia,  when  you  deigned 
to  visit  me  in  my  dwelling  at  Ekaterinoslav,  and  unitedly  invoked 
the  name  of  the  Saviour,  each  taking  me  by  the  hand,  and  pro- 
nouncing your  blessing.  May  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  reward  you 
for  these  sincere  good  wishes !    To  Him  be  the  glory  !  Amen. 

Missionary  Archimandrite  Macarius." 

Sarah  Biller,  in  addressing  William  Allen,  says — 

"You  may  remember  the  Archimandrite  Macarius,  who  so  well 
recollects  your  and  S.  G.'s  visit  to  him :  he  has,  for  some  years 
past,  been  a  missionary  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Tobolsk,  where  he 
has  collected  a  little  community  of  Christians,  who  have,  through 
Divine  Grace,  been  turned  from  idolatry. 

It  is  only  lately  I  have  become  acquainted  with  him,  and  I  have 
been  much  pleased  with  the  meek,  humble  disposition,  he  continually 
displays.  He  has  translated  the  principal  part  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment from  the  Hebrew,  and  is  so  anxious  that  the  sacred  volume, 
complete,  should  be  in  the  hands  of  his  countrymen,  in  their  native 
tongue,  that  there  is  no  sacrifice  he  would  count  too  dear,  to  procure 
for  them  this  treasure ;  his  heart  seems  to  dwell  upon  it  day  and 


•  See  Vol.  I.  page  398. 


424 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1839. 


night.  Here,  however,  among  the  higher  clergy,  he  meets  with  no 
encouragement. 

He  came  here  one  evening  last  week,  and  after  some  conversa- 
tion on  his  mission,  and  on  the  addition  which  he  desired  to  it,  of 
females  to  instruct  ail  classes  of  their  own  sex,  by  schools,  family 
visits,  and  maternal  oversight,  he  returned  to  his  darling  subject, 
and  observed,  'As  we  have  a  short  time  to  spend  together,  let  us 
read  the  last  verse  of  the  sixteenth,  and  the  whole  of  the  seventeenth 
chapter  of  St.  John,  and  then  let  each  pray  for  a  season  in  his  heart, 
not  forgetting  the  whole  Bible  for  Russia.'  It  was  an  event  scarce- 
ly heard  of  before,  for  a  Priest  of  the  Greek  Church  to  ask  for  silent 
prayer,  and  I  believe  each  of  the  party  will  long  remember  it. 

Our  School  is  going  on  much  as  formerly;  we  have  between 
thirty  and  forty  boarders,  and  more  than  one  hundred  children  in 
daily  attendance.  Schools  are  increasing,  particularly  the  Berlin 
Infant  Schools,  or  rather  asylums  for  little  children,  while  their 
parents  go  to  work.  It  is  to  be  hoped  these  will  do  much  good,  for 
it  is  of  great  consequence  that  little  children  should  be  inured  to 
order,  neatness,  and  exertion. 

Many  more  of  the  young  peasantry  know  how  to  read,  than  did 
twelve  years  ago,  for  numbers  teach  themselves  the  art,  particularly 
among  the  soldiers. 

With  love  and  best  wishes  to  all  your  family,  believe  me  your 
attached  and  much  obliged  friend,  Sarah  Biller. 

June  22nd,  1839." 

"  Seventh  Month  30th. — Having  given  the  Duke  of  Sussex  reason 
to  expect  that  I  would  be  with  him  before  the  meeting  at  the  That- 
ched House  Tavern,  I  accordingly  went  to  Kensington  Palace,  and 
had  much  conversation  with  him  about  the  British  and  Foreign 
School  Society,  and  other  matters;  then  proceeded  to  the  Thatched 
House;  the  Duke  came  afterwards,  also  Lord  John  Russell,  Lord 
Brougham,  &c.,  &c.  The  business  was  explained  to  the  meeting, 
and  the  secretary  read  an  outline  of  the  proposed  objects.  It  was 
a  very  good  meeting,  and  several  resolutions  were  passed.  Robert 
Forster  has  been  indefatigable  in  endeavouring  to  obtain  subscrip- 
tions, and  has  met  with  much  success. 

Eighth  Month  1st. — Received  a  note  from  Lord  John  Russell, 
with  the  information,  that  the  Queen  had  given  one  hundred  pounds 
to  the  invested  subscription  for  the  British  and  Foreign  School  So- 
c'lely. 

2nd. — With  L.  B.  and  S.  C.  to  Uxbridge,  to  attend  the  interment 


1839. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


425 


of  Anna  Henry  Pease,  daughter  of  our  friends  Richard  and  Mary 
Fell.  It  was  a  solemn  time;  we  dined  with  the  company  ;  a  pre- 
cious covering  was  over  us,  and  after  dinner,  dear  Mary  Fell  was 
sweetly  engaged  in  supplication  and  thanksgiving.  1  said  a  few 
words  on  the  text,  '  We  sorrow  not  as  those  without  hope,'  &c." 

Two  days  afterwards,  William  Alien  went  to  Rochester,  to  at- 
tend the  funeral  of  his  dear  aged  friend,  William  Rickman.  He 
observes,  that  it  was  a  quiet  satisfactory  time,  and  though  poorly 
in  health,  he  felt  that  he  had  done  right  in  going  there. 

"  I2th. —    Hawes,  M.  P.,  informed  me  to-day,  that  the 

Penny  Postage  Bill  was  carried,  and  now  only  waits  the  Queen's 
assent.    This  is  indeed  a  grand  measure. 

I4lh. — (At  Lindfield.)  I  have  for  some  time  past,  thought  of  at- 
tending the  Monthly  Meeting  at  Chichester,  but  many  things  press- 
ing, I  had  given  it  up ;  this  morning,  however,  the  prospect  was 
unexpectedly  presented  to  my  mind,  with  such  a  feeling,  that  I  was 
induced  to  give  up  to  it,  and  go. 

I6t/i. — Meeting  at  ten.  At  the  Monthly  Meeting,  Grover  Kemp, 
who  has  lately  accomplished  a  visit  of  gospel  love  in  Ireland,  re- 
turned his  certificate,  gratefully  acknowledging,  that  he  had  been 
helped  by  the  spirit  of  his  Divine  Master,  to  get  through  the  con- 
cern to  the  relief  and  peace  of  his  own  mind.  I  enjoyed  calm  and 
sweet  feelings  in  this  meeting,  which  I  humbly  accepted  as  a  proof, 
that  my  drawings  to  attend  it  were  from  a  right  source.  May  this 
prove  a  confirmation  to  my  faith  !  Dined  at  E.  Hack's,  with  a  large 
company  of  Friends  ;  my  mind  preserved  in  peace.  In  the  afier- 
noon,  visited  George  Paul,  the  master  of  an  excellent  British  School 
for  two  hundred  and  forty  boys.  Called  at  Dale  Park,  on  my  way 
to  Storrington,  where  I  lodged.  Returned  to  Lindfield  the  next 
day.    This  is  a  nice  quiet  retreat. 

JVinth  Month  1st. — (After  returning  to  Newington,)  John  Chand- 
ler and  his  wife  came  to  see  us;  they  think  of  going  out  to  Jamaica 
to  reside  for  a  time,  and  render  themselves  useful  to  the  people  of 
colour. 

Gth. — Meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Friends'  Continental  Associa- 
tion. Josiah  Forster  gave  a  detailed  and  most  interesting  account 
of  his  visit  to  France,  &c.,  with  E.  J.  Fry." 

W.  A.  went  down  to  Chelmsford  to  attend  the  Essex  Quarterly 
Meeting,  where  he  says — 

"  I  met  my  dear  brother  Joseph,  the  meeting  was  large  and  to 
my  mind  satisfactory,  and  1  have  felt  encouraged  to  give  up  to 
similar  service  in  future." 

Vol.  II.  28 


426 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1839. 


When  at  Lindfield,  during  this  month,  he  had  several  conferences 
with  his  neighbours,  on  the  subject  of  Church  Rates,  and  being  de- 
sirous to  explain  the  grounds  of  his  objection  to  paying  them,  wrote 
the  following  Address — 

to  the  parishioners  of  lindfield. 

"  Respected  Friends, 

"  It  is  always  painful  to  my  feelings  to  be  obliged  to  be  engaged 
in  differences  with  my  friends  and  neighbours  ;  but  when  matters 
of  principle  are  in  question,  and  especially  those  connected  with 
civil  and  religious  liberty,  I  dare  not  shrink  from  avowing  my  sen- 
timents, and  supporting  those  principles  to  the  utmost  of  my  power. 

The  subject  of  the  church  rate,  which  is  now  agitating  this  par- 
ish, is,  with  me,  one  of  those  matters  of  principle.  I  consider  that 
the  end  and  object  of  every  good  government,  is  the  protection  of 
our  dearest  rights — that  is,  person  and  property — and  the  worship 
of  God  in  the  manner  which  we  conscientiously  believe  is  most  ac- 
ceptable to  Him.  Now,  if  we  honestly  pay  the  taxes  levied  by 
government  for  the  support  of  civil  Society,  we  have  a  right  to  its 
protection.  While  a  man  does  this,  and  fulfils  the  social  and  rela- 
tive duties  of  life  respectably; — while  he  is  a  good  husband,  a  good 
father,  and  a  good  neighbour,  conscientiously  refraining  from  doing 
an  injury  to  any  one — the  state  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  manner 
in  which  he  conceives  it  to  be  his  duty  to  worship  his  Maker.  This 
is  a  matter  entirely  between  his  God  and  himself,  with  which  no 
earthly  power  has  a  right  to  interfere;  and  for  this  plain  reason, 
that  no  man  can  answer  for  him  before  the  tribunal  of  divine  jus- 
tice: and  therefore,  since  mutual  protection  is  the  sole  object  for 
which  we  submit  to  a  form  of  government,  and  pay  taxes ;  all  laws 
made  to  compel  subjects  to  support  any  particular  form  of  religion, 
are  unjust  in  their  principle,  and  ought  to  be  resisted.  The  Saviour 
of  men  when  he  sent  out  his  apostles,  (who,  by  the  way,  were  of 
the  poor  of  this  world,  though  rich  in  faith)  laid  this  solemn  injunc- 
tion upon  them:  'Freely  ye  have  received,  freely  give.'  I  heard 
that,  in  the  vestry  room,  one  in  easy  circumstances,  declared  that 
what  was  the  law  of  the  land,  even  in  the  matter  of  religion,  ought 
to  be  complied  with,  merely  because  it  is  law  ;  and  that,  in  what- 
ever country  he  might  live,  he  should  think  it  right  to  conform  to 
the  law  in  respect  to  religion.  If,  then,  he  had  lived  under  that 
form  of  government  in  this  very  country,  in  which  bishops  Cran- 
mer,  Ridley,  and  Latimer,  were  burned  by  law,  he,  by  his  own 
reasoning,  must  be  a  participator  in  their  murder,  if  he  thought  it 


1839. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


427 


his  duty  to  support  the  laws  without  exception.  And  be  it  ever  re- 
membered, that  it  was  because  they  could  not  conform  to  the  state 
religion,  that  the  early  christians  suffered  martyrdom  ;  that  the  pro- 
testiints,  on  St.  Bartholomew's  day,  were  butchered  ;  and  that  a 
great  number  of  the  members  of  the  Religious  Society  to  which  I 
belong,  in  the  time  of  lung  Charles  the  second,  laid  down  their  lives 
in  prison. 

Under  these  circumstances,  I  appeal  to  the  liberal  portion  of  the 
Church  of  England  resident  in  this  parish,  whether  they  think  it 
right  to  compel  their  brethren  to  support  forms  of  worship,  to  which 
they  conscientiously  object ;  and  whether  it  is  fair  or  consistent 
with  common  honesty,  to  put  their  hands  into  the  pockets  of  their 
dissenting  brethren,  for  the  support  of  their  own  particular  forms 
and  ceremonies  of  religion. 

I  remain,  with  best  wishes  for  all  my  neighbours, 
Their  sincere  friend, 

William  Allew. 

Graoehj  Cottage,  Lindfir.Id, 
20th  of  Ninth  Month,  {September)  1839." 

"Ninth  Month  24th. — Quarterly  Meeting;  several  Friends  spoke 
in  ministry,  and  dear  E.  J.  Fry  was  sweet  in  prayer;  she  came  into 
the  second  meeting,  and  gave  an  account  of  her  late  journey  in 
France,  which  was  very  satisfactory  indeed.  A  precious  feeling 
prevailed  in  the  meeting,  and  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  in  many 
hearts  ihanksfjivins:  arose  to  the  Preserver  of  men. 

2Gth. — William  Dawes,  from  Ohio,  came  to  breakfast;  he  urged 
me  to  attend  at  Guildhall  to-day,  to  support  the  petition  for  the  Ober- 
lin  Institution,  before  the  Common  Council.  I  had  designed  this 
morning  for  the  accomplishment  of  objects  which  have  long  lain 
heavily  upon  my  mind,  but  I  could  not  refuse,  so  went  to  town,  and 
had  to  stand  in  the  court  two  hours  before  the  cause  came  on. 
When  it  was  brought  forward,  VV.  Dawes,  W.  Cash,  Samuel  Sturge, 
and  I,  were  placed  at  the  bar,  and  I  was  obliged  to  address  the  Court. 
I  stated  that  this  cause  was  not  one  of  common  charity;  that  it  re- 
lated to  a  most  iinportant  subject,  and  one  which  had  repeatedly 
engaged  the  attention  of  th;it  court,  namely,  the  subject  of  Negro 
Slavery;  that  in  the  United  States,  there  was  an  awful  struggle  be- 
tween light  and  d  irkness,  between  liberty  and  the  most  odious  ty- 
ranny that  had  ever  oppressed  man;  that  the  virtuous  part  of  the 
population  in  North  America  were  inost  violently  opposed  by  the 
enemies  of  mankind.  I  t)oinled  to  the  bust  of  Clarkson,  saying,  '  If 
he,  whom  you  have  thus  honoured,  were  present,  and  the  late  Gran- 


428 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1839. 


ville  Sharp,  pointing  to  his  bust  also,  they  would  join  us  in  entreat- 
ing your  kind  consideration  to  the  appeal  now  made  for  the  Oberlin 
Institution  in  Ohio.  I  requested  that  the  petition  nnight  be  referred 
to  the  committee  for  such  purposes.  It  was  obvious  that  the  court 
was  with  me,  and  the  request  was  agreed  to  unanimously.  I  re- 
tired very  thankful,  though  extremely  weary. 

Dined  at  Plough  Court.  Central  Emancipation  Committee  at 
four;  Anti-Slavery  Committee  at  six. 

27<A. — Canvassing  with  Robert  Forster  for  subscriptions  to  the 
British  and  Foreign  School  Society. 

28ih. — Anti-Slavery  Committee  ;  agreed  to  a  memorial  to  govern- 
ment about  Texas.  Met,  by  appointment,  the  great  American, 
Webster,  from  Boston;  conference  on  the  subject  of  Slavery;  he 
seems  to  have  much  information  respecting  the  affairs  of  his  own 
country;  a  satisfactory  interview." 

In  the  beginning  of  the  Ninth  Month,  William  Allen  wrote  to 
the  Duke  of  Bedford,  then  at  his  seat  in  Scotland,  mentioning  the 
position  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  Society,  and  the  arrange- 
ments in  progress,  for  extending  its  operations.  In  this  letter  he 
says — 

"  It  would  give  me  great  joy  to  see  our  kind,  and  generous,  and 
original  benefactor,  witnessing  the  opening  of  our  new  normal 
school ;  and  I  hope  that  day  is  not  far  distant." 

He  soon  afterwards  notes  in  his  diary,  that  he  had  received  a 
kind  letter  from  the  Duke,  stating  that  he  had  paid  one  hundred 
pounds  to  the  invested  subscription. 

A  very  few  weeks  subsequent  to  this  period,  W.  A.  mentions, 
with  feelings  of  sincere  sorrow,  the  death  of  their  excellent  Presi- 
dent, and  adds,  that  a  minute  on  the  subject  was  prepared,  and 
agreed  to,  at  the  Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School  So- 
ciety. He  enclosed  some  copies  of  this  minute  to  Lord  John  Rus- 
sell; and  in  a  letter  accompanying  them,  writes  — 

"Permit  a  humble  friend  to  join  in  that  expression  of  sympathy 
which  has  been  so  extensively  felt,  with  thee  and  the  members  of 
thy  family,  on  account  of  the  decease  of  thy  honoured  father.  His 
removal  is  justly  considered  a  great  public  loss.  The  reflection, 
however,  that  he  has  left  those  behind  him  who  are  steadily  pursu- 
ing the  same  noble  course,  which  so  eminently  distinguished  him, 
as  a  patriot  and  a  philanthropist,  is  a  source  of  much  consolation." 

About  this  period,  William  Allen  often  mentions  a  feeling  of  sink- 
ing, and  great  weakness.    He  says — 

"I  have  certainly  been  much  over-done,  and  am  too  anxious;  I 


1839. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


439 


must  make  a  change;  my  memory  is  failing — I  have  noticed  it  for 
some  time  past." 

A  few  days  afterwards,  he  writes — 

"  Retirement, — sweet  cahn,  for  which  thanksgiving  ascended.  J 
am  now  in  my  seventieth  year,  and  feel  the  infirmities  of  age  creep- 
ing on.    Lord,  prepare  me  to  come  to  Thee !" 

Though  thus  sensible  of  declining  strength,  he  was  ever  ready  to 
exert  himself  on  behalf  of  the  suffering  and  afflicted,  and  besides  the 
attendance  of  numerous  committees,  the  claims  of  private  indi- 
viduals occupied  no  small  portion  of  his  time.  His  well-known 
disinterestedness  gave  weight  to  his  applications  to  persons  in 
authority,  and  many  an  aching  heart  was  relieved  through  his  in- 
strumentality. 

He  mentions  having  thought  it  very  desirable  to  cultivate  an 
acquaintance  with  young  persons,  and  others  in  the  neighbourhood, 
and  that  it  had  come  into  his  mind,  that  it  would  be  an  agreeable 
arrangement  to  devote  one  evening  in  a  month  to  this  object,  when 
suitable  reading  of  a  religious  and  informing  character  might  be 
selected.  He  accordingly  adopted  the  plan,  and  noticed,  with  mucii 
satisfaction,  several  evenings  being  spent  in  this  manner. 

" E/eventh  Month  lOl/i. — Samuel  and  Maria  Fox,  who  have  a 
minute  for  religious  service  in  this  Quarterly  Meeting,  were  accept- 
ably with  us.  The  afternoon  meeting  was  put  off  till  six  o'clock^ 
and  public  notice  given.  It  was  very  crowded,  and  after  Samuel 
Fox  had  been  acceptably  engaged  in  supplication,  dear  Maria  rose, 
and  was  led  on  in  sweetness  and  with  Divine  Unction,  most  remark- 
ably. Her  calm,  well-connected  testimony  to  the  '  Truth  as  it  is  in 
Jesus,'  was  not  in  word  only,  but  in  power;  my  heart  went  with 
the  words  from  the  beginning  to  the  end,  and  I  prayed  for  her 
silently  in  spirit  as  she  went  on.  The  countenances  of  the  audience 
showed,  that  what  was  said,  found  an  entrance;  the  silence  and 
attention  were  remarkable.  She  was  engaged  in  prayer,  after 
which  the  meeting  concluded  under  a  solemn  covering. 

Twelfth  Month  Ist. — I  must,  for  my  health's  sake,  strive  against 
over  anxiety  and  fatigue.  Spent  the  evening  with  dear  L.  and  E. 
reading,  &c.    I  felt  it  as  a  rest  much  wanted. 

3rd. — Rose  at  halfpast  five.  My  mind  turned  to  the  Lord  in 
fervent  prayer,  that  He  would  draw  me  to  Himself,  and  make  me 
truly  His.  Retirement ;  this  language  was  uppermost,  O  Lord  !  turn 
not  away  my  prayer,  nor  thy  mercy  from  me ! 

\lth. — Waited  upon  Sir  Lionel  Smith,  as  one  of  a  deputation  from 
the  Anti-Slavery  Committee,  to  congratulate  him  on  his  return  to 


430 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1839. 


ihis  country,  and  to  convey  the  feelings  of  our  committee  on  his 
upright  and  noble  conduct  on  behalf  of  the  people  of  colour.  We 
had  a  most  satisfactory  interview." 

The  prospect  of  religious  service  on  the  Continent  of  Europe, 
appears  to  have  impressed  William  Allen's  mind  on  various  occa- 
sions, and  he  had  conversed  with  his  dear  friends  Elizabelh  J.  Fry, 
and  Samuel  Gurney,  on  the  subject.  After  mentioning  the  slate  of 
his  health,  and  some  other  discouragements  which  presented  them- 
selves, he  says — 

"  But  after  all,  the  great  thing  is — Is  it  right  for  me  to  go?  Is  it 
rmj  duty?  I  must  wait  and  pray,  this  indeed  I  do,  almost  con- 
tinually." 

The  latter  end  of  the  Twelfth  Month,  he  writes  thus  to  Stephen 
Grellet : — 

"  We  are  all  now  favoured  with  health,  but  I  was  very  unwell  a 
short  time  since,  with  something  like  influenza,  attended  with  great 
depression  of  strength  and  spirits.  My  mind  had  been  increasingly 
drawn  towards  the  Continent  of  Europe,  with  a  feeling  that  it  might 
be  right  for  me  to  visit  some  parts  once  more ;  and  the  poor  people 
on  the  Donaumoss,  where  thou  and  I  were  so  sweetly  engaged  for 
a  few  days,  came  before  my  mind  with  brightness.  There  were 
obstacles,  however,  which  then  appeared  insurmountable,  and  it 
seemed  to  settle  upon  my  mind,  that  the  vision  was  '  for  an  appoint- 
ed time.'  Now  the  family  visits  in  our  Quarterly  Meeting,  in  which 
I  had  peace  in  taking  some  part,  are  nearly  concluded,  the  concern 
for  the  continent  has  returned ;  and  I  hope  it  is  not  presumption  to 
say,  that  He,  whom  I  love  above  all,  and  desire  to  serve,  in  the 
Gospel  of  his  Son,  has,  through  means  unlocked  for,  made  the  moun- 
tains a  plain.  Thou  art,  I  believe,  aware  that  our  dear  E.  J.  Fry 
had  not  accomplished  all  she  had  in  prospect,  and  still  retained  her 
certificate;  she  gave  a  very  sweet  account  of  her  labours,  &c.,  in 
the  Quarterly  Meeting  in  the  Ninth  Month.  After  many  anxious 
thoughts  and  feelings,  I  ventured  to  give  up  so  far  as  to  lay  the  mat- 
ter before  my  own  Monthly  Meeting ;  we  were  favoured  with  a  so- 
lemn time  ;  I  informed  Friends  of  the  drawings  I  felt,  in  what,  I 
trusted,  was  the  love  of  the  Gospel,  to  visit,  once  more,  some  parts 
of  the  Continent  of  Europe,  particularly  in  Holland  and  Germany; 
that  I  had  a  view  of  travelling  with  my  dear  sister  in  the  truth,  E. 
J.  Fry,  together  with  her  brother  Samuel  Gurney.  I  said  that  I 
made  this  communication  in  a  feeling  of  much  weakness,  and  under 
no  small  depression  of  spirits;  that  I  did  not  know  how  far  we 


1840. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


431 


might  go  on  together,  but  hoped  to  be  enabled  to  feel  my  way,  day 
by  day.  There  was  a  sweet  solemnity  over  us,  and  I  immediately 
felt  relieved  of  a  burden.  One  dear  Friend  after  another,  expressed 
cordial  unity  with  the  concern,  till  it  became,  I  might  say,  unani- 
mous, for  no  objection  was  made.  A  certificate  was  prepared,  and 
the  meeting  was  adjourned,  to  give  Friends  an  opportunity  for  sign- 
ing it.  This,  at  the  time  appointed,  was  done  very  generally.  The 
Quarterly  Meeting  was  held  on  the  24th ;  I  laid  my  concern  before 
Friends,  and  was  favoured  to  feel  comfort  and  divine  support;  here 
also  there  was  a  general  expression  of  unity,  and  several  said  they 
rejoiced  in  the  prospect.  It  has  now  only  to  pass  the  Morning 
Meeting,  and,  should  its  sanction  be  obtained,  we  think  of  setting 
off  the  latter  part  of  the  Second  Month.  I  take  my  dear  niece, 
Lucy  Biadshaw,  with  me,  my  health  having  been  rather  feeble, 
though  I  have  been  much  better  ever  since  this  important  business 
has  been  so  far  decided. 

Scarcely  a  day  has  passed,  for  a  long  time,  in  which  I  have  not 
tenderly  thought  of  thee,  my  beloved  friend,  and  of  the  conflicts 
and  the  comforts  we  have  experienced  together.  May  we  both  be 
favoured  to  hold  out  to  the  end,  keeping  the  faith,  and,  together  with 
the  beloved  ones  gone  before,  be  centred  for  ever  in  the  peace  of 
our  dear  Lord  and  Master  !  Amen." 

In  pursuing  his  diary,  W.  A.  writes — 

"  More  light  upon  the  prospect  of  the  continent,  with  inward 
comfort.  L.  read  some  of  J.  J.  Gurney's  letters  from  America ; 
they  are  very  interesting. 

Twelfth  Month  2Gth. — My  mind  stayed  on  the  Lord,  desiring  to 
look  steadily  to  my  Divine  Master,  and  to  cast  all  my  care  upon 
Him.    O,  for  more  faith  ! 

Fast  Month  \st,  1840. — We  had  our  second  tea  party  this  even- 
ing, of  young  Friends,  &c.  Read  some  of  J.  J.  Gurney's  letters, 
my  travels  to  the  Donaumoss,  and  also  a  passage  from  a  letter  of 
dear  S.  Grellet's.  We  then  had  a  silent  pause,  and  after  some  time 
I  addressed  the  coinpany.  It  was  a  very  satisfactory  and  comfort- 
able lime. 

lOth. — The  Penny  Postage  plan  commenced  this  day;  a  most 
important  measure. 

12lh. — I  heard,  this  evening,  a  very  gratifying  account  of  the  pro- 
gress of  the  Temperance  cause  in  Ireland.  Father  Matthew,  a  Ro- 
man Catholic  Priest,  is  doing  wonders,  giving  the  pledge  to  people 
by  thousands.  Tlie  good  effects  in  Limerick  are  striking;  a  great 
trade  is  now  carried  on  at  the  bakers,  '  provision  merchants,'  and 


432 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


clothing  establishments.  Above  one  hundred  spirit  shops  arc  shut 
up,  and  crime  is  wonderfully  diminished. 

ISth. — Morning  Meeting — a  sweet,  memorable  time.  I  laid  my 
concern  before  Friends,  and  produced  the  documents  from  the 
Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings.  A  precious  sense  of  the  Lord's 
presence  seemed  to  be  granted  us,  and  after  a  solemn  pause,  there 
was  much  expression  of  cordial  feeling  and  unity  with  the  concern. 
The  secret  sustaining  help  with  which  I  was  favoured,  was  very 
confirming. 

3lst. — Read  J.  J.  Gurney's  Address  to  the  Hicksites,  printed  at 
Baltimore,    A  valual)le  production. 

Second  Month  1st. — Elizabeth  J.  Fry,  Samuel  Gurney  and  I,  went, 
by  appointment,  to  Buckingham  Palace.  The  Marquis  of  Normanby 
introduced  us  to  the  Queen,  who  received  us  in  an  affable  manner, 
standing.  The  etiquette  is,  to  answer  the  questions  that  may  be 
asked.  There  was  no  person  present  but  the  Queen,  the  Marquis, 
and  we  three.  She  seemed  quite  well  and  comfortable,  and  received 
us  pleasantly.  We  left  the  Palace  thankful  for  the  reception  with 
which  we  had  been  favoured,  and  which  is  valuable  at  this  time,  as 
opening  the  door  for  us.  She  is  to  be  married  on  the  lOlh  to  Prince 
Albert  of  Saxe  Coburg. 

Second  Month  7th. — Meeting  for  Sufferings.  Our  proposed  jour- 
ney was  adverted  to,  and  seemed  to  be  much  approved  by  Friends. 
Samuel  Gurney  very  properly  introduced  the  business  respecting 
his  going  as  care-taker  to  his  sister.  The  meeting  cordially  united 
with  his  proposal,  and  a  minute  was  made  to  that  effect. 

lOih. — Fervent  prayers  were  put  up,  in  my  retirement,  this  morn- 
ing, for  our  young  Queen,  that  the  Lord  would  preserve  her.  Her 
marriage  with  Prince  Albert  of  Saxe  Coburg,  took  place  at  twelve 
o'clock ;  there  were  public  rejoicings  on  the  occasion.  Morning 
Meeting  at  eleven.    My  certificate  was  agreed  to  and  signed. 

llth. — Up  to  Wilton  Crescent;  saw  Lord  John  Russell,  and  con- 
ferred with  him  about  Friends'  Address  on  the  marriage  of  the 
Queen.  He  advised  me  to  see  Lord  Normanby:  then  conversed 
respecting  our  journey;  when  holding  his  hand  on  parting,  I  ex- 
pressed my  solicitude,  that,  under  all  that  pressed  upon  him,  he 
might  be  led  to  look  to  the  dear  Saviour,  and  seek  support  from 
the  alone  true  Source  of  help.  He  was  very  kind,  and  seemed  to 
feel  it, 

13lh. — At  Guildhall  Coffee  House,  to  meet  the  committee  of  the 
British  and  Foreign  School  Society,  about  a  memorial  to  the  Com- 
mon Council,  for  extension  of  the  lease  of  the  Borough  Road  pre- 


1840. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


433 


mises.  Attended  the  Common  Council,  with  Robert  Forsfcr,  H. 
Dunn,  &c.  I  had  to  make  a  speech  on  behalf  of  the  institution, 
and  was  well  received.  The  memorial  was  referred  to  a  committee. 

I5th. — I  am  much  worn  wilh  so  much  public  business,  and  ap- 
plying at  public  offices.  At  the  Home  Office  about  the  Addresses 
from  Friends. 

17///. — Received  Official  recommendations  from  Lord  Palmer- 
ston,  to  Hanover,  the  Hague,  Berlin,  Brussels  and  Munich. 

Second  Month  I9i/i. — Adjourned  Meeting  for  Sufferings.  The 
Address  to  the  Queen,  that  to  Prince  Albert,  and  one  to  the  Duch- 
ess of  Kent,  were  read  and  agreed  to. 

23r(L — To  Kensington  Palace,  to  reply  to  some  inquiries  in  a  let- 
ter from  the  Duke  of  Sussex,  respecting  the  life  of  Joseph  Lancas- 
ter, which  William  Corston  proposes  to  publish.  I  was  most  cor- 
dially received,  and  explained 'the  whole  business  to  the  Duke's 
satisfaction.    He  offered  to  give  me  introductions  to  Hanover. 

25lh. — Dear  Eliza  Bradshaw  has  been  very  helpful  in  her  own 
kind  way,  preparing  for  the  journey.  Lucy  goes  to  Dover  this 
morning  with  Samuel  Gurney  and  his  daughter  Elizabeth,  and  our 
dear  friend  Elizabeth  J.  Fry.  I  staid  to  accompany  Friends  of  the 
Meeting  for  Sufl'eriiigs,  in  presenting  the  Addresses  to  the  Queen, 
to  Prince  Albert,  and  to  the  Duchess  of  Kent.  About  fifty  assem- 
bled at  Westminster  meeting-hoiise,  and  proceeded  from  thence  to 
Buckingham  Palace.  We  were  ushered  into  a  private  room,  where 
a  deputation  from  the  Royal  Society  was  waiting.  Lord  North- 
ampton was  very  friendly.  Col.  Cowper  informed  us  that  the 
Duchess  of  Kent  was  confined  by  indisposition,  and  regretted  much 
that  she  could  not  receive  us;  she,  however,  sent  a  very  kind  ac- 
knowledgment, in  writing.  I  gave  him  ihe  Address  on  parchment, 
but  she,  as  well  as  the  Queen  and  the  Prince,  had  previously  re- 
ceived copies. 

We  were  told  that  our  first  interview  was  to  be  with  Prince  Al- 
bert, and  were  accordingly  shown  into  a  private  room,  where  he 
was  standing  at  the  upper  end  ;  George  Stacey,  Josiah  Forster,  and 
I,  went  in  first.  My  mind  was  comfortably  sustained  with  an  in- 
ward sense  of  best  help.  I  was  struck  with  the  amiable  counte- 
nance of  the  Prince,  and  saluted  him  in  my  heart.  It  seemed  to 
me,  in  reading  the  Address,  that  a  sweet  unction  accompanied  the 
words.  A  solemn  covering  was  over  us,  and  the  Prince  appeared 
to  feel  it.  He  afterwards  read  his  answer,  in  a  very  distinct,  agree- 
able mnnner,  and  we  respectfully  retired. 

We  were  then  conducted  through  a  spacious  anti-chamber,  to 


434 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


where  the  Queen  was  seated  on  the  throne.  The  Duchess  of  Suth- 
erland was  present,  also  Prince  Albert,  and  several  other  persons. 
Here  again,  I  thought,  as  1  read  the  Address,  that  we  were  merci- 
fully favoured  with  a  sense  of  heavenly  love,  and  my  mind  was 
filled  with  thankfulness.  The  Queen  read  her  answer,  and  I  ad- 
vanced to  the  steps  of  the  throne,  put  our  Address  into  her  hand, 
and  received  from  her  the  answer. 

Between  seven  and  eight,  Josiah  Forster  and  I  took  our  seats  in 
the  mail  for  Dover;  my  mind  easy,  though  feeling  much  overdone. 

Second  Month  26lh. — We  joined  the  rest  of  our  party  at  Dover, 
and  from  thence,  went  by  the  packet  to  Ostend,  where  we  arrived 
a  little  before  eight  in  the  evening,  after  a  very  rough,  trying  pas- 
sage. The  next  morning,  several  persons  residing  in  the  town  were 
invited  to  meet  us;  we  had  some  useful  conversation,  then  a  silent 
pause,  and  dear  E.  J.  F.  addressed  fhem  in  a  very  suitable  manner; 
I  had  afterwards  something  to  say,  and  J.  F.  also.  It  was  a  satis- 
factory time.  A  number  of  tracts  and  books  were  distributed.  We 
proceeded  by  rail-road  to  Bruges.  On  our  arrival,  some  of  the 
party  went  to  visit  a  convent,  where  an  acquaintance  of  their's  re- 
sided, and  J.  F.,  L.,  and  I,  called  upon  the  Abbe  Foeres,  who,  in  the 
year  1816,  established  a  School  of  Industry  for  poor  girls  of  the 
city,  where  they  make  lace,  and  are  also  taught  needlework  and 
knitting;  they  earn  a  good  deal  towards  their  support.  He  seems 
a  very  acute  man,  and  speaks  English  well.  We  visited  the  school 
in  the  evening,  and  saw  the  girls  at  work  by  lamp-light.  Five  glo- 
bular decanters  of  water  reflected  the  light  upon  as  many  cushions. 
There  are  in  all  about  one  hundred  and  forty-eight  children.  Many 
who  have  been  educated  in  this  school,  have  become  very  respect- 
able characters  ;  indeed,  most  of  them  are  said  to  turn  out  well,  and 
it  is  considered  to  have  been  the  means  of  rescuing  numbers  from 
destitution.  We  afterwards  called  upon  an  English  clergyman  and 
his  wife,  with  whom  we  had  some  interesting  conversation. 

28th. — We  proceeded  by  an  early  train  to  Ghent.  I  have  been 
agreeably  surprised  in  travelling  from  Ostend  to  this  place,  to  see 
a  great  number  of  neat  little  cottages  scattered  about  along  the  line 
of  the  road,  all  of  them  having  land  attached  to  them,  and  indicat- 
ing a  degree  of  comfort  which  is  highly  gratifying.  The  success 
of  the  Belgian  small  farmer  appears  mainly  to  depend  upon  his  in- 
dustry, economy,  and  the  adoption  of  plans  similar  to  those  recom- 
mended in  my  'Colonies  at  Home.'  The  farms  generally  consist 
of  from  five  to  ten,  or  twelve  acres ;  and  this  quantity  of  land,  with 
cows,  which  are  fed  in  the  stable,  supports  the  family  in  high  com- 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


485 


fort.  They  reminded  ine  of  Lindficid,  and  I  was  much  pleased 
witli  the  apparent  prosperity  which  they  exhibited.  After  our  arri- 
val at  Ghent,  we  went  to  visit  the  Maison  de  Force.  The  gover- 
nor was  very  civil,  and  seems  a  clever  young  man.  This  prison 
appears  very  much  in  the  same  state  as  it  was  when  I  saw  it  twen- 
ty-four years  ago.  They  are  preparing  to  make  a  trial  of  the  se- 
parate system  of  Philadelphia.  I  admired,  as  before,  the  separate 
sleeping  cells  for  the  men,  amounting  to  eight  hundred.  There  arc 
extensive  weaving  shops,  and  the  prisoners  receive  a  certain  portion 
of  their  earnings.  About  sixty  per  cent,  of  those  who  are  dis- 
charged return;  the  life  they  lead  seems,  at  length,  to  become 
agreeable  to  them,  and  we  saw  one  old  man  who  had  been  there 
for  sixty  years.  He  was  liberated  during  the  war,  when  the  Cos- 
sacks drove  the  prisoners  out,  but  the  poor  man  afterwards  came 
back,  saying  that  all  whom  he  had  known  were  dead,  and  he 
seemed  left  alone  in  the  world. 

We  afterwards  called  upon  an  Englishman  who  has  the  superin- 
tendence of  the  Phoenix  Iron  Works,  where  there  is  a  large  manu- 
factory of  machinery  for  spinning  cotton  and  flax.  Our  reason  for 
calling  was  not  merely  to  see  the  magnificent  workshop,  which  is 
one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  long,  but  to  see  some  of  his  woikmen; 
he  employs  a  great  number  of  Englishmen  and  Scotchmen,  who 
have  no  regular  place  of  worship,  and  no  schools  for  their  children, 
the  want  of  which  many  of  them  lament  grievously,  saying  they 
live  like  heathens.  We  explained  to  some  how  easy  it  would  be 
for  them  to  support  a  school-master,  whom  we  might  send  from  the 
Borough  Road ;  several  seemed  pleased  with  the  idea,  and  are  to 
come  to  us  after  their  work  this  evening  to  enter  further  into  the 
subject.  We  called  at  some  other  manufactories,  and  found  gen- 
erally a  feeling  in  favour  of  the  plan.  Between  twenty  and  thirty 
of  the  work-people  came  to  us,  as  proposed  ;  we  had  a  very  inter- 
esting conversation  with  them,  and,  before  we  separated,  a  chapter 
was  read,  and  we  had  a  religious  opportunity.  They  expressed  a 
wish  that  a  meeting  for  worship  might  be  held  here,  and  it  was 
agreed  to  come  back  from  Brussels  on  second-day,  and  endeavour 
to  arrange  for  holding  one. 

Second  Month  29lh. — Company  at  breakfast.  Pause  after  read- 
ing, and  some  religious  communications.  J.  F.  and  I  went  in  search 
of  Professor  Jaequemyns,  who  gives  lectures  on  Natural  Philosophy 
and  Chemistry,  to  the  workmen,  &c.  We  met  with  him  in  the 
street,  and  he  kindly  conducted  us  to  his  house,  where  he  showed 
us  his  beautiful  apparatus,  including  agricultural  implements.  He 


436 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


is  interested  about  schools,  and  a  friend  of  his,  J.  C.  Van  Nerum, 
who  has  written  a  small  work  on  education,  called  in,  and  gave 
me  a  copy. 

In  the  afternoon  we  started  for  Brussels.  Great  numbers  of  cot- 
tages with  a  few  acres  of  land,  are  to  be  seen  along  this  line,  as 
"well  as  between  Ostend  and  Ghent.  On  our  arrival,  we  went  to 
the  Belle  Vue  Hotel,  Place  Royale,  where  we  found  good  quarters. 
E.  J.  F.  had  several  visitors  in  the  evening. 

Tliird  Month  1st. — First-day.  My  nnind  stayed,  and  I  felt  com- 
fort in  looking  forward.  We  held  our  meeting  at  eleven,  and  after- 
wards visited  the  prison,  where  I  addressed  a  number  of  the  prison- 
ers in  French,  and  they  appeared  to  receive  what  I  had  to  say 
thankfully.  My  companions  also  were  engaged  in  communicating 
religious  instruction,  and  distributed  many  tracts.  In  the  evening 
our  room  was  nearly  filled  with  visitors,  and  we  had  a  very  solemn 
meeting.  Much  was  said  in  ministry,  and  E.  J.  F.  concluded  in 
prayer;  a  memorable  time.  This  evening's  work  was  a  confirma- 
tion of  the  good  feeling  with  which  I  was  favoured  in  the  morning. 

2ncl. — L.  and  I.,  with  W.  Tiddy,  the  agent  of  the  Bible  Society, 
set  out  early  for  Ghent;  we  made  some  arrangements  for  the  meet- 
ing this  evening,  which  is  to  be  held  in  an  old  building,  that  was 
once  a  convent,  where  Pastor  Goedkoop  now  preaches.  This  is 
the  time  of  the  carnival,  and  there  is  a  great  procession  round  the 
city,  one  continued  train  of  carriages  of  all  sorts,  for  hours  together, 
masks,  &c.  The  rest  of  our  party  arrived  from  Brussels,  and  at 
six  o'clock  we  went  to  the  place  of  worship.  I  was  very  low,  fear- 
ing that  this  attempt  might  prove  a  failure,  as  most  of  the  English 
work-people  plunge  into  the  depravities  of  this  very  dark  country, 
and  the  carnival  opens  the  flood-gates  of  dissipation.  At  length, 
however,  there  was  a  pretty  good  company,  I  think  about  one  hun- 
dred persons  were  present,  and  I  noticed  some  nice  looking  boys, 
very  respectably  dressed.  Afier  a  few  words  of  explanation  from 
Josiah  Forster,  we  had  a  pause,  when  I  rose,  and  was  helped  to  de- 
liver some  sound  gospel  truths,  much  to  the  relief  of  my  own  mind; 
E.  F.  followed  with  much  sweetness  and  unction,  and  was  after- 
wards engaged  in  supplication.  We  thought  it  was  a  very  satis- 
factory meeting,  and  returned  to  the  hotel,  thankful  to  the  great 
Helper  of  his  people.  I  was  comforted  in  a  time  of  quietness  be- 
fore I  retired  to  bed,  and  also  in  reading  the  seventy-first  Psalm. 

Third  Month  3/-d/.— Retirement,  with  feelings  of  peace.  Our 
friends  went  off  by  an  early  train,  but  I  remained  to  make  some 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


437 


further  arrangements  respecting  the  school  plan,  and  for  the  forma- 
tion of  a  circulating  library ;  the  people  seem  quite  in  earnest  for  i(. 
L.  and  I  called  upon  our  kind  friend,  the  Commandant  at  the  Mai- 
son  de  Force.  He  says  that  the  priest,  Aumonier,  made  them  send 
back  the  tracts  which  we  had  given  them.  It  was  late  before  we 
returned  to  Brussels. 

Ath. — Called  upon  our  Ambassador,  Sir  G.  Hamilton  Seymour, 
who  received  me  very  kindly  ;  I  mentioned  to  him  my  wish  to  see 
the  King,  and  he  promised  to  write  a  note.  liucy  was  with  me ; 
and  Edward  Panchaud,  a  French  Protestant  Minister,  afterwards 
kindly  showed  us  an  interesting  infant  school  of  about  eighty  child- 
ren. On  returning  to  the  hotel  we  found  Count  Arrivabene,  a  very 
clever  influential  man,  who  gave  me  some  of  his  writings.  We  all 
visited  the  '  Hospices  des  Infirmes  au  Grand  Beguinage it  is  an 
extensive  refuge  for  aged  persons,  where  two  hundred  men  and 
three  hundred  women  are  accommodated.  The  dormitories  are 
very  spacious,  each  containing  thirty-two  beds;  beautiful  neatness 
prevails  throughout,  and  the  bedding  is  all  so  comfortable  that  I 
should  be  satisfied  with  it.  Besides  those  who  are  received  gratui- 
tously, there  are  sixty  inmates  who  pay  something  towards  their 
expense ;  of  these  there  are  three  classes,  who  give  from  two  hun- 
dred to  six  hundred  francs,  and  for  this  sum  they  are  provided  with 
good  food,  washing,  attendance,  and  medicine  if  needed.  Received 
a  note  from  the  Ambassador,  to  say  that  the  King  would  see  us  at 
half-past  twelve  o'clock  to-morrow. 

Dear  E.  Fry  had  invited  a  party  of  Belgians  to  meet  us  about 
eight  o'clock  in  the  evening.  A  spacious  apartment  was  provided 
for  the  purpose,  and  I  think  about  one  hundred  came.  Though 
these  public  occasions  are  very  contrary  to  my  inclination,  and 
trying  to  my  natural  feelings,  yet  it  is  a  part  of  the  work.  My 
mind  was  under  great  exercise.  At  the  instance  of  E.  F.  1  endea- 
voured to  open  the  way,  by  briefly  stating,  in  French,  the  objects 
of  our  journey,  and  the  pleasure  it  afforded  us  everywhere  to  meet 
with  the  friends  of  humanity,  and  those  who  were  seriously  dis- 
posed. Afier  a  little  pause,  she  began  to  address  the  company, 
who  were  then  as  quiet  as  in  a  Friends' meeting.  Pastor  Boucher, 
who  was  placed  by  her,  interpreted  remarkably  well.  She  showed 
the  importance  of  not  only  having  a  right  faith,  but  acting  in  con- 
formity to  the  precepts  of  the  gospel.  When  she  concluded  there 
was  a  pause,  and  the  burden  fell  upon  me.  I  rose,  and  requested 
our  kind  friend  Boucher  to  interpret;  he  stood  by  me,  but  after  pro- 
ceeding a  sentence  or  two,  I  found  it  best  to  trust  only  to  my  Good 


438 


LIFE  AND  CORKESPONDENCE 


1840. 


Master,  and  went  on  speaking  in  French,  and  being  mercifully 
helped,  I  believe  I  was  understood.  Soon  afterwards,  E.  F.  knelt 
down  in  supplication  ;  it  was  a  good  time,  and  before  we  separated, 
J.  F.  said  a  few  sentences. 

At  the  conclusion,  a  young  man  begged  to  express  the  grateful 
feelings  of  the  company  for  what  had  passed,  and  for  the  kind  and 
christian  interest  manifested  towards  them,  adding  his  strong  de- 
sire that  they  might  profit  by  these  labours  of  love. 

When  this  favoured  meeting  was  over,  several  came  to  shake 
hands  with  us,  and  acknowledged  their  satisfaction.  I  was  parti- 
cularly struck  with  the  countenance  and  affectionate  manner  of  one 
young  man,  who,  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  silently  grasped  my  hand. 
Many  books  and  tracts  were  distributed.  My  mind  was  very 
peaceful. 

Third  Month  5th. — Called  on  the  British  Minister,  and  paid  an 
agreeable  visit ;  his  wife  came  in,  and  in  the  course  of  conversation, 
some  of  the  principles  of  Friends  were  explained,  which  seemed  to 
afford  them  much  interest. 

At  the  time  appointed,  E.  J.  Fry,  Samuel  Gurney,  Josiah  Forster, 
and  I,  waited  upon  the  King;  he  received  us  with  kindness,  and  a 
benevolent  expression  of  countenance.  E.  J.  F.'s  concern,  respect- 
ing prisons,  was,  of  course,  the  first  object,  and  when  her  paper  of 
observations  upon  them  was  read,  I  explained  my  views  with  re- 
spect to  the  employment  of  the  poor,  education,  &c.,  and  gave  him 
some  pam[)hlets, which  he  received  most  kindly.  E.  F.  asked  leave 
to  introduces.  G.'s  daughter  Elizabeth  and  my  Lucy,  to  which  he 
most  pleasantly  agreed,  and  they  accordingly  came  in.  S.  Gurney 
pressed  the  cause  of  Slavery  upon  the  King's  attention.  This  in- 
terview was  altogether  very  gratifying. 

Count  Arrivabene  had  engaged  us  to  dine  with  a  friend  of  his, 
Count  Werner  de  Merode,  who,  with  his  wife  and  daughter,  re- 
ceived us  very  courteously.  There  were  several  ladies  and  gentle- 
men present,  amongst  whom  was  the  head  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
Church,  at  Brussels.  As  I  was  able  to  feel  my  way,  I  took  the  op- 
portunity of  turning  the  conversation  to  points  of  ihe  highest  im- 
portance, but  my  mind  was  oppressed.  A  taste  for  works  of  im- 
agination seems  to  prevail  far  more  than  for  serious  reading ;  yet 
here  and  there,  we  find  bright  exceptions,  and  our  coming  into 
these  parts  h;is  been  a  great  comfort  to  some  of  this  class.  When 
we  retired  to  the  drawing  room,  EHzabelh  Fry  was  surrounded  by 
several  of  the  young  people,  to  whom  she  explained  the  importance 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


439 


of  religious  instruction  to  prisoners,  and  its  eflcct  in  promoting  a 
change  of  heart. 

In  tlie  evening  a  large  room  at  the  hotel  was  prepared,  many 
persons  having  been  invited  to  converse  on  objects  of  general  inter- 
est to  the  cause  of  humanity.  I  think  there  were  about  thirty  pre- 
sent, amongst  whom  were  the  ambassador,  and  the  secretary  of 
legation,  with  their  wives.  J.  F.  read,  and  commented  uponE.  J.  F.'s 
paper  respecting  prisons.  I  was  then  called  upon  to  give  some  in- 
formation on  the  subject  of  education,  which  I  endeavoured  to  do, 
though  at  first  it  was  trying  to  me.  I  was  comforted  in  the  oppor- 
tunities for  a  little  private  religious  conversation  with  some  indi- 
viduals, and  I  believe  it  was  altogether  a  useful  time. 

Tliird  Month  6th. — Rose  at  seven  ;  my  mind  sweetly  comforted 
and  contrited  before  the  Lord.  The  room  which  we  had  last  even- 
ing, was  fitted  up  for  a  meeting  for  worship,  appointed  to  be  held 
to-day  at  eleven  o'clock.  I  think  about  one  hundred  and  twenty 
persons  were  present.  I  explained,  in  a  few  words,  our  mode  of 
worship,  when  a  pause  ensued,  after  which  prayer  was  offered  up, 
and  gospel  truths  unfolded  in,  I  trust,  the  demonstration  of  the  spirit 
and  of  power.  E.  F.  was  led  on  very  acceptably ;  many  hearts 
were  evidently  touched. 

In  the  afternoon  we  set  ofl^for  Antwerp.  I  left  Brussels  in  great 
peace,  having  had  the  opportunity  of  fully  relieving  my  mind,  as  it 
regarded  religious  concerns,  but  my  spirits  sunk  on  reaching  the 
hotel  at  Antwerp,  where,  in  the  very  same  house,  my  dearest  Char- 
lotte and  I  lodged  in  the  ever  memorable  journey  of  1816.  I,  how- 
ever, became  more  comfortable  in  the  evening,  and  the  next  morn- 
ing rose  with  a  calm  and  peaceful  retrospect  of  the  past,  and  hope- 
ful for  the  future. 

We  visited  the  large  school  here,  which  is  on  our  system,  and 
appears  in  excellent  order;  we  also  went  to  the  'Atelier  de  Charite,* 
wheie  all  the  poor  who  are  inscribed  on  tlie  register  of  the  'Com- 
mission de  Bienfaisance,'  may  procure  food  or  work.  The  neces- 
sitous must  apply  to  the  Aumonier  of  the  Quarter,  who  gives  them 
a  ticket  which  entitles  them  to  a  visit  from  the  physician,  and  if 
he  certifies  that  they  are  free  from  any  contagious  disease,  they  are 
admitted;  if,  however,  they  prefer  having  work  at  home,  they  may 
take  it  with  them,  and  are  paid  accordingly;  those  who  are  em- 
ployed at  the  establishment,  receive  a  good  supply  of  wholesome 
food,  but  arc  not  lodged  on  the  premises.  There  is  a  large  depot 
for  the  sale  of  the  manufactured  articles.    The  whole  is  under  the 


440 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


care  of  ihe  Societe  de  Bienfaisance.    When  the  subscriptions  do 
not  equal  the  expense,  the  city  makes  up  the  deficiency.    We  were 
told  l)y  the  inspector,  that  there  need  not  be  a  beggar  in  Antwerp. 
We  had  some  callers  in  the  evening. 

Third  Month  8th. — First  day.  I  intended  to  visit  the  first-day 
school  at  the  Cathedral,  but  on  going  to  the  door,  and  just  looking 
in,  I  was  so  struck  wiih  the  mummery  going  forward,  and  so  pain- 
fully impressed,  that  I  returned  to  the  hotel.  The  poor  have  a  sous 
for  every  time  they  attend  at  the  place  of  worship  on  a  first-da v, 
and  this,  it  is  said,  amounts  to  about  three  thousand  sous  at  a  time, 
which  is  paid  out  of  the  funds  of  the  city.  Meeting  at  the  hotel; 
both  E.  J.  F.  and  I  had  something  to  say  in  ministry,  and  she  was 
also  engaged  in  prayer.  Some  of  us  visited  the  establishment  for 
prisoners  at  St.  Bernard,  containing  one  thousand  and  forty-six  men 
and  boys;  every  thing  is  on  a  large  scale,  work-shops,  lecture- 
rooms,  &c.,  &c. :  great  numbers  are  confined  merely  for  vaga- 
bondage, and  these  are  associated  with  criminals.  The  Comman- 
dant says  that  the  prisoners  go  out  uorse  than  they  come  in.  Both 
instruction  and  classification  seem  much  wanting. 

A  large  company  came  to  the  reading  in  the  evening ;  there  was 
a  silence  afterwards,  and  E.  J.  F.  and  I  were  both  engaged  in  min- 
istry :  it  was  generally  felt  to  be  a  solemn  time,  and  many  were 
brought  into  tenderness  of  spirit.  At  the  close  she  gave  a  parting 
benediction,  and  several  of  the  company  came  and  shook  hands 
with  us  with  much  aflfection.  Retired  to  my  room  with  thankful- 
ness of  heart. 

9th. — Breakfasted  early.  S.  G.  and  his  daughter,  and  E.  J.  F. 
set  off  towards  Holland,  and  L.  and  I,  with  Josiah  Forster,  to  visit 
the  agricultural  colonies,  near  Touriihout.  On  our  way  we  stopped 
for  J.  F.  to  visit  a  community  of  Trappists ;  he  reports  that  there 
are  fifty  of  them  who  never  go  out  of  the  enclosure,  but  remain 
there  until  their  death,  submitting,  in  the  mean  time,  to  many  aus- 
terities. They  dig  their  own  graves,  and  during  some  part  of  the 
day  are  engaged  in  manual  labour  on  the  farm ;  they  have  but  one 
meal  in  the  twenty-four  hours.  They  go  to  bed  at  six  or  seven  in 
winter,  and  eight  in  summer,  and  rise  in  winter  at  twelve  and  in 
summer  at  two,  are  engaged  in  prayer  till  four,  and  have  prayers 
six  times  a  day  besides.  They  are  enjoined  never  to  speak  to  each 
other,  except  '  Souvenez-vous  de  la  mort.'  A  skull  is  fixed  against 
the  wall,  with  a  skeleton  hand,  pointing  to  a  dial  plate.  They  wear 
a  coarse  woollen  shirt  next  them,  which  is  only  changed  once  in 


1840. 


OF  WILIJAM  ALLE\. 


441 


three  weeks.  The  porter,  on  opening  the  door  for  J.  F.,  fell  upon 
his  knees  before  he  entered  into  conversation  with  him. 

On  arriving  at  Tournhout,  which  appears  to  be  about  thirty  miles 
from  Antwerp,  we  engaged  a  conveyance  to  take  us  to  the  colo- 
nies. The  road  to  Merksplatz,  the  first  of  them,  is  very  bad,  over 
a  barren  heath,  with  much  deep  sand;  here  is  a  large  building, 
which  is  a  sort  of  prison,  containing  about  three  hundred  persons; 
some  of  them,  who  have  committed  petty  crimes,  are  sent  from  the 
town  prison,  and  some  are  merely  vagabonds.  They  work  on  the 
land  under  military  inspection.  From  hence  we  proceeded  to 
Wortel,  where  there  are  many  neat  brick  buildings,  with  tiled 
roofs,  and  chimneys,  a  great  improvement  upon  the  neighbouring 
villages ;  here  are  good  roads,  with  trees  on  each  side,  and  the  land 
appears  well  cultivated,  but  the  colony  is  in  a  declining  state — 
many  of  the  cottages,  for  want  of  inhabitants,  are  gone  to  ruin,  and 
the  settlers  residing  there,  do  not  seem  to  have  much  spirit  of  im- 
provement. They  are  often  persons  who  have  been  sent  by  towns 
or  parishes  to  earn  a  subsistence,  and  the  plans  do  not  seem  alto- 
gether satisfactory;  tlie  present  government  does  not  feel  the  inte- 
rest in  it  which  the  King  of  Holland  did.  We  lodged  at  Tourn- 
hout,  and  the  next  day  returned  to  Antwerp,  where  we  parted  from 
Josiah  Forster,  and  Lucy  and  I  proceeded  towards  Rotterdam. 
The  roads,  in  many  parts,  excellent;  they  are  generally  paved  with 
small  bricks,  and  have  a  row  of  trees  on  each  side.  On  approach- 
ing Dort,  we  saw  from  thirty  to  forty  windmills.  We  joined  our 
friends  again  at  Rotterdam  on  the  11th,  and  found  J.  S.  Mollet  with 
them.  Several  persons,  who  understand  English,  were  invited  that 
evening.  We  had  much  general  conversation,  and  afterwards 
settled  down  in  solemn  silence,  when  we  were  comforted  with  a 
sense  of  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord,  which  is  better  than  life. 
E.  J.  F.  and  I  were  both  engiged  in  ministry." 

TIdrd  Month  Villi. — The  party  proceeded  to  the  Hague.  Here 
W.  Allen  mentions  being  most  kindly  received  by  the  British  Min- 
ister, Sir  Edward  C.  Disbrowe,  and  by  other  influential  persons, 
who,  he  says,  "  were  quite  di-iposed  to  forward  our  views."  They 
visited  the  prison,  and  some  other  public  institutions,  where,  as  well 
as  in  social  intercourse,  opp:)rtunities  frequently  occurred  to  bring 
forward  truths  of  the  highest  importance;  these  often  appeared  to 
find  an  entrance,  and  some  very  in  eresting  persons  seemed  pecu- 
liarly to  feel  their  force.    They  dined  at  Sir  Edward  Disbrowe's, 

Vol.  II.  29 


442 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


and  visited  some  other  families  residing  at  the  Hague.  W.  A. 
writes — 

"  Called  upon  General  Van  den  Bosch,  and  received  much  valu- 
able information  from  him  respecting  his  plans  at  Frederick's  Oord ; 
he  assures  me  that  the  reports  concerning  its  failure  are  untrue,  and 
that  the  colonies  are  paying.  I  think  it  may  be  best  for  me  to  visit 
some  of  them. 

Third  Month  14th. — Retirement,  to  comfort.  I  felt  no  doubt 
about  the  propriety  of  going  to  the  colonies,  and  was  humbly  thank- 
ful for  what  I  considered  a  degree  of  clearness  on  the  subject.  We 
left  the  Hague  between  nine  and  ten,  and  proceeded  to  Leyden, 
where  we  saw  the  university  library,  and  visited  the  great  prison 
for  soldiers ;  there  are  large  workshops,  and  the  premises  appeared 
in  good  order,  but  it  is  to  be  observed  that  these  prisoners  are  not 
to  be  ranked  with  common  criminals.  We  reached  Amsterdam  in 
the  evening. 

15th. — First-day.  I  was  but  poorly — low  at  the  prospect  of  the 
meeting,  which  was  fixed  to  be  held  in  the  meeting-house  belonging 
to  Friends,  at  one  o'clock ;  yet,  under  all,  I  had  a  secret  trust  that 
I  should  be  strengthened  if  any  thing  was  required  of  me,  and  so  it 
proved,  eminently.  The  meeting  was  \krge,  the  house  being  filled, 
galleries  and  all ;  and,  soon  after  we  were  settled,  I  felt  mercifully 
helped  to  preach  Christ  crucified,  and  to  set  forth  the  coming  and 
offices  of  our  Holy  Redeemer,  showing  the  necessity  of  a  living 
faith  in  Him,  and  of  seeking  and  waiting  for  the  Holy  Spirit's  influ- 
ence. I  was  led  on  under  a  feeling  of  the  Lord's  power,  and  be- 
lieve that  what  was  said  had  an  entrance  with  divers  of  the  com- 
pany. Dear  E.  J.  F.  had  a  contriting  time  in  prayer,  and  also 
spoke  sweetly  in  ministry;  then  there  was  a  pause,  and  before  the 
meeting  concluded,  I  was  engaged  in  supplication.  It  was  a  time 
to  be  thankfully  remembered,  and  much  unity  was  afterwards  ex- 
pressed with  what  was  said. 

An  invitation  had  been  given  to  some  serious  persons,  to  meet  us 
at  the  hotel  at  seven  o'clock,  and,  at  the  hour  appointed,  from  forty 
to  fifty  arrived.  Samuel  Gurney  read  a  portion  of  Scripture,  in- 
forming them  that  this  was  our  general  practice  on  this  day  of  the 
week.  We  then  settled  into  stillness;  I  was  soon  sensible  of  the 
overshadowing  of  the  Lord's  power,  and  of  the  help  mercifully 
vouchsafed  to  us,  under  which  gospel  truths  were  declared.  E.  J.  F. 
was  also  led  to  offer  up  prayer  and  thanksgiving,  and  before  we  se- 
parated, a  person  amongst  the  company  rose,  and  bore  testimony  in 
a  remarkable  manner,  to  the  truth  of  what  had  been  delivered  by 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


443 


'  a  brother  and  a  sister,'  feelingly  acknowledging  the  comfort  and 
encouracement  to  be  derived  from  Christians  under  various  circum- 
stances,  being  nnimated  by  the  same  spirit,  and  proclaiming  the 
same  truths.    Thus  ended  this  good  time. 

Third  Month  Hjth. — This  morning  we  visited  the  prisons,  and 
some  other  institutions,  and  in  the  evening  went  to  see  a  person 
named  Da  Costa,  a  converted  Jew,  where  there  was  a  large  com- 
pany, I  think  about  fifty,  to  meet  us.  After  some  time  spent  in  con- 
versation, which,  I  trust,  was  not  without  instruction,  John  Mollel 
read  a  chapter  in  the  French  Bible.  There  was  then  a  pause,  and 
E.  J.  Fry  addressed  the  company,  J.  M.  interpreting  for  her: 
she,  however,  soon  said  she  felt  it  would  be  right  for  her  to  speak 
without  interpretation,  and,  I  believe,  she  was  generally  understood. 
After  a  little  time  of  silence.  Da  Costa  advanced,  and  addressing 
himself  to  E.  F.,  spoke  in  approbation  of  what  she  had  said,  and 
thanked  her  for  her  christian  exhortation;  but  he  adverted  with 
some  degree  of  earnestness  to  her  remarks  respecting  the  necessity 
of  charity,  maintaining  that  whilst  we  uphold  charity,  the  Truth 
must  not  be  sacrificed,  &c.  After  another  pause,  a  pious  person 
present  uttered  an  acceptable  prayer  in  English,  standing,  and,  be- 
fore we  separated,  I  was  led  to  speak  on  the  necessity  of  the  heart 
being  devoted  to  God,  earnestly  recommending  frequent  aspirations 
to  Him,  and  attention  to  the  manifestations  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Our  friends  were  very  respectful  and  affectionate.  This  has  been 
a  satisfactory  day. 

\lth. — Comforted  and  encouraged  in  a  feeling  of  peace.  Com- 
pany at  breakfast.  After  the  reading,  I  said  a  few  words  on  the 
text,  '  We  preach  not  ourselves,  but  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,'  &c., 
and  E.  J.  Fry  knelt  down  in  prayer.  We  then  had  some  useful  con- 
versation, and  learnt  the  cause  of  the  remarks  last  evening,  in  re- 
ference to  charity,  &c.,  though  E.  J.  F.  was  quite  unacquainted 
with  existing  circumstances  when  she  spoke. 

There  was  a  large  company  met  at  the  hotel  this  morning,  to 
enter  into  the  subject  of  prisons,  and  to  endeavour  to  make  some 
arrangements  to  improve  their  condition.  It  was  a  satisfactory 
time,  and  the  point  was  gained  for  the  formation  of  a  Ladies'  Com- 
mittee. In  the  evening,  a  number  of  persons,  amongst  whom  were 
some  of  the  higher  ranks,  came  to  tea,  in  order  that  the  subject  of 
Slavery  might  be  entered  upon.  I  had  to  open  the  business,  and  I 
described  the  origin  of  the  concern  in  England,  the  Abolition  of  the 
Slave  Trade,  and  then  of  Slavery,  showing  the  company  in  what 


444 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


manner  public  attention  was  first  drawn  to  the  subject ;  the  effect 
produced  by  collecting  facts  and  diffusing  information,  and  the 
power  of  public  opinion.  I  invited  them  to  do  the  same  for  Hol- 
land; advised  them  to  form  a  society,  and  let  the  committee  corre- 
spond with  us,  and  to  collect  and  publish,  as  widely  as  possible,  facts 
relating  to  their  own  Slave  Colonies. 

Samuel  Gurney  afterwards  detailed  some  interesting  facts  relating 
to  Slavery.  The  audience  were  very  attentive;  both  gentlemen  and 
ladies  were  urged  to  use  their  exertions  on  this  point,  and  at  the  con- 
clusion, E.  J.  F.  spoke  in  a  feeling  manner  in  reference  to  the  sub- 
ject, and  read  some  appropriate  passages  of  Scripture. 

Tkii-d  Month  \8th. — Visited  the  Infant  School  established  by 
Friends ;  about  seventy  children  present.  We  then  rode  a  consi- 
derable distance  to  the  workhouse,  a  noble  building  containing  eight 
hundred  and  fifty  persons.  All  who  are  able  to  work  have  some 
employment  given  to  them,  for  which  they  are  paid  without  deduct- 
ing for  their  food  or  lodging.  The  destitute  are  admitted  by  appli- 
cation to  the  Board  of  Regency.  There  were  no  Bibles  here,  nei- 
ther are  they  to  be  found  in  the  public  schools,  or  other  institutions, 
though  two-thirds  of  the  population  are  Protestants.  This  is  much 
to  be  regretted. 

Our  week-day  meeting  was  appointed  to  be  held  at  one  o'clock; 
when  we  arrived  the  house  was  crowded,  but  the  company  seemed 
respectable,  and  we  made  our  way  through  them  to  the  upper  end. 
Samuel  Gurney,  in  a  few  appropriate  words,  explained  the  mode  of 
Friends'  worship,  and  their  views  on  this  subject,  remarking,  that 
we  considered  our  time  of  silence  as  solemn  as  any.  We  were  in- 
deed favoured  with  a  solemn  silence.  E.  J.  F.  was  engaged  in  sup- 
plication very  acceptably.  I  was  then  led,  under  a  precious  feeling 
of  holy  help,  to  preach  the  truths  of  the  gospel,  and  particularly  to 
point  out  the  necessity  of  the  sanctifying  power  of  divine  grace,  to 
prepare  the  heart  to  believe  in,  and  receive  those  truths.  E.  J.  F. 
afterwards  spoke  in  ministry.  There  was  an  evident  impression 
made  upon  the  hearts  of  several,  and  it  was  a  time  to  be  remem- 
bered with  thanksgiving. 

E.  Fry  and  party  conclude  to  set  out  to-morrow  for  Utrecht  and 
Zeist.  L.  and  I  prepared  for  our  visit  to  the  '  Colonies.'  A  person, 
who,  with  his  wife  and  family,  was  living  at  Rio,  when  Daniel 
Wheeler  was  there,  but  is  now  at  Amsterdam,  has  a  son  about  fif- 
teen years  of  age,  who  speaks  English,  Dutch  and  German;  his 
parents  are  quite  willing  to  let  him  go  with  us  to  the  Colonies,  as 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


445 


interpreter,  so  we  agreed  to  take  him,  and  accordingly  left  Amster- 
dam in  the  afternoon,  and  proceeded  by  way  of  Airersfoort,  Har- 
derwyk,  and  Zwoll,  reached  Assen  on  the  20th.  On  our  way,  we 
noticed  that  the  children  were  well  clothed,  and  that  the  people 
seemed  in  good  circumstances.  Many  small  farms  are  scattered  on 
both  sides  of  the  road,  and  there  is  but  little  appearance  of  poverty. 
There  is  a  great  deal  of  turf  bog,  and  many  heaps  of  turf  are  cut; 
it  is,  as  in  Ireland,  the  fuel  of  the  country.  We  found  comfortable 
quarters  at  Assen,  and  arranged  to  go  to  Veenhuisen  the  next  morn- 
ing. The  landlord  told  me  there  was  a  gentleman  in  the  house  who 
wished  to  see  me.  I  desired  that  he  might  come  in,  and  it  proved 
to  be  the  Baron  de  Sales,  an  inspector  of  the  government,  and  a 
very  agreeable  young  man,  who  has  travelled  much;  he  gave  us  a 
good  deal  of  information  respecting  the  neighbourhood.  He  speaks 
highly  of  the  Colonies,  as  having  perfectly  succeeded,  and  gives  a 
favourable  account  of  the  state  of  education  generally.  He  says 
there  is  a  depot  for  Bibles  at  Assen,  and  that  many  are  distributed 
as  well  as  tracts. 

Tkird Month  2\ St. — Rose  early,  and  reached  the  neat  little  inn,  at 
Veenhuisen,  before  eight  o'clock.  The  main  buildings,  which  are 
very  near,  form  a  large  square,  and  are  well  adapted  to  the  pur- 
poses of  this  interesting  institution,  designed  for  the  reception  of 
orphans  and  destitute  children,  which,  together  with  the  other  colo- 
nies in  North  Holland,  owes  its  origin  to  General  Van  den  Bosch, 
to  whose  vigilant  superintendence  may  be  attributed  much  of  its 
present  prosperity.  Here  one  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty  poor 
children  are  comfortably  provided  for  ;  they  are  received  at  the  age 
of  six  years  and  upwards.  The  weakly  and  delicate  ones,  of  whom 
there  are  about  one  hundred  and  fifty,  mostly  foundlings,  are  kept 
apart  from  the  rest,  and  are  kindly  nursed  and  attended  to;  all  the 
others  are  either  in  school  or  engaged  in  works  of  industry;  some 
on  the  farm,  which  is  very  extensive,  and  some  in  weaving,  shoe- 
making,  spinning,  knitting  and  needlework.  Every  thing  required 
for  the  family  is  manufactured  at  the  establishment.  The  children 
leave  school  at  the  age  of  thirteen  ;  but  are  employed  on  the  premi- 
ses until  they  are  provided  for  elsewhere.  They  look  clean  and 
happy,  and  generally  appear  very  healthy.  We  were  concerned  to 
find,  that  the  Scriptures  are  not  introduced,  neither  are  Scripture 
Lessons  used  in  the  schools,  on  account  of  the  Roman  Catholics. 
These  and  the  Protestants  do  not,  however,  live  together;  and  the 
Bible  is  read  once  every  day  to  the  Protestants,  by  the  school- 


446 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


master,  and  after  every  meal  by  the  head  pupil.  Each  Protestant 
child  is  furnished  with  a  Bible,  which  is  given  to  it  on  leaving  the 
institution. 

The  labour  of  the  children  considerably  reduces  the  cost  of  keep- 
ing them.  We  saw  a  number  of  boys  at  work  ui)on  the  farm,  which 
is  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation,  forming  a  striking  contrast  to  the 
barren  heath  by  which  it  is  surrounded. 

Part  of  the  expense  of  this  establishment  is  borne  by  the  '  Societe 
de  Bienfaisance,'  and  a  small  sum  is  paid  for  each  child  by  the 
parish,  or  commune  to  which  it  belongs.  The  director  resides  on 
the  premises,  together  with  his  daughter,  who  is  the  directress, 
and  appears  to  be  a  serious-minded,  sensible  person,  with  much 
kind  and  correct  feeling.  The  Protestant  minister  also  has  apart- 
ments in  the  building.  He  seems  to  have  the  good  of  his  interest- 
ing charge  much  at  heart,  and  is  diligent  in  furnishing  them  with 
suitable  reading,  which  is  supplied  through  the  means  of  the  Nether- 
lands Tract  Society  of  Amsterdam,  whose  publications  are  widely 
circulated,  and  appear  calculated  to  lead  to  piety  and  virtue. 

There  are  two  other  institutions  in  this  colony,  one  on  a  smaller 
scale  for  orphans,  and  one  for  beggars,  but  we  did  not  visit  them. 
There  is  something  agreeable  in  the  manners  of  the  people,  which 
well  accords  with  their  simple  and  primitive  appearance.  Fries- 
land  is  celebrated  for  the  manufacture  of  a  coarse  woollen  cloth, 
from  which  our  well-known  frieze  coats  derive  their  name.  Part 
of  the  colony  is  in  this  province,  and  part  in  Drenthe. 

These  institutions  are  all  under  the  care  and  superintendence  of 
the  'Societe  de  Bienfaisance.'  They  form  one  section  of  the  plan 
conceived  by  General  Van  den  Bosch,  of  making  universal  provi- 
sion for  the  poor.  Another  section  is  at  Ommerschaus,  and  the 
third  at  Frederick's  Oord,  both  which  places  I  have  seen  on  a 
former  journey.* 

After  this  interesting  visit,  we  returned  to  Assen,  and  from  thence 
to  Zwoll,  where  we  had  the  pleasure  of  finding  our  dear  friends. 

Third  Month  227ic?.— First-day.  We  held  our  meeting  without 
any  addition  to  our  own  company.  It  was,  to  me,  a  quiet,  com- 
fortable time,  and  I  think  we  were  refreshed  together.  The  Gover- 
nor and  some  of  the  inspectors  of  the  prison  called  upon  E.  Fry, 
and  took  us  to  the  prison,  which  is  more  airy,  is  cleaner,  and  in  a 
better  state  than  those  at  Amsterdam.  We  had  some  religious 
counsel  to  convey  to  the  poor  prisoners,  which  J.  S.  Mollet  inter- 


•  See  pages  223 — 4,  vol.  ii. 


1840. 


I 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEIV. 


447 


preted.  W.  H.  Suringar  and  his  son  were  with  us.  In  the  even- 
in"'  a  number  of  respectable  persons  assembled  at  our  hotel,  princi- 
pally through  the  kind  agency  of  Suringar,  and  after  a  portion  of 
Scripture  was  read,  first  in  English  by  Samuel  Gurney,  then  in 
French,  by  John  S.  Mollet,  we  had  a  very  satisfactory  opportunity 
of  religious  worship,  in  which  both  E.  J.  F.  and  I  were  engaged  in 
ministry,  and  I  was  favoured  fully  to  relieve  my  mind.  Two  Men- 
nonite  ministers  were  present,  who  seemed  particularly  impressed, 
and  I  had  much  conversation  with  one  of  them,  who  was  desirous 
of  knowing  more  of  our  religious  principles.  Divers,  who  were  at 
the  meeting  came  to  us  afterwards,  expressing  their  gratification 
and  thankfulness,  and  many  took  me  affectionately  by  the  hand. 
Thus  I  have  to  record  another  token  of  gracious  condescension  in 
the  very  needful  time,  for  truly,  it  is  close  work.  Dear  S.  G.  and 
E.  J.  F.  distributed,  as  usual,  a  considerable  number  of  books  and 
tracts. 

Third  Month  23rd. — Peaceful  this  morning  in  the  retrospect  of 
yesterday.  What  a  favour  to  be  thus  helped  along,  from  time  to 
time,  under  a  precious  sense  of  the  loving  kindness  of  the  Lord! 
We  visited  a  large  school  for  one  thousand  poor  children.  I  had 
much  useful  conversation  with  the  Governor  of  Overyssell,  a  man 
of  head  and  of  heart;  he  is  entirely  of  my  opinion,  with  regard  to  the 
poor  who  are  employed  in  manufactories,  and  thinks  that  they 
should  all  have  a  small  portion  of  land  to  cultivate.  Several  per- 
sons whom  we  have  seen  to-day,  expressed  much  satisfaction  with 
the  meeting  held  last  evening.  We  took  leave  of  our  friends  here, 
and  of  John  S.  Mollet,  and  between  ten  and  eleven  set  out  on  our 
way  to  Minden,  accompanied  by  the  young  lad  from  Amsterdam, 
and  John  Bergendahl,  who  goes  with  us  thus  far.  We  passed  a 
great  deal  of  barren,  marshy  country,  lodged  at  Lingen,  and  stop- 
ped some  time  at  Osnaburg,  in  ordejp  to  have  an  interview  with 
Pastor  Weibezahn,  who  is  the  person  mentioned  in  the  'JVeueste 
JVachrichten,'  for  1834,  as  having  been  instrumental  in  promoting 
a  great  awakening  here.  It  is  stated  in  this  work,  that  '  in  the 
whole  neighbourhood,  as  well  on  the  Prussian,  as  the  Hanoverian 
side,  there  is  scarcely  a  hamlet  without  a  number  of  awakened 
souls,  whose  virtues  prove  who  has  called  them  out  of  darkness 
into  His  marvellous  light,'  &c. 

The  Pastor  seems  to  be  a  pious  man,  and  there  was  a  quiet  dif- 
fidence in  his  manner,  which  pleased  us.  He  says  that  there  is 
much  good  going  forward,  that  their  schools  aflx)rd  them  great  en- 
couragement, and  they  have  a  Temperance  Society  in  a  very 


448 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


flourishing  state,  eight  hundred  members  having  joined  it  within  a 
short  time. 

It  was  late  when  we  arrived  at  Minden,  where  we  found  Augustus 
Mundhenck,  who  kindly  came  from  Pyrmont  to  meet  us." 

During  the  stay  of  several  days  at  ihis  place,  William  Allen  and 
his  friends  were  much  occupied  with  endeavouring  to  promote  the 
spiritual  and  temporal  interests  of  the  little  body  of  Friends  resid- 
ing in  the  neighbourhood;  they  were  engaged  in  religious  service, 
both  in  the  families  and  in  meetings  for  worship,  one  of  which  was 
largely  attended,  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  being  pre- 
sent, as  well  as  Friends.   W.  A.  says — 

"A  precious  solemnity  was  to  be  felt;  we  were  mercifully  helped 
to  minister  to  the  people,  and  the  word  spoken  seemed  to  have  free 
entrance.  Augustus  was  our  kind  assistant  and  interpreted  beauti- 
fully. The  feeling  evinced  by  many  at  the  conclusion  of  the  meet- 
ing, was  an  indication  of  much  religious  sensibility.  The  light  has 
hitherto  been  too  much  hidden  in  this  place,  and  these  dear  people 
should,  if  possible,  be  more  frequently  visited.  Dear  E.  J.  F.  is 
very  sweet  in  her  communications,  both  in  ministry  and  prayer, — 
her  zeal  is  quite  instructive;  she  exactly  suits  me,  and  indeed  we 
are  all  nicely  banded  together.  Though  at  times  low,  yet  I  am 
encouraged  in  believing  that  I  am  endeavouring  to  do  my  Master's 
work,  however  imperfectly  it  may  be  performed. 

Oi]r  Friends  here  inform  us  that  they  do  not  now  suffer  persecu- 
tion on  account  of  military  concerns,  but  they  still  have  some  other 
difhculties  to  encounter  respecting  the  laws.  We  examined  the  chil- 
dren at  the  school,  and  thought  that  they  were  making  fair  progress; 
their  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures  appeared  to  be  satisfactory,  and 
their  answers  to  questions  put  to  them  showed  much  intelligence. 

Third  Month  28th. — John  Rasche,  and  some  of  our  friends,  called 
to  take  leave  of  us,  and  soon  after  nine  we  started  for  Pyrmont; 
my  mind  calm  and  peaceful.  We  stopped  at  Buckeburg  to  visit  a 
family  who  had  som.e  connexion  with  Friends,  and  they  seemed 
much  pleased  to  receive  us.  A  nice  tender-spirited  young  woman 
who  was  present,  spoke  with  much  interest  of  Osnaburg,  where  she 
said  there  were  many  serious-minded  persons,  and  that  Pastor  Wei- 
bezahn  was  'an  excellent  man.'  We  afierwards  proceeded  to  Ha- 
meln,  where  we  visited  the  prison,  and  had  religious  communication 
with  the  prisoners,  some  of  whom  seemed  much  affected.  There 
were  between  three  hundred  and  four  hundred ;  many  of  them  had 
chains  upon  one  leg,  others  upon  both  legs.    A  great  deal  of  work 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


449 


is  performed  here,  and  several  rooms  are  appropriated  to  spinning, 
weaving,  &c. 

It  was  dark  when  we  reached  Pyrmont ;  my  spirits  were  low  in 
the  recollection  that  my  dearest  Charlotte  passed  this  road  with  me, 
during  the  few  last  days  that  we  were  together  on  this  earth.  We 
are  comfortably  accommodated  at  the  '  Stadt  Bremen.'  " 

First-day,  the  29ih,  W.  A.  mentions  attending  the  meeting  at  Pyr- 
mont, which  was  satisfactory.  In  the  afternoon,  it  was  held  at  John 
Seebohm's,  at  Friedensthal,  and,  he  says,  "was  one  of  those  times 
to  be  remembered  with  thanksgiving."  In  afterwards  recording 
the  reliarious  enfrajrements  amongst  the  families  in  the  neighbour- 
hood,  he  acknowledges,  that  though  sometimes  under  feelings  of 
depression,  he  was  much  comforted  and  strengthened. 

He  observes,  that  E.  Fry,  being  desirous  of  exciting  an  interest 
on  subjects  of  public  utility,  some  of  the  influential  inhabitants  of 
Pyrmont  were  invited  to  the  hotel,  when  their  attention  was  directed 
towards  the  means  of  improving  the  condition  of  the  poor,  and  of 
relieving  their  wants.  After  some  labour  being  bestowed  to  con- 
vince them  of  the  importance  of  these  points,  it  was  at  length 
agreed  that  a  Benevolent  Society,  including  district  visiting,  should 
be  formed. 

Tliird  Month  Sis/. — He  writes,  "  Visited  Dunst  Hole  ;  the  stratum 
of  carbonic  acid  was  very  low,  as  it  usually  is  in  winter,  only 
about  two  feet  from  the  ground.  We  were  obliged  to  go  within 
the  door  way  to  make  our  experiments.  Soap  bubbles  being  blown, 
danced  upon  the  carbonic  acid  in  a  very  curious  manner. 

Fourth  Month  1st. — Meeting  in  the  morning.  Dined  at  Fried- 
ensthal,  with  Augustus  Mundhenck  and  his  wife,  and  in  the  after- 
noon held  a  meeting  for  worship  with  the  work-people  of  the  manu- 
factory there.  It  was  an  eminently  favoured  time,  in  which  I  was 
furnished  with  matter  for  communication,  and  dear  E.  Fry  was 
afterwards  sweetly  engaged  in  ministry  and  prayer. 

2nd. — We  left  Pyrmont  soon  after  ten,  to  proceed  to  Hanover, 
which  we  reached  in  the  evening.    A.  Mundhenck  is  with  us. 

3rd. — Retirement;  peaceful.  S.  Gurney  and  I  called  upon  our 
Ambassador  here,  and  were  very  kindly  received.  He  wrote  some 
letters  of  introduction  for  us,  and  after  a  few  other  calls,  E.  J.  F., 
L.  and  I  visited  the  city  hospital,  without  any  introduction;  we 
were  civilly  met  by  a  nice  open-countenanced  man,  who  was  very 
attentive,  and  showed  us  the  diiferenl  wards,  &c.  There  are  good 
separate  apartments  for  persons  who  do  not  require  gratuitous  as- 
sistance, and  who  may  receive  the  benefit  of  the  institution,  on  pay- 


450 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


ing  at  the  rate  of  three  shillings  per  week.  This  is  an  excellent 
regulation.  The  patients  are  provided  with  Bibles,  but  at  the  mili- 
tary hospital  there  are  no  copies  of  the  Scriptures,  which  the  super- 
intendent much  regretted,  and  we  hope  to  be  able  to  attend  to  this 
subject. 

S.  Gurney  received  letters  from  his  brother,  J.  J.  Gurney,  from 
the  West  Indies,  which  give  the  most  cheering  accounts  of  the 
working  of  the  Abolition  of  Slavery,  in  our  Islands  of  Antigua  and 
Dominica.  They  also  contain  important  information  with  regard 
to  the  Danish  Islands  of  St.  Croix  and  St.  Thomas's. 

We  had  a  very  agreeable  company  at  our  hotel  in  the  evening. 
I  had  much  interesting  conversation  with  a  clergyman  named  Nie- 
mann, whose  sister  is  wife  to  the  pious  pastor,  Weibezahn,  of  Osna- 
burg.  Several  were  desirous  of  knowing  more  about  the  principles 
of  Friends,  and  seemed  pleased  with  the  explanations  which  were 
given  to  them. 

4th. — Samuel  Gurney  and  I,  with  our  kind  friend,  Augustus, 
called  upon  the  Minister  of  Instruction,  who  received  us  very  affa- 
bly. We  afterwards  waited,  by  appointment,  upon  the  Prince 
Royal,  who  is  blind ;  had  it  not  been  for  this  blemish,  he  would  have 
been  a  fine-looking  young  man.  The  conversation  turned  upon 
prisons,  war,  liberty  of  conscience,  the  Scriptures,  slavery,  &c.  I 
was  grieved  to  hear  some  of  his  sentiments.  He  gave  full  credence 
to  what  a  Scotch  lady,  from  the  West  Indies,  had  told  him  of  the 
happiness  of  the  negroes  in  their  state  of  slavery,  and  he  considers 
that  the  prisoners  here  are  treated  too  well.  Upon  these  subjects, 
and  some  others,  I  laboured  to  impress  him  with  the  truth.  In  re- 
ference to  the  Scriptures,  I  maintained,  that  our  duty  to  God  and 
to  man  was  so  clearly  laid  down  in  them,  that  those  that  run  may 
read  ;  he,  however,  seemed  to  think  that  it  was  necessary  to  have 
them  explained,  and  I  left  the  poor  young  man  with  a  heavy  heart. 

Lucy,  Augustus,  and  I,  took  a  walk  to  see  the  '  Romisher  Kaiser,' 
where  Stephen  Grellet  and  I  lodged  on  our  way  to  Berlin,  in  1832; 
it  brought  some  sweet  recollections  to  my  mind.  E.  Fry  visited 
the  prison,  with  her  brother  Samuel ;  she  reports  that  it  is  in  a  very 
bad  state,  and  mentioned  some  instances  of  cruelty,  which  j  think 
must  be  unknown  to  the  Prince,  or  he  could  scarcely  have  con- 
sidered that  there  was  not  sufficient  severity  exercised.  Great  is 
the  necessity  of  forming  committees  of  prudent,  disinterested  per- 
sons to  visit  prisons,  both  in  England  and  on  the  Continent :  indeed, 
philanthropic  individuals  in  every  place  should  be  encouraged  to 
investigate  the  state  of  the  poor  in  their  immediate  neighbourhoods, 


1840. 


or  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


451 


and  to  devise  means  for  improving  their  condition  in  every  re- 
spect. 

We  took  tea  and  spent  the  evening  with  a  gentleman  and  his 
wife,  named  Perz;  there  was  a  large  company,  and  we  had  much 
agreeable  conversation,  which  was  mostly  carried  on  in  groups, 
but  before  we  separated,  both  E.  F.  and  I,  were  led  to  speak  more 
generally  on  religious  subjects,  and  what  was  said  appeared  to  be 
very  well  received. 

Fourth  Month  5th. — We  held  our  meeting  at  ten — only  ourselves; 
I  expressed  a  few  words  on  the  state  of  dependence  on  their  Divine 
Master  in  which  the  servants  of  the  Lord  are  kept,  referring  to  the 
manna  in  the  wilderness,  which  was  renewed  day  by  day.  E.  Fry 
was  afterwards  engaged  in  ministry. 

Fourth  Month  Gih. — Wrote  a  letter  to  Prince  George,  of  which 
the  following  is  a  copy  : — 

to  george,  prince  royal  op  hanover. 

"May  it  please  the  Prince, 

"  The  interview,  which  my  dear  friend  Samuel  Gurney  and  I 
were  favoured  to  have  with  thee  yesterday,  has  excited  feelings  of 
sympathy,  which  it  is  difficult  for  me  to  find  words  to  express. 
May  the  present  permission  of  Divine  Providence  lead  thee,  dear 
Prince,  to  apply  with  still  increasing  earnestness,  for  the  outpouring 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  the  Son  of  God  encouraged  his  followers 
to  believe  that  the  Father  would  give  to  those  who  ask  Him, — see 
Luke  xi.  13.  The  grace  of  God,  which  comes  by  Jesus  Christ,  was 
not  confined  to  the  apostles  and  primitive  disciples,  but  is  given  to 
every  true  believer  in  the  present  day,  as  the  Comforter,  the  sure 
Guide,  the  infallible  Teacher. 

If  we  are  desirous,  above  all  things,  to  be  found  performing  the 
will  of  God,  without  which  we  can  never  be  permanently  happy, 
and  are  endeavouring  to  keep  the  precepts  and  commandments  of 
Christ,  then  will  our  duties  be  made  plain  and  clear  to  us,  by  the 
Holy  Spirit ;  precious  indeed  are  the  promises  made  by  our  blessed 
Redeemer  himself,  to  those  who  give  proof  of  their  love  to  Him,  by 
keeping  his  commandments,  as  we  may  read  in  John  xiv.  21,  23, 25, 
26.  To  the  teaching  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  I  would  most  afl^ection- 
ately  recommend  the  Prince ;  it  will  lead  him  to  discover  what  the 
divine  will  concerning  him  is,  will  give  him  strength  to  perform  it, 
and  enable  him  to  avoid  those  things  which  bring  condemnation 
and  sorrow. 

Thy  exalted  situation  exposes  thee  to  many  and  peculiar  tempta- 


452 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840 


tions  and  difficulties,  which  render  the  injunction  of  our  Divine 
Master  to  '  Watch  and  pray,'  of  the  very  utmost  innportance  to  be 
observed.  It  was  well  remarked  by  the  illustrious  Judge  Hale,  that 
an  inward  attention  to  the  influences  of  divine  grace,  will  enable  a 
man  to  conduct  himself  wisely,  even  in  the  concerns  of  this  life,  and 
by  such  attention,  many  of  those  dangers  to  which  we  are  liable  in 
this  state  of  existence,  maybe  avoided. 

I  have  greatly  desired  that  thou  mightest  deeply  study  the  pre- 
cepts of  our  dear  Lord  and  Saviour,  as  contained  in  the  Scriptures 
of  Truth,  and  make  them  the  rule  of  thy  conduct,  with  prayer  that 
they  may  be  applied  by  the  same  Holy  Spirit  which  gave  them 
forth,  to  thy  particular  case,  under  every  changing  circumstance  of 
thy  life ;  then  wilt  thou  be  concerned  to  promote  and  encourage 
that  righteousness  which  exalteth  a  nation,  wheresoever,  and  in 
whomsoever  it  may  appear,  and  to  discountenance  and  put  down, 
whatever  has  a  tendency  to  demoralization  and  vice.  Thus  thou 
mayest  become,  in  the  divine  hand,  one  of  the  greatest  blessings  to 
thy  country. 

My  dear  friend,  and  his  sister,  Elizabeth  J.  Fry,  join  me  in  the 
warmest  wishes  for  thy  temporal  and  eternal  v\ ell-being;  and  be 
pleased  to  accept  them  from  a  sincere  friend  to  the  House  of  Bruns- 
wick, William  Allen. 
mover,  Gi/i  of  4.th  Month  (Jlpril^  1840." 

"About  eight  o'clock,  a  large  company,  consisting  of  some  of 
the  principal  inhabitants,  assembled  in  the  great  room  at  the  hotel. 
This  was  felt  to  be  a  very  weighty  engagement.  A  chapter  in  Ger- 
man was  first  read  by  Augustus  Mundhenck  ;  then  there  was  a  pause, 
in  which  I  was  made  sensible  of  a  sweet  feeling,  and  soon  had  to 
address  the  company.  Augustus  interpreted  sentence  by  sentence 
admirably,  and  I  was  favoured  with  an  evidence  that  holy  help  was 
mercifully  granted.  Dear  E.  J.  F.  was  also  engaged  in  ministry. 
Truth  was  indeed  in  dominion,  and  this  was  one  of  the  seasons  not 
to  be  forgotten.  Thanksgiving  and  praise  to  our  God,  to  whom 
alone  be  the  glory  !" 

The  following  morning  was  devoted  to  making  calls,  and  visiting 
some  public  institutions,  after  which,  W.  A.  writes — 

"Elizabeth  Fry,  Samuel  Gurney,  and  I,  went  to  the  palace,  by 
invitation  of  the  Queen.  We  were  conducted  into  the  state  apart- 
ments, where  three  of  the  ladies  in  attendance  received  us.  The 
Queen  was  just  then  engaged  with  the  King,  who  has  been  very  ill, 
but  is  recovering,  and  in  the  mean  time,  Prince  George  came  in, 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEIV. 


453 


led  by  the  Princess  Albert  of  Swartzburg,  daugliter  of  the  Queen 
by  a  former  marriage.  I  had  a  good  deal  of  conversation  with  the 
Prince,  and  this  time  he  appeared  really  amiable,  and  far  nearer  in 
spirit,  than  in  our  former  interview.  The  Princess  seems  a  sensible 
person,  and  I  entrusted  her  wilh  my  letter  to  read  to  the  Prince. 
She  has  connexions  in  Bavaria,  and  pressed  me  to  call  upon  them 
when  I  went  that  way.  I  left  with  each  of  them  a  copy  of  'Brief 
Remarks.'  When  the  Queen  came  in,  she  apologised  for  not  being 
ready,  saying  it  was  in  consequence  of  her  necessary  attendance 
upon  the  King.  She  received  us  in  a  very  respectful,  amiable  man- 
ner, and  appeared  in  a  sweet  frame  of  mind.  She  had  much  con- 
versation with  E.  J.  F.,  who  pressed  upon  her  attention  the  subject 
of  ladies'  committees  to  visit  the  prisons,  and  she  gave  her  full  sanc- 
tion to  the  measure.  We  were  nearly  an  hour  at  the  palace.  The 
ladies  in  attendance,  and  indeed  all  present,  seemed  under  tender 
feelings.  Glory  to  Him,  through  whom  alone  all  good  comes !  and 
blessed  for  ever  be  His  adorable  name! 

We  took  leave  of  many  of  our  dear  friends,  who  clung  to  us  to 
the  last.  I  had  some  relieving  conversation  with  the  King's  chap- 
lain, who,  with  his  wife,  dined  with  us,  and  we  parted  under  affec- 
tionate feelings. 

Our  dear  friend  Augustus  Mundhenck  could  not  proceed  with  us 
to  Berlin,  in  consequence  of  poor  accounts  from  home.  We  left 
Hanover  about  five  o'clock,  lodged  that  night  at  Hildesheim,  and 
the  following  night  at  Halbersladt. 

Fourth  Month  8th. — Arrived  at  Magdeburg,  a  strongly  fortified 
place.  In  1G31,  the  Roman  Catholic  monster,  Tilly,  took  the  city 
by  storm,  beheaded  the  governor,  massacred  thirty  thousand  men, 
women,  and  children,  and  left  only  about  one  hundred  and  thirty 
houses  standinfT. 

0th. — Lucy  and  I  visited  a  school  of  nearly  seven  hundred  and 
eighty  boys.  They  were  divided  into  eleven  classes,  and  there  are 
fifteen  masters;  the  Scriptures  are  daily  used  in  the  school,  and 
they  have  also  a  number  of  lesson  books.  The  system  of  question- 
ing seems  to  be  practised,  the  children  learn  geography  and  draw- 
ing, and  appear  to  have  made  satisfactory  progress.  I  was  com- 
forted with  seeing  instrucfif)n  made  so  universal. 

Samuel  Gurney  and  I  called  upon  tliC  general,  who  was  very 
civil,  and  gave  us  free  permission  to  see  the  prison  at  the  fortress, 
but  as  the  prisoners  were  out  at  work,  we  could  not  go  till  after 
twelve  o'clock.  They  were  employed  on  the  foriifications,  which 
are  of  great  extent,  and  uncommonly  strong.    At  the  hour  appoint- 


454 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


ed,  we  all  went  to  the  citadel,  which  is  situated  on  an  island  formed 
by  the  fine  river  Elbe.  Mills  for  grinding  corn  are  moored  in  the 
middle  of  the  stream,  and  worked  by  the  current.  Some  of  the 
most  fertile  corn  land  in  Germany  is  said  to  be  within  the  circle  of  a 
few  miles  from  hence.  Many  of  the  prisoners  work  in  fetters.  Dear 
E.  J.  F.  distributed  her  '  Address  to  Prisoners'  among  them,  and 
also  expressed  a  few  words  of  counsel,  which  were  interpreted.  A 
pious,  sensible,  feeling  interpreter,  is  invaluable.  The  place  appear- 
ed clean,  and  in  one  room  we  observed,  with  satisfaction,  a  little 
library,  in  which  were  several  copies  of  the  New  Testament,  that 
had  been  presented  by  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  for 
the  use  of  the  Prussian  military.  The  General,  and  other  officers, 
took  leave  of  us  very  respectfully,  and  we  proceeded  on  our  way  to 
Berlin.  We  passed  a  great  expanse  of  very  poor  land — roads  good. 
Lodged  at  Brandenburg,  and  on  our  way  to  Potzdam,  noticed  the 
women  busily  employed  in  digging  the  land,  sawing  wood,  &c. ; 
they  seem  to  do  as  much  work  out  of  doors,  if  not  more,  than  the 
men.  Potzdam  is  a  splendid  place,  and  truly  appears  to  be  a  town 
of  palaces.  We  proceeded  from  tlience  to  Berlin  by  railroad,  and 
took  up  our  quarters  at  the  '  Hotel  de  Russie,'  where  we  have  ex- 
cellent accommodation.  My  mind  has  been  much  favoured  to-day 
with  a  sense  of  divine  love  and  mercy. 

Fourth  Montli  lUh. — Company  at  breakfast,  amongst  whom  was 
Samuel  Eisner.  It  appears  that  religious  persecution  does  really 
exist  here,  and  that  the  government  is  anxious  to  amalgamate  the 
Lutherans  and  the  Reformed.  I  find  that  though  all  the  soldiers 
are  permitted  to  have  Bibles,  yet  the  circulation  of  tracts  in  the 
army  is  forbidden. 

S.  Gurney  and  I  called  upon  our  Ambassador,  Lord  William 
Russell,  and  had  a  very  pleasant  interview.  He  engaged  us  all  to 
dine  with  him  on  second-day ;  though,  in  general,  I  feel  a  hesitation 
in  unnecessarily  entering  into  company,  yet  it  seemed  best  to  accept 
his  kindness.  We  afterwards  made  a  number  of  other  calls,  and 
amongst  the  rest  upon  the  aged  philanthropist,  Baron  Kotwitz,  who 
has  institutions  for  the  poor  in  Silesia,  as  well  as  in  Berlin.  Several 
persons  came  to  see  us  in  the  evening,  and  we  had  much  useful  con- 
versation. 

Fourth  Month  12th. — Lord  William  Russell  called,  and  paid  us  a 
very  agreeable  visit.  We  held  our  meeting  this  morning;  it  was  a 
comfortable  time,  and  both  E.  J.  F.  and  I  spoke  in  ministry.  Jn 
the  afternoon,  H.  Lobeck  accompanied  us  to  Kopf's  Institution  for 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


455 


the  reformation  of  juvenile  oflenders ;  one  of  the  most  important 
things  in  Berlin.  He  has  now  about  eighty-six  boys,  and  thirty- 
eight  girls;  the  success  of  his  pious  eflorts  is  quite  cheering.  The 
whole  establishment  is  a  model  of  cleanliness.  The  children  appear 
healthy,  and  great  attention  seems  paid  to  their  comfort.  We  were 
present  at  the  religious  examination.  I  was  much  gratified  to  find 
that  they  use  our  Scripture  Lessons,  or  the  extracts  from  them, 
adopted  by  the  Religious  Tract  Society  of  Berlin,  and  find  them 
very  valuable.  Several  of  the  parents  of  the  children  attend  on 
first-day  afternoon,  and  H.  Lobeck  informed  us,  that  persons  de- 
signed for  missionaries  also  come  on  that  day,  in  order  to  see  the 
mode  of  imparting  religious  instruction. 

There  were  a  few  in  addition  to  our  own  circle  at  the  reading  of 
the  Scriptures  in  the  evening.  We  had  a  favoured  religious  oppor- 
tunity afterwards,  and  I  was  comforted  throughout  with  a  sweet 
sense  that  the  Lord  was  near. 

I3t/i. — Baron  Alexander  von  Humboldt,  the  great  traveller,  called ; 
he  is  full  of  information,  and  was  exceedingly  kind  and  sociable.  At 
twelve  o'clock,  S.  G.,  E.  J.  F.,  and  I,  called,  by  appointment,  upon 
the  Crown  Prince  and  Princess  ;  we  were  inost  graciously  received, 
and  returned  to  the  hotel  fully  satisfied  with  our  interview.  Dined 
with  Lord  William  Russell,  and  met  the  American  Minister,  Whea- 
ton.  Sir  George  B.  Hamilton,  who  is  the  Secretary  of  Legation, 
Count  Arnheim,  a  Prussian  nobleman,  with  whom  I  had  some  very 
pleasant  conversation,  Lord  Loftus,  a  son  of  the  Marquis  of  Ely, 
who  has  large  estates  in  Ireland,  and  resides  near  Col.  Crichton,  a 
young  man  named  Howard,  and  some  others.  They  were  ex- 
tremely friendly  and  kind ;  it  was  a  particularly  agreeable  visit, 
and  we  had  much  free  and  interesting  conversation. 

The  Anti-Slavery  Reporters  were  forwarded  to  nrie  by  the  Am- 
bassador's bag,  and  I  was  rejoiced  to  find  that  our  government  has, 
on  account  of  the  Slavery  question,  refused  to  acknowledge  the  in- 
dependence of  Texas.  This  has  enraged  the  Texans,  who  pour  out 
their  abuse  of  us  in  their  newspapers. 

We  returned  to  the  hotel  between  six  and  seven,  soon  after  which 
several  persons  came  to  meet  us.  E.  .1.  F.,  in  the  line  of  general 
conversation,  gave  an  interesting  account  of  her  early  labours  in 
the  prison  cause,  encouraging  some  young  men  who  are  preparing 
for  missionaries,  to  look  to  the  Lord  with  a  single  eye,  and  follow 
His  blessed  guidance.  Becker,  the  missionary  to  the  Jews,  inter- 
preted. I  then  gave  some  information  on  the  subject  of  schools, 
&c.,  and  endeavoured  to  convey  religious  counsel  to  the  young 


456 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


men.  Several  warmly  acknowledged  the  interest  ihey  had  felt  in 
this  visit. 

Fourth  Month  Wth. — We  went  this  morning  to  see  the  great  pri- 
son at  Spandau;  the  road  lies  through  the  Brandenburg  Gate  to 
Charlottenburg ;  it  is  a  fine  ride  through  a  wood,  but  dusty,  as  the 
country  all  round  is  somewhat  like  a  sandy  desert.  Becker  accom- 
panied us,  also  our  kind  friend  Lobeck,  who  is  an  excellent  inter- 
preter, and  Mary  Ann  Murray,  an  English  lady  residing  at  Berlin. 
The  superintendent  and  his  wife  seem  very  amiable  persons.  There 
are  seven  hundred  and  fifty-two  men  prisoners,  and  ninety  women. 
I  have  never  seen  such  a  manufacturing  prison  before.  All  kinds 
of  work  seem  carried  on,  and  some  of  ihe  patterns  prepared  for 
needle  work,  are  of  great  beauty.  Every  part  was  remarkably 
neat  and  clean,  and  much  order  prevails.  Service  is  performed  in 
the  chapel  on  first-days,  and  there  are  Bibles  in  the  difierent  rooms, 
but  more  intimate  and  frequent  religious  instruction  is  wanted,  and 
there  is  no  systematic  classification  of  the  prisoners.  Numbers 
come  back  again  for  fresh  crimes;  now,  the  proportion  of  these  is 
always  a  criterion  of  the  value  of  the  means  used  for  reformation. 
Among  the  female  prisoners  were  some  young  women,  whose  ap- 
pearance interested  us,  and  on  speaking  to  them  through  an  inter- 
preter, several  were  conlrited  to  tears.  In  walking  through  such 
places,  my  heart  is  always  sad. 

We  returned  to  dirmer,  and  S.  G.  and  I  called  upon  the  Princess 
Wilhelm,  wife  to  the  King's  brother ;  we  w'ere  received  with  great 
kindness,  and  it  was  a  very  gratifying  visit. 

We  spent  the  evening  at  Col.  Roeder's,  the  aid-de-camp  to  the 
Crown  Prince.  They  are  a  delightful  family,  and  here  we  met 
General  de  Thiele,  aid-de-camp  to  the  King,  a  man  much  esteemed 
in  Berlin:  the  Countess  Darnach,  and  some  other  ladies,  were  pre- 
sent.   This  was  an  interesting  visit. 

Fourth  Month  \bth. — Baron  Humboldt  called,  and  went  with  me 
to  the  palace,  w  here  I  had  an  appointment  to  wait  upon  the  Crown 
Prince.  He  soon  came  to  me  with  a  smiling  countenance;  the 
Baron  then  withdrew,  and  the  Prince  entered  deeply  with  me  into 
several  points,  which  I  ventured  to  press  upon  his  attention.  In 
suggesting  some  hints  for  his  consideration,  I  said,  in  substance, 
that  there  was  scarcely  any  thing  in  which  society  was  so  deeply 
concerned,  as  the  prevention  of  crime  ;  that,  as  every  individual  had 
it  in  his  power  to  exercise  some  influence  in  discouraging  vice,  so 
it  was  the  duty  of  all  to  endeavour  to  check  whatever  might  have 
a  tendency  to  promote  demoralization. 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


457 


I  said,  that  the  next  important  object  was,  to  attend  to  the  deplo- 
rable condition  of  those  who  are  so  sunk  in  vice  and  crime,  as  to 
become  outcasts  of  society;  that  these  miserable  beings  have  an 
especial  claim  upon  Christian  exertion ;  and  it  sliould  always  be 
borne  in  mind,  that  while  prisons  are  erected  for  the  protection  of 
the  public,  the  great  object  and  end  is,  not  vengeance  upon  the 
offender,  but  the  reformation  of  the  criminal ;  and  that  the  means 
of  effecting  this,  was  the  great  problem  to  be  solved.  Reformation, 
I  observed,  could  never  be  hoped  for,  while  prisoners,  in  every  de- 
gree of  guilt  and  depravity  are  made  to  mix  together  promiscuous- 
ly. To  this  he  fully  agreed,  and  I  then  strongly  enforced  the  im-- 
portance  of  government  encouraging  the  formation  of  committees 
of  pious  and  benevolent  persons,  to  keep  up  a  constant  system  of 
visiting  the  prisoners,  and  reading  to  them  in  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
observing,  that  measures  for  reclaiming  these  poor  creatures  could 
never  be  carried  into  full  effect,  hut  hij  -persons  who  are  themselves 
under  the  injluence  of  Christian  principles. 

I  adverted  to  some  other  subjects,  and  had  an  opportunity  of  most 
full  and  free  communication  :  it  was  altogether  a  highly  satisfactory 
interview,  and  on  parting,  the  Prince  took  leave  with  great  respect, 
and  even  affection. 

At  twelve  o'clock  we  went  by  appointment  to  the  palace,  to  meet 
the  Princess  Wilhelm,  the  King's  sister,  and  proceeded  with  her  to 
the  town  prison.  It  contains  about  seven  hundred  prisoners,  tried 
and  untried,  all  mixed  together.  We  were  concerned  to  find  that 
the  process  of  law  is  so  tedious,  that  prisoners  who  may  ultimately 
be  found  innocent,  have  been  shut  up  here  for  six,  seven,  or  eight 
months,  and  one  was  even  confined  for  a  year  before  being  tried. 
Some  other  things  in  this  prison  were  of  a  painful  character.  The 
Princess  Wilhelm  and  her  daughter,  the  Princess  Marie,  an  agree- 
able young  person,  went  into  all  the  rooms,  and  the  former,  as  well 
as  E.  J.  Fry,  addressed  some  of  the  women ;  I  also  had  something 
to  say  to  them;  several  shed  tears.  After  leaving  the  prison,  my 
friend  Bcyerhaus  accompanied  us  to  call  upon  the  venerable  Baron 
Kotwitz,  to  whom  we  paid  a  comfortable  and  refreshing  visit.  The 
dear  old  man  is  now  eighty-five  years  of  age.  We  spent  the  even- 
ing at  Professor  Hengstenberg's,  where  we  met  some  agreeable 
persons;  whilst  we  were  there.  Professor  Tholuck  of  Ilalle,  came 
in,  and  seemed  truly  glad  to  meet  me.  We  were  very  kindly  and 
hospitably  entertained  at  supper. 

Fourth  Month  \%th. — Julius  Garnet  called,  and  he  and  M.  Brand- 

VoL.  II.  30 


458 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


Strom,  from  Stockholm,  Lucy  and  I,  took  a  ride  beyond  the  Halle 
Gate,  to  pay  a  second  visit  to  Kopf's  Institution.  We  saw  about 
fifty  of  the  boys  at  work  in  one  room,  making  screws,  which  is  their 
chief  employment.  They  always  find  a  ready  sale  for  them.  We 
were  not  less  interested  on  entering  farther  into  The  details  of  this 
excellent  establishment,  than  we  had  been  on  former  occasions; 
great  order  prevails  in  all  the  arrangements. 

Gamet  afterwards  guided  us  to  an  institution  which  owes  its 
origin  to  the  exertions  of  some  ladies,  whose  active  piety  and  de- 
votedness  of  heart  led  them  to  inspect  the  wants  of  some  of  the  poor 
of  Berlin,  at  their  own  habitations.  The  relief  of  the  sick  was  one 
of  their  great  objects,  and,  in  this  work  of  Christian  love,  finding 
that  the  recovery  of  the  invalids  was  greatly  retarded  by  the  un- 
favourable circumstances  in  which  they  were  placed,  they  agreed 
to  endeavour  to  establish  an  hospital,  which  should  receive  about 
forty  j)atients.  This  excellent  institution  was  accordingly  founded; 
it  is  named  the  'Elizabeth  Kranken-Haus,'  after  the  crown  princess, 
"who  most  kindly  patronized  it ;  and  it  has  proved  so  extremely  use- 
ful, that  arrangements  are  in  progress  to  increase  the  number  of 
patients  to  sixty.  One.  pious  and  truly  amiable  lady,  is  so  desirous 
of  promoting  the  welfare  of  these  poor  suflTerers,  that  she  has  had 
apartments  prepared  to  reside  on  the  premises,  and  devote  herself 
more  exclusively  to  this  benevolent  object.  We  had  the  satisfac- 
tion of  meeting  with  her,  and  one  of  her  interesting  colleagues, 
when  we  saw  many  proofs  of  the  kind  and  Christian  care  extended 
to  the  patients,  who  seemed  gratefully  to  appreciate  the  blessings 
by  which  they  were  surrounded.  One  poor  woman,  who  appeared 
to  be  near  the  confines  of  time,  was  listening,  with  a  look  of  earnest 
inquiry,  mixed  with  hope,  to  the  accents  of  love  which  were  ad- 
dressed to  her,  and-which  directed  her  to  her  Saviour;  others  were 
engaged  in  reading  the  Scriptures  or  tracts,  and  one  poor  little 
girl,  who  had  been  almost  killed  by  a  cruel  relation,  about  six 
weeks  before,  but  was  then  much  recovered,  clung  to  her  benefac- 
tresses with  fond  affection.  This  was  altogether  a  very  touciiing 
scene,  and  we  could  not  but  contrast  the  difference  between  this 
institution  and  some  we  had  seen  in  Belgium,  where  every  thing 
seemed  provided,  that  was  needful,  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
body ;  but  the  kind  visits  of  those  who  might  be  interested  about 
the  spiritual  state,  were  prevented  by  pernicious  ecclesiastical  pro- 
hibitions. 

L.  and  I  dined  at  a  Restaurateur,  and  in  the  afternoon  went,  by 
invitation,  to  the  young  Princess  Wilhelm,  daughter-in-law  to  the 


2g^Q_  OF  WILLIAM  ALLE\.  4gg 

King,  and  daughter  to  the  Grand  Duchess  of  Saxe  Weimar;  she 
was  very  affable  and  agreeable,  receiving  us  quite  cordially.  In  in- 
troducing us  to  her  children,  she  feelingly  begged  they  might  be 
kept  in  remembrance.  The  young  Prince  Frederick  was  sent  for 
his  father,  who  soon  came  in,  and  was  also  very  kind  and  friendly. 
The  conversation  was  interesting,  and  some  serious  remarks  were 
well  received. 

Many  persons  were  invited  to  the  hotel  this  evening,  in  order  that 
we  might  explain  to  them,  the  nature  of  the  philanthropic  exertions 
made  in  England,  for  the  abolition  of  slavery,  the  improvement  of 
prison  discipline,  &c.,  and  to  encourage  our  friends  to  unite  in  as- 
sociations for  benevolent  purposes.  A  large  company  assembled, 
amongst  whom  were  many  of  the  higher  nobility.  It  was  my  office 
to  open  the  business,  which  I  did  in  English,  Professor  Tholuck  in- 
terpreting for  me.  I  stated  the  object  for  which  this  company  had 
been  invited,  adverted  to  some  of  the  leading  subjects  which  had 
claimed  attention  in  our  own  country,  and  enforced  the  benefit  of 
co-operation,  and  the  strength  that  ihere  is  in  unity.  I  was  enabled 
to  get  through  to  my  own  peace,  and,  as  it  afterwards  appeared,  to 
the  satisfaction  of  others.  Dear  Elizabeth  Fry  then,  in  a  very  in- 
structive manner,  gave  an  interesting  statement  of  the  progress  of 
the  prison  cause;  dwelling  upon  those  points  which  are  of  the  great- 
est importance  in  the  treatment  of  prisoners,  and  mentioning  some 
circumstances  which  had  come  under  her  notice  in  her  travels  on 
the  continent.  Her  account  was  clear,  forcible  and  impressive,  and 
contained  many  excellent  observations.  Samuel  Gurney,  in  a  manly, 
appropriate  and  concise  address,  gave  some  information  on  the  sub- 
ject of  Slavery,  and  pointed  out  to  the  Prussians,  what  influence 
they  might  exercise  in  promoting  its  abolition.  It  was  obvious,  in 
the  course  of  the  evening,  that  the  truths  delivered  frequently  found 
an  entrance  into  many  hearts,  and,  in  closing  the  meeting,  I  felt  that 
we  had  great  reason  to  be  thankful  for  this  opportunity.  Thus  we 
have  to  set  up  another  Ebenezer. 

Fourth  Month  \lth. — Reiirement — comforted  in  prayer  for  sup- 
port. A  gentleman  named  Borchardt  called;  he  is  a  very  benevo- 
lent man,  of  considerable  property,  M  ho  has  been  working  success- 
fully, upon  plans  for  increasing  the  comforts  of  the  poor,  by  pro- 
viding them  with  small  portions  of  hind  to  cultivate  for  potatoes. 
He  furnished  me  with  the  following  interesting  particulars  of  this 
undertaking. 

There  are  at  Berlin,  as  in  other  populous  towns,  poor  widows, 


460 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


whose  resources  are  insufficient  to  supply  their  daily  necessities : 
there  are  also  many  poor  artisans,  similarly  circumstanced,  whose 
earnings  are  much  reduced,  in  consequence  of  the  changes  of  fash- 
ion in  the  articles  they  manufacture.  The  number  of  these  has 
latterly  much  increased,  and  their  sufferings  in  winter,  when  the 
price  of  provisions  is  high,  and  wages  are  low,  are  often  very  great: 
indeed  they  are  rarely  able,  by  their  utmost  exertions,  to  procure 
even  sufficient  potatoes  for  their  families,  and  are  thus  compelled, 
by  the  claims  of  hunger,  to  become  paupers. 

The  miserable  circumstances  of  these  poor  people  much  affected 
some  benevolent  individuals  at  Berlin,  who  considered  in  what 
manner  relief  could  be  most  effectually  afforded.  It  was  thought 
that  if  a  supply  of  potatoes  were  given  to  them  in  the  autumn,  for 
their  winter  stock,  it  would  be  of  more  value  than  the  amount  in 
money,  but  the  idea  at  length  arose,  that  the  most  effectual  means 
of  improving  their  condition,  would  be  to  furnish  them  with  a  small 
quantity  of  land,  to  cultivate  potatoes  for  themselves,  a  little  em- 
ployment in  the  open  air,  being  very  conducive  to  the  health  of  those 
much  confined  to  close  rooms;  and  it  might  also  be  the  means  of 
employing  the  different  members  of  the  family.  In  order  to  carry 
these  views  into  effect,  a  society  was  formed  at  Berlin,  and  a  small 
sum  of  money  collected ;  these  true  friends  of  the  poor  hired  some 
land,  engaged  a  superintendent  to  take  the  oversight,  purchased  po- 
tatoes for  seed,  and  gave  allotments  to  upwards  of  one  hundred  poor 
famihes,  upon  certain  conditions,  in  which  the  observance  of  moral 
conduct,  &c.,  was  included. 

The  success  of  this  plan,  M.  Borchardt  says,  has  been,  every 
year,  more  and  more  encouraging.  The  crops  of  potatoes  have 
usually  been  very  abundant,  and  of  excellent  quality,  partly  in 
consequence  of  the  care  taken  to  provide  good  seed,  and  partly 
from  good  spade  cultivation,  the  superintendent  seeing  that  the  plans 
laid  down  were  attended  to.  Improvement  has  been  perceptible  in 
the  health  and  moral  conduct  of  the  families,  and  being  relieved 
from  the  pressure  of  abject  poverty,  the  tone  of  their  mind  is  raised, 
and  they  are  more  fitted  to  fulfil  the  duties  of  life. 

The  number  who  are  desirous  of  availing  themselves  of  these 
■benefits  increases  every  year,  and  those  who  have  already  partaken 
of  them,  have  uniformly  been  found  grateful  and  obedient. 

A  distinguished  member  of  the  '  Armen  Direction,'  who  has  a 
large  manufactory,  says,  that  such  assistance  appears  to  him  the 
most  judicious  means  of  aiding  the  poor,  and  it  is  to  be  wished 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


4G1 


that  the  advantages  it  affords  might  be  much  more  extensively  dif- 
fused. 

We  visited  the  'Arbeit's  Haus'  to-day;  it  is  a  large  institution  for 
beggars,  vagrants,  and  criminals,  who  aie  mixed  together  without 
any  classification.  There  were  four  hundred  and  eighty-one  men, 
and  three  hundred  women.  Ten  men  and  a  porter  arc  employed  in 
the  house,  but  only  one  woman  and  a  nurse ;  every  part  was  very 
clean,  but  it  must  be  a  great  trial  to  the  respectable  poor  to  be  con- 
stantly associated  with  criminals.  In  the  afternoon  we  went  with 
J.  Bultman  to  the  committee  of  the  Patronage  Society,  instituted  to 
take  charge  of  liberated  prisoners. 

At  seven  o'clock  we  held  our  religious  meeting  in  the  large  sa- 
loon ;  a  considerable  number,  amongst  whom  were  some  of  high 
rank,  attended  ;  it  was  a  solemn  time.  Dear  E.  J.  F.  was  first  en- 
gaged in  prayer,  soon  after  which  I  spoke  in  ministry,  and  was  mer- 
cifully helped  to  preach  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.  Beyerhaus  interpreted  exceedingly  well,  and  from  what  I 
have  since  learnt,  it  appears  that  the  word  preached  was  made  pro- 
fitable to  some  who  heard  it.  My  Great  Master  has  all  the  glory, 
for  without  the  assistance  of  His  Holy  Spirit,  I  could  do  nothing 
rightly.  I  often  wonder  at  what  is  permitted  to  be  conveyed  through 
so  poor  a  creature  as  I  feel  myself  to  be.  E.  J.  F.  ministered  with 
power  and  sweetness;  the  feeling  that  accompanied  her  communi- 
cation was  particularly  precious ;  before  the  close,  I  knelt  down  in 
prayer,  and  the  meeting  ended  satisfactorily. 

There  was  company  afterwards,  but  I  did  not  feel  quite  equal  to 
meet  them,  and  went  quietly  to  my  own  room,  and  read  the  Bible. 

Fourth  Month  \Sth. — Retirement,  with  peaceful  feelings.  We 
took  a  ride  to  see  a  school  for  the  orphan  children  of  soldiers,  and 
Lucy  and  I  afterwards  went  to  the  Observatory.  The  Astronomer 
received  us  very  kindly;  his  name  is  Enckc,  and  he  is  the  discoverer 
of  the  comet  which  has  a  planetary  orbit,  lying  between  Mars  and 
Saturn.  We  were  interested  in  seeing  the  great  telescope  of  Frau- 
enhoffer,  fourteen  feet  focus,  and  nine  inches  aperture,  mounted 
equatorially.  Although  there  was  bright  clear  sunshine,  we  saw  a 
Capella  in  Auriga,  beautifully.  By  means  of  machinery  connected 
with  the  telescope,  the  star  was  kept  in  the  field  of  view.  The  cir- 
cular instrument  is  smaller  than  our's  at  Greenwich:  this  is  a  fine 
observatory.  We  returned  to  the  hotel  in  time  to  fulfil  our  appoint- 
ment with  Princess  Wilhelm,  and  at  one  o'clock  we  all  went,  by  her 
particular  request,  to  visit  her  at  the  palace ;  Beyerhaus  accompa- 
nied us.    Her  husband,  Prince  Wilhelm,  her  two  sons,  and  her 


462 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


daughter,  the  Princess  Marie,  were  all  present,  and  n:ianifesled  much 
kind  and  friendly  feeling  towards  us.  Before  v/e  came  away,  both 
E.  F.  and  I  expressed  our  desires  for  the  advancement  of  their  high- 
est interests,  which  Beyerhaus  interpreted.  They  all  seemed  to  feel 
what  was  said,  and  took  leave  of  us  in  a  very  affectionate  manner. 
This  was  an  opportunity,  not  of  our  own  seeking,  but  for  which  we 
ought  to  be  very  thankful. 

Lord  William  Russell,  the  American  Ambassador,  Wheaton,  and 
some  other  gentlemen,  came  to  dinner,  and  we  had  a  good  deal  of 
company  in  the  evening,  amongst  whom  were  Professor  Tholuck 
and  his  wife,  the  Count  and  Countess  Groben,  the  Count  and  Coun- 
tess Schliefen,  the  Countess  Dernath,  Col.  Boeder  and  his  family, 
and  Baron  Humboldt.  Juhe  von  Hochwachter,  the  lady  who  is  so 
much  interested  about  the  Elizabeth  Hospital,  was  also  present,  and 
some  other  benevolent  ladies.  There  was  much  interesting  conver- 
sation, and  it  was  a  highly  satisfactory  time. 

Fourth  Month  I9th. — First-day.  Baron  Humboldt  called.  We 
held  our  meeting  this  morning  in  my  nice,  quiet  room,  and  were  a 
little  comforted  together,  but  the  exercise  upon  my  mind  daily,  ra- 
ther weighs  me  down.  We  afterwards  called  upon  our  friend  Lo- 
beck  and  his  wife,  and  visited  the  dear  old  clergyman  Gossner ;  he 
has  been  very  ill  with  an  attack  of  influenza,  but  was  bright  and 
lively;  he  is  much  interested  in  the  missionary  cause,  and  has  been 
instrum.ental  in  instructing  thirty-five  missionaries  who  have  been 
sent  out  to  India. 

Our  second  meeting  for  worship  was  held  in  the  great  saloon,  at 
seven  o'clock  this  evening.  There  was  a  large  company  present; 
the  blessed  power  of  Truth  was  to  be  felt,  and  a  more  than  usual 
solemnity  prevailed.  Elizabeth  Fry  first  rose  and  spoke  for  a  short 
time,  explaining  a  little  our  views  of  worship,  and  desiring  that 
whether  any  thing  were  said  or  not,  we  might  be  edified  together. 
I  was  then  favoured  with  strength  and  ability  to  minister  to  the 
people,  and  dear  E.  F.  was  afterwards  engaged  in  testimony  and 
supplication.  Augustus  Beyerhaus  interpreted  faithfully.  I  have 
never  had  a  better  or  more  feeling  interpreter.  The  meeting  ended 
well.    All  praise  be  to  the  Helper  of  His  people  ! 

Fourth  Month  20^A.— About  twelve  o'clock,  we  all  went  by  ap- 
pointment to  call  upon  Prince  Charles,  the  King's  third  son,  who, 
as  well  as  Prince  William,  married  a  daughter  of  the  Grand  Duch- 
ess of  Saxe  Weimar.  They  have  some  fine  children.  The  Prince 
and  Princess  gave  us  a  very  kind  and  cordial  reception.    On  re- 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


463 


turning  to  the  hotel,  I  was  engaged  in  writing  a  letter  to  the  King, 
whose  health  did  not  admit  of  our  having  an  interview  with  him. 
The  subjects  to  be  brought  forward  occasioned  much  anxious 
thought. 

We  dined  at  Lord  William  Russell's,  and  again  paid  a  very- 
agreeable  visit.  The  Ambassador  and  his  wife  from  Brussels  were 
there,  also  Baron  Humboldt,  and  some  other  company. 

21st. — Writing  a  paper  on  prison  discipline  and  prisons,  in  order 
to  prepare  for  some  gentlemen,  who,  by  E.  Fry's  invitation,  were 
to  be  here  at  ten  o'clock.  Much  discussion  took  place,  but  at  length 
we  seemed  to  make  some  way.  Called  on  Prince  Wittgenstein  in 
the  evening;  he  recognised  me  at  once,  and  was  very  aflable. 

22nd. — Rose  at  six.  At  work  on  the  letter  to  the  King,  and 
finished  it." 

This  day  was  a  good  deal  occupied  in  interviews  with  influential 
persons,  on  the  subject  of  the  prison  plans;  some  of  those  in  autho- 
rity were  opposed  to  the  introduction  of  the  proposed  measures,  but 
William  Allen  writes — 

"  E.  F.  pleaded  the  cause  of  the  prisoners  well,  and  some  points 
were  gained.  A  number  of  ladies  came  to  form  a  committee,  and 
arrangements  for  this  object  were  accordingly  made.  Prince  Witt- 
genstein called;  we  had  some  conversation  with  him  respecting  the 
letter  to  the  King,  which  being  approved  by  Elizabeth  Fry  and 
Samuel  Gurney,  was  signed  by  each  of  us.  The  Prince  engaged  to 
put  it  into  the  hands  of  the  King,  and  thus  this  weighty  matter  was 
accomplished  satisfactorily,  and  to  the  great  relief  of  my  mind." 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  letter: — 
"May  it  please  the  King, 

"Permit  three  natives  of  England,  now  travelling  on  the  Conti- 
nent, to  claim  the  King's  attention  for  a  short  time,  while  they 
attempt  to  explain  the  motives  which  have  induced  them  to  leave 
the  comforts  of  home,  and  the  society  of  those  dearest  to  them  in 
life,  for  a  season.  These  motives,  they  humbly  trust,  are  nothing 
more  nor  less,  than  love  to  God  and  to  man;  this  has  led  them  to 
seek  out  those  who  love  the  Saviour,  and  are  really  the  servants  of 
God,  whatever  nation  they  belong  to,  or  whatever  creed  they  may 
profess.  These  we  hail  as  brethren  and  sisters  in  Christ,  as  mem- 
bers of  His  universal  church,  which  is  not  confined  to  any  one  de- 
nomination, but  consists  of  all  those  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus  in 
sincerity,  and  submit  to  the  guidance  of  His  Holy  Spirit;  these  we 
wish  to  comfort,  and  encourage  to  hold  on  their  way,  without  faint- 


464 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


ing,  under  the  trials  and  afflictions  of  time,  and  to  keep  their  eye 
steadily  fixed  upon  Jesus,  the  author  and  finisher  of  their  faith. 

We  have  been  deeply  affected  in  our  own  land,  and  in  the  other 
countries  through  which  we  have  travelled,  in  contemplating  another 
class,  and  that  by  far  the  largest,  who  seem  intent  mainly  upon  self- 
gratification,  and  obtaining  the  means  for  it;  and  who  are  living 
very  much  in  forgetfulness  of  God,  and  of  the  duties  He  is  requiring 
them  to  perform, during  their  short  tarriance  in  this  world;  but  above 
all,  we  have  been  afflicted  with  the  state  of  those  who  are  so  far 
sunk  in  vice  and  depravity,  as  to  become  nuisances  in  society,  and 
at  length  outcasts  from  it.   These,  wherever  they  may  have  been 
found,  in  the  prison-house,  have  especially  claimed  our  attention. 
Hence  we  have,  at  different  times,  in  former  years,  as  well  as  in 
this,  been  led  to  visit  the  prisons  in  various  parts  of  Europe.  We 
have  endeavoured  to  ascertain  the  causes  which  have  brought  our 
unhappy  fellow-creatures  to  such  abject  misery,  the  means  that  may 
have  been  employed  for  reforming  them,  and  the  success  that  may 
have  attended  these  attempts.   We  have  seen,  in  our  own  country, 
and  in  foreign  lands,  with  lively  satisfaction,  the  christian  zeal  which 
has  animated  the  servants  of  Him  who  died  for  sinners,  to  associate 
together  for  the  purpose  of  visiting  those  in  prison,  and  endeavour- 
ing to  promote  their  reformation,  by  the  general  improvement  of 
prison  discipline.  We  are  sure,  from  the  proofs  the  King  has  given, 
by  contributing  so  largely  to  spread  the  knowledge  of  the  Gospel  of 
Christ  through  a  most  extensive  circulation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
that  he  will  deeply  feel  the  force  of  these  expressions, — James  v.  20, 
*  He  that  converteth  a  sinner  from  the  error  of  his  ways,  shall  save 
a  soul  from  death,  and  shall  hide  a  multitude  of  sins.'   We  have 
seen  the  happy  effects  of  such  labours,  and  we  will  venture  to  en- 
treat the  King  to  permit  more  extensive  exertions  to  be  made,  in 
this  way,  in  his  kingdom,  under  such  directions  and  circumstances, 
as  he  may  be  pleased  to  point  out.  We  have  had  the  happiness  of  be- 
coming acquainted  with  so  many  of  his  pious  and  loyal  subjects,  in 
the  capital  of  his  kingdom,  that  we  are  confident  a  sufficient  number 
could  be  found  to  work,  on  a  well-organized  plan,  for  the  reforma- 
tion of  criminals,  and  thus  afford  an  example  for  imitation  in  all  the 
prisons  in  the  kingdom,  and  be  a  source  of  the  most  lively  satisfac- 
tion to  the  King  himself,  whose  first  wish  must  be  the  discovery  of 
the  most  effectual  means  for  the  prevention  of  crime,  and  its  invari- 
able consequent  misery. 

The  accounts  we  have  heard  of  the  pious  disposition  of  the  King, 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN.* 


465 


and  the  proofs  we  have  seen,  as  already  slated,  embolden  us  to  pre- 
fer our  humble  petition  on  behalf  of  some  of  his  subjects,  to  whose 
case  our  attention  has  been  drawn,  in  a  very  lively  manner,  on  ac- 
count of  some  hundreds  of  Prussians,  passing  through  England,  lo 
a  foreign  country,  in  order  to  enjoy  the  privilege  of  worshiping 
God  in  a  manner  which  they  think  the  most  acceptable  to  Him,  and 
their  bounden  duty.  We  were  much  struck  with  the  reply  which 
some  of  these  made,  when  questioned  as  to  the  cause  of  their  emi- 
gration, whether  it  was  political  or  not.  They  seemed  hurt  that 
such  a  question  should  be  asked,  and  earnestly  stated,  that  they 
were  ready  to  lay  down  their  lives  for  their  King,  and  would  wish 
to  remain  in  their  country,  if  they  might  be  permitted  to  worship 
God  in  their  own  way.  Now,  perhaps,  some  of  these  people  may 
have  acted  imprudently,  and  given  just  cause  of  offence  to  the  King; 
and  so  far,  we  can  give  no  opinion;  but  simply  on  the  bare  fact  of 
their  feelings  on  the  subject  of  religion,  may  we  venture  to  entreat 
the  King  to  reconsider  their  case.  We  believe,  that  the  way  in 
which  a  man  may  think  it  right  to  worship  his  God,  is  a  matter  en- 
tirely between  God  and  himself,  for  no  man  can  answer  for  another 
at  that  tribunal,  before  which  we  shall  all  be  finally  judged.  And 
we  would  most  respectfully  query  of  the  King,  whether,  if  his  poor 
subject  be  a  good  husband,  father  and  neighbour,  doing  injury  to 
none,  but  all  the  good  he  can  to  those  about  him;  if  he  cheerfully 
pays  his  taxes,  and  faithfully  supports  the  government  that  protects 
him, — whether  he  might  not  be  safely  permitted  to  act  for  himself 
in  a  case  in  which  he  alone  is  responsible?  Bear  with  us,  O  King, 
while,  in  christian  simplicity,  we  lay  this  matter  before  thee;  for 
we  would  not  have  ventured  to  do  it  from  any  other  consideration 
but  that  of  religious  duty. 

In  passing  through  Minden,  on  our  way  here,  we  visited  those 
few  of  thy  subjects,  who  profess  the  same  religious  principles  with 
us,  and  found  them  very  grateful  to  the  King,  for  the  indulgence  he 
has  so  kindly  shown  to  their  conscientious  scruples,  and  in  this  feel- 
ing of  gratitude,  our  whole  Society  in  England  participates. 

We  feel  deep  sympathy  with  the  King,  under  the  difficulties  of 
his  high  station,  and  it  is  our  prayer,  that  the  Lord  God  Almighty 
may  protect  and  preserve  thee,  O  King,  that  He  may  pour  out 
more  and  more  of  His  Holy  Spirit  upon  thee, — which  is  a  spirit  of 
wisdom  and  power,  as  well  as  the  promised  Comforter  of  the  child- 
ren of  God.  And  we  fervently  desire,  that  after  all  thy  trials  and 
conflicts,  thou  mayst  at  length,  through  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus,  join  the  glorious  company  of  the  church  triumphant,  that  sur- 


466 


LIFE  AND  C0RRE3P0NDENCK 


1840. 


round  the  throne, — 'Who,  having  come  out  of  great  tribulation, 
have  washed  their  robes,  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb.'* 

Accept,  O  King,  the  testimonial  of  respect  and  affection, 
From  thy  sincere  friends, 

William  Allepj, 
Elizabeth  Fry, 
Samuel  Gurney." 

"  We  held  our  parting  meeting  this  evening,  in  the  great  saloon. 
It  was  the  largest  company  we  have  yet  had,  the  room  being  nearly 
full.  After  some  opening  remarks  by  S.  G.,  E.  Fry  addressed  the 
meeting  on  the  care  of  prisoners,  both  in  prison,  and  after  their  dis- 
charge, and  made  some  observations  of  a  more  general  character: 
Lobeck  interpreted  well,  and  much  interest  seemed  excited.  I  then 
came  forward,  and  pressed  upon  the  company  the  importance  of 
associations  for  such  objects,  as  well  as  for  the  prevention  of  crime, 
stating  the  benefit  of  bringing  in  the  aid  of  agricultural  employment, 
both  as  a  means  of  bettering  the  condition  of  the  poor,  and  of  im- 
proving their  moral  habits.  I  mentioned  with  approbation  some  of 
the  establishments  in  this  city,  and  also  the  exertions  made  to  dis- 
seminate the  Holy  Scriptures,  &c.,  encouraging  our  friends  to  per- 
severe in  their  labours  of  Christian  love.  Beyerhaus  interpreted  for 
me.  Samuel  Gurney  again  spoke  for  a  short  time.  We  were  heard 
with  the  greatest  attention,  and  had  many  kind  greetings  after  the 
meeting.  Such  assemblies  as  these  had  not  before  been  permitted 
by  the  government. 

I  had  much  interesting  conversation  with  Prince  Radzevil,  of 
Polish  Prussia ;  he  says,  that  the  state  of  the  peasantry  in  their  part 
of  Poland  is  much  improved. 

Fourth  Month  23rd. — Rose  betueen  five  and  six.  Retirement ; 
felt  that  I  had  great  reason  to  be  comforted,  particularly  with  re- 
gard to  the  letter  to  the  King. 

A  number  of  gentlemen  came  this  morning,  and  we  had  farther 
discussion  on  the  prison  cause.  Many  restrictions  were  proposed 
in  reference  to  the  operations  of  the  committee,  but  at  length  the 
points  were  pretty  much  adjusted.  Called  at  the  Ambassador's. 
Howard  and  Lord  Loftus  dined  with  us,  and  we  had  a  large  and 
agreeable  party  to  tea, — many  for  whom  we  felt  great  love ;  took 
leave  with  much  affection. 

*  In  less  than  two  months  after  this  expression  of  christian  interest  and  solicitude  on 
his  behalf  was  written,  the  King  of  Prussia  was  called  from  time  to  eternity. 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


467 


Dr.  Strauss,  ihe  King's  chaplain,  brought  a  message  from  the 
King,  expressive  of  his  grateful  feelings  on  receiving  the  letter,  his 
pleasure  at  having  us  in  his  capital,  and  his  approbation  of  our  la- 
bours here,  at  the  same  time  endeavouring  to  explain  his  conduct 
towards  the  Lutherans." 

Soon  afterwards,  the  King  sent  the  following  letter,  addressed  to 

"  Mr.  Alle\,  Mrs.  Fry,  and  Mr.  Gurney. 

"  The  more  I  have  heard  of  your  worthy  endeavours  in  your 
own  country,  to  improve  the  criminals  through  the  awakening  of 
moral  feeling  and  christian  principle,  with  so  much  the  more  plea- 
sure I  learned  of  your  being  here,  knowing  beforehand  that  the  ob- 
ject of  your  journey  was  likewise  for  the  same  benevolent  purpose, 
and  which  you  have  made  the  work  of  your  life.  It  rejoiced  me 
to  hear  that  you  had  seen  institutions  at  Berlin,  which  forward  this 
object,  and  have  found,  amongst  all  classes  of  the  inhabitants  of 
this  city,  many  who  have,  in  some  measure,  joined  themselves  to 
societies  for  promoting  the  good  of  their  fellow  creatures,  and 
others,  ready  to  give  up  part  of  their  time  and  strength  to  the  same 
cause.  Willingly  will  I  forward  these  purposes,  and  as  I  have 
never  failed  to  support  what  is  truly  good  and'  beneficial,  so  shall  I 
not  withhold  my  countenance  in  future,  when  these  benevolent 
circles  widen  themselves,  and  bring  forth  happy  results. 

In  regard  to  your  petition  for  those  erring  Lutheran  separatists, 
•who,  from  misunderstanding  and  ill-will,  have  thought  right  to  leave 
their  country,  you  will  have  learned,  through  those  I  appointed  to 
inform  you,  the  real  state  of  the  case ;  that  every  means  of  gentle- 
ness and  kind  remonstrance  was  urged  in  vain,  to  convince  them 
that  they  left  their  country  without  just  grounds,  as  their  liberty  of 
conscience  was  not  interfered  with,  but  that  their  extravagant  de- 
mands could  not  be  complied  with,  being  perfectly  inconsistent  with 
the  order  of  the  church.  Frederick  Wilhelm." 

Before  leaving  Berlin,  William  Allen  addressed  a  letter  to  the 
Crown  Prince,*  in  which  he  begged  to  lay  before  him  a  few  obser- 
vations, which  had  arisen  in  consequence  of  the  visits  paid,  by  him- 
self and  his  friends,  to  some  of  the  public  institutions  of  that  city. 
He  says — 

"It  was  a  noble  saying  of  a  heathen,  whose  views,  with  regard 
to  a  future  state,  were  by  no  means  clear — '  I  am  a  man,  and  any 
thing  that  concerns  the  welfare  of  man,  cannot  be  indifferent  to  me,' 
— [Homo  sum,  ^c.)    But  how  much  more  powerfully  should  this 


*  Now  King  of  Prussia. 


468 


LIFE  AXD  CORRESPO\DE.\CE 


1840. 


feeling  exist  in  the  christian,  who  by  the  light  of  dit'ine  revelation, 
has  been  led  to  appreciate  the  value  of  immortal  souls  !  How  deep- 
ly should  he  be  impressed  with  the  urgent  necessity  of  doing  all  in 
his  power  to  contribute  towards  the  eternal  well-being  of  his  fellow 
man  !  We  were  not  sent  into  this  world  merely  to  gratify  our  own 
inclinations  and  natural  appetites;  but  to  endeavour  to  promote  the 
glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  His  rational  creatures  :  so  that  while 
it  is  the  duty  of  every  one  to  '  provide  things  honest  in  the  sight  of 
all  men,'  (Romans  xii.  17.  1  Tim.  v.  8.)  for  his  own  family,  he  has 
also  duties  to  perform  towards  his  suffering  fellow-creatures,  and 
particularly  such  as  Divine  Providence  may  have  placed  within  his 
reach,  and  put  it  into  his  power  to  relieve. 

There  is  scarcely  any  one  who  is,  from  necessity,  so  fully  em- 
ployed, that  he  has  no  leisure  for  a  work  of  benevolence.  By  a 
judicious  allotment  of  tiine  to  particular  duties  and  purposes,  we 
shall  be  prevented  from  wasting  that  invaluable  talent,  and  may  find 
abundant  opportunity  for  contributing  our  assistance  towards  carry- 
ing forward  many  a  good  work.  The  comfort  and  satisfaction  that 
attend  an  attempt  to  relieve  misery,  or  do  good  to  others,  is  a  noble 
and  ennobling  enjoyment ;  and  when  a  number  of  persons  so  dis- 
posed, unite  their  efforts  for  a  common  object,  upon  a  prudent  and 
well-considered  plan,  the  amoimt  of  good  thereby  produced  is  often 
incalculable.  That  there  is  strength  in  union  has  been  shown  in  a 
striking  manner  in  England,  where,  in  many  instances,  a  few  indi- 
viduals, uniting  in  the  first  place  to  call  public  attention  to  a  parti- 
cular object,  have  been  the  means  of  accomplishing  the  most  valua- 
ble purposes;  thus  in  the  case  of  prisons  and  prison  discipline  in 
England,  an  association  commenced  by  a  very  few  individuals  in 
the  middle  class  of  society,  has,  by  its  labours,  attracted  the  atten- 
tion of  government,  and  been  the  means  of  introducing  important 
improvements;  but  still  more  remarkable  has  been  the  success  of 
such  combinations,  in  the  history  of  the  origin  and  progress  of  the 
Bible  Society,  and  in  the  extermination  of  Slavery  in  the  colonies 
of  Great  Britain.  We  have  seen,  in  these  cheering  examples,  how 
the  divine  blessing  has  been  bestowed  upon  christian  exertions  to 
promote  the  best  interests  of  man. 

There  is  scarcely  any  thing  in  which  society  is  so  deeply  con- 
cerned, as  the  prevention  of  crime:  the  security  of  our  lives  and 
property  is  involved  in  it;  so  that  it  becomes  the  imperative  duty 
of  every  individual  to  contribute  his  assistance  according  to  his 
opportunities  for  it,  and  in  full  proportion  to  the  influence  he  may 
possess.    Every  one  has  it  in  his  power  to  do  something,  more  or 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


4G9 


less,  to  discourage  and  put  down  whatever  lias  a  tendency  to  demo- 
ralization and  vice;  as  dissipation,  gambling,  and  intcinperance — 
the  fruitful  sources  of  crime. 

The  next  all-important  object  is  to  attend  to  the  deplorable  con- 
dition of  those  who  are  so  sunk  in  vice  and  crime,  as  to  become 
outcasts  of  society." 

W.  A.  goes  on  to  state,  that  such  have  an  especial  claim  upon 
christian  exertion  ;  and  that  it  is  the  interest  of  every  christian  gov- 
ernment to  encourage  the  formation  of  associations  for  the  purpose 
of  contributing,  as  far  as  possible,  to  the  reformation  of  prisoners. 
He  then  offers  some  suggestions  on  the  construction  and  regulation 
of  prisons;  and,  after  expressing  bis  warmest  tlianks  for  the  kind 
attention  received  in  Berlin,  adds  the  fervent  prayer  of  his  heart, 
that— 

*' '  Grace,  mercy,  and  peace,  from  God  Ihe  Father,  and  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord,'  may  be  multiplied  to  the  dear  Prince  and  his  be- 
loved consort." 

This  letter  was  very  kindly  received. 
Fourth  Month  2Alh. — Many  persons  called  this  morning  to  take 
leave.  About  twelve  o'clock,  we  went  to  pay  our  last  visit  to  the 
Crown  Prince  and  Princess;  we  were  with  them  nearly  an  hour, 
and  had  a  most  satisfactory  interview.  We  had  much  free  con- 
versation on  some  important  points,  and  were  all  comforted  together 
in  a  little  of  the  sweet  feeling  of  what  I  humbly  trust  was  the  love 
of  God,  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts.  From  hence,  we  proceeded  to 
the  Prince  and  Princess  Wiihelm,  the  brother  and  sister-in-law  of 
the  King,  who,  with  their  sons  and  daughter,  received  us  most 
kindly;  they  are  interesting  young  people,  and  after  a  friendly  and 
satisfactory  visit,  we  parted  affectionately.  The  Princess  is  an  ex- 
cellent person.  We  called  upon  an  old  lady  named  Bock,  who  had 
been  governess  to  the  Princesses  of  Prussia,  and  resides  at  the  King's 
palace;  she  particularly  desired  to  see  me,  having  remembered  meet- 
ina  me  eiffht  years  aso.  We  had  an  an;rceable  visit,  and  she  seem- 
ed  to  be  much  comforted.  We  have  had  a  great  deal  to  do  here, 
in  writing  in  albums,  and  many  were  left  for  us  to  write  in  this 
morning. 

VVe  left  Berlin  in  the  afternoon,  accompanied  by  Augustus  Beyer- 
haus  and  Mary  Ann  Murray,  and  proceeded  by  the  railroad  to  Potz- 
dam.  Beyerhaus  and  I  then  went  to  see  the  school  for  orphans, 
established  on  the  banks  of  the  river  Ilavel,  by  a  benevolent  person 
named  Von  Tiirck,  who  has  directed  much  of  his  aitention  to  the 
cultivation  of  mulberry  trees,  and  the  management  of  silk-worms, 


470 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


and  he  derives  a  considerable  profit  from  this  branch  of  industry. 
He  has  eighteen  boarders,  and  when  his  income  falls  short,  the  King 
grants  him  a  little  help.  On  our  return  to  the  hotel,  we  found  dear 
E.  J.  F.  surrounded  by  a  number  of  ladies,  who  were  earnestly  seek- 
ing for  her  assistance  to  form  a  Ladies'  Prison  Committee.  Weary 
as  she  was,  and  rather  low,  she  readily  entered  into  their  concerns, 
and  conducted  the  business  admirably.  It  was  late  when  we  re- 
tired to  bed." 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1840. — Journey  from  Potzdam — Visit  to  Luther's  Coll  at  Wittemberg — Arrival  at  Leip- 
sig — Letter  from  Berlin — Visit  to  Dresden — to  Weimar — Interview  with  the  Grand 
Duke  and  Duchess — Gotha — Visit  to  the  Castle  of  Wartburg — Frankfort — Dusseldorf 
— Religious  Engagements  there — Visit  to  Count  Von  der  Recke's  Institution  at  Dussel- 
thal — To  Pastor  Fliedncr's  at  Kaiscrswerth — Antwerp — Peaceful  retrospect  of  the 
Journey — Voyage  to  London — Arrival  at  Home — Yearly  Meeting — Anti-Slavery  Con- 
vention— Second  Journey  to  the  Continent — Paris — Strasburg — Stutlgard — Visit  to 
Institutions — Interview  with  the  King  and  Queen  of  Wurtemberg — With  the  Duchess 
Louis  and  the  Queen  at  Kircheim — Arrival  at  Munich — Visit  to  the  Donaumoos — Let- 
ter from  the  King  of  Wurtemberg — Departure  from  Munich — Constance — Journey  to 
Geneva.  Meets  P.  Bedford — They  travel  together  to  Lausanne,  Berne,  and  Basle — Visit 
to  Beuggen — Bonn — Dusseldorf — Brussels — Ghent — Antwerp — Arrival  at  Home — 
Letter  to  the  King  of  Prussia. 

"Fourth  Month  25th. — Rose  at  six;  very  peaceful;  my  mind  sweet- 
ly calmed  and  settled,  and  these  feelings  continued  during  the  day. 
We  left  Potzdam  about  eight,  Beyerhaus  kindly  proceeding  with  us 
to  Leipsig.  The  weather  was  fine,  the  buds  of  the  trees  were  burst- 
ing, the  roads  good,  and  the  prospects  delightful.  On  reaching  Wit- 
temberg, where  Luther  dwelt,  we  concluded  to  stop  a  little  time, 
and  walked  to  the  monastery  near  the  Elster  Gate,  to  visit  his  cell. 
There  we  found  the  chair  he  used  to  occupy,  and  the  table  at  which 
he  sat  to  write,  &c.  Near  this,  is  the  house  where  Melaiicthon  lived 
and  died.  VV^e  passed  the  beautiful  bronze  statue  of  Luther,  under 
a  canopy,  and  proceeded  to  the  '  Schloss  Kirche,'  to  visit  the  tombs 
of  these  two  great  reformers.  In  the  same  building  are  interred  the 
remains  of  Frederick  the  Wise,  and  John  the  Stedfast,  two  electors 
of  Saxony,  who  were  the  friends  and  protectors  of  Luther  and  the 
Reformation.  Though  much  interested  in  our  visits,  they  occa- 
sioned a  considerable  delay,  and  it  was  past  twelve  before  we 
reached  Leipsig. 

Fourth  Month  26th. — First-day.  We  met  for  worship  at  eleven 
— a  comfortable,  refreshing  opportunity;  a  friend  of  Beyerhaus 
was  with  us.  We  afterwards  visited  a  very  large  building,  some 
parts  of  which  are  appropriated  to  the  poor,  some  parts  to  the  in- 


1840. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


471 


sane,  some  as  a  prison,  and  some  to  a  school  for  orphans.  These 
children  answered  questions  in  the  Scriptures  exceedidgiy  well.  In 
the  jirison  we  saw  one  of  those  instances  of  long  detention  before 
trial,  which  is  a  cruel  hardship  in  the  Prussian  law. 

In  the  evening  from  twenty  to  thirty  persons  joined  us  at  our 
reading,  which  was  a  favoured  time,  and  several  seemed  to  feel  it 
to  be  so.    A  very  comfortable  evening." 

Soon  after  leaving  Berlin,  William  Allen  received  the  following 
note,  dated  from  thence,  and  addressed  to  him  and  his  friends : — 

"  My  Dear  Friends, 

"  I  thank  you  with  all  my  heart  for  the  kind  visit  you  have  made 
to  our  city,  and  I  hope  that  the  impression,  which  not  only  your 
words,  but  your  whole  appearance  made,  will  be  a  fresh  stimulus 
to  many,  both  old  and  young,  to  follow  our  dear  Redeemer  with 
more  seriousness,  in  greater  simplicity  of  heart,  and  in  renewed 
strength.  There  was  one  point  in  your  discourses  which  I  think 
deserves  the  greatest  attention,  because  it  is,  with  very  few  excep- 
tions, almost  never  touched  by  our  ministers  as  a  matter  of  Chris- 
tian experience, — I  mean,  what  you  said  of  Christ  dwelling  in  our 
hearts  by  foiih,  and  of  living  in  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

These  doctrines,  though  so  plainly  revealed  in  the  sacred  volume, 
are  so  little  looked  upon  as  main  points  of  Christian  life,  without 
which  no  Christianity  can  exist,  that  we  should  be  tempted  to  think 
many  of  the  learned  professors  do  not  know  that  there  is  a  Holy 
Ghost,  and  to  them  I  may  say,  you  preached  the  unknown  God. 

There  are,  however,  many  dear  Christians  here,  who  live  in  this 
holy  communion,  and  dwell  under  this  blessed  influence,  who  by 
reading  their  Bible  with  meditation  and  prayer,  know  the  love  of 
God,  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  fellowship  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  to  be  their  blessed  privilege;  and  who  walk,  or  endea- 
vour to  walk,  worthy  of  their  high  calling.  Now  to  such,  your 
words  have  been  a  great  encouragement,  as  they  touched  the  sym- 
pathy of  their  own  feelings,  so  kind,  so  soft,  and  with  such  an  irre- 
sistible power.  May  the  Lord  help  us  all  to  live  a  life  of  faith  in 
Him.  May  we  ever  more  and  more  be  grafted  into  the  true  vine, 
and  may  we,  whom  the  Lord  united  by  the  sweet  bond  of  Christian 
love,  continue  to  walk  steadfastly,  and  meet  again  in  Jerusalem 
above ! 

This  was  the  prayer  of  my  heart  while  parting  with  you." 
"  Fourth  Month.  21th. — Samuel  Gurney  and  his  daughter,  Lucy, 
and  I,  set  off,  by  the  railroad,  for  Dresden,  leaving  dear  E.  F.  at 


472 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


Leipsig,  until  our  return.  My  mind  was  uncommonly  favoured 
with  a  feeling  of  peace.  1  was  delighted,  on  our  ride,  to  see  a 
number  of  little  cottages,  with  land  attached  to  them,  upon  our 
Lindfield  plan.  On  arriving  at  Dresden,  S.  G.  and  I  called  upon 
the  British  Minister,  and  were  kindly  received  ;  then  went  in  search 
of  some  friends  of  Tauchnitz,  who  are  also  friends  of  the  Bible,  and 
fixed  for  them  to  come  to  us  this  evening. 

The  kingdom  of  Saxony  contains  only  about  two  millions  of  sub- 
jects. There  are  very  few  soldiers  to  be  seen,  which  is  a  great 
contrast  to  Prussia.    Berlin  is  renowned  for  sand  and  soldiers. 

Our  company  came  to  us  about  seven  o'clock ;  they  are  very  in- 
telligent, interesting  people,  and  gave  us  much  information  on  the 
subject  of  religion,  which  seems  in  a  grievously  low  state  here. 
Head  hnoidedge  is  all  in  all,  believers  in  divine  revelation  are  des- 
pised as  ■pittists,  and  are  called  mystics,  &c.  We  spent  a  very 
agreeable  evening,  and,  I  believe,  were  refreshed  together. 

28^//. — It  appeared  to  me  right  to  try  to  see  Prince  John,  and 
having  written  a  letter  to  him,  S.  G.  and  I  called,  to  endeavour  to 
obtain  an  interview :  he  sent  us  word  that  he  was  then  encased 
in  the  religious  instruction  of  his  children,  but  would  see  us  in  ten 
minutes.  We  accordingly  waited ;  he  received  us  kindly  and 
courteously,  and,  on  my  informing  him  of  the  objects  of  our  journey, 
he  alluded  to  my  having  been  here  before,  with  Stephen  Grell?f. 
After  a  little  conversation  respecting  the  poor,  it  seemed  to  be  my 
place  to  bring  forward  the  subject  of  liberty  of  conscience,  and  to 
refer  him  to  the  page  of  history  as  a  proof  of  the  evil  of  govern- 
ment interfering  in  these  matters ;  amongst  other  instances,  men- 
tioning the  dreadful  consequences  resulting  from  the  revocation  of 
the  Edict  of  Nantes.  I  spoke  strongly,  but  respectfully;  S.  G.  also 
expressed  his  views  respecting  slavery,  and  gave  the  Prince  Bux- 
ton's Book.  He  said  he  should  have  been  very  glad  to  have  seen 
Elizabeth  Fry.  We  took  leave  agreeably,  and  my  mind  was  great- 
ly relieved  and  thankful  that  way  had  opened  for  this  conference. 

Baron  W.  and  I  visited  the  orphan  house,  which  seemed  in  a  very 
good  state.  We  returned  to  Leipsig  in  the  afternoon,  very  glad 
that  we  had  so  satisfactorily  accomplished  this  little  journey. 

A  number  of  visitors  came  to  us  in  the  evening,  and  we  had  a 
useful  and  satisfactory  opportunity.  Tauchnitz,  a  Mennonite,  and 
an  excellent  man,  interpreted  vvelL  Professor  SeyfTarth  was 
amongst  the  company. 

Fourth  Month  2Qt/i. — We  set  out  for  Weimar  about  JO  o'clock, 
and  in  passing  over  the  plains  of  Lutzen,  where  Gusiavus  Adolphus 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


473 


of  Sweden  was  killed,  in  the  great  battle  of  1G32,  mourned  over  the 
fruits  of  religious  intolerance,  superstition  and  bigotry.  The  stone 
placed  to  mark  the  spot  where  he  fell,  now  has  a  neat  canopy  erect- 
ed over  it. 

We  have  been  reading  D'Aubigne's  History  of  the  Reformation, 
as  we  rode  along.  It  is  very  interesting,  and  shows  how  nobly 
Luther  maintained  the  great  truth,  that  religion  is  a  work  between 
man  and  his  Maker,  and  that  no  man  ought  to  attempt  to  control 
the  conscience  of  another. 

Part  of  our  ride  was  delightfully  romantic,  through  the  valley  of 
the  Saale,  where  there  are  very  extensive  salt  works.  We  reached 
Weimar  about  10  o'clock.  I  felt  very  thankful  in  having  proceed- 
ed thus  far. 

SOth. — S.  G.  and  I  walked  to  the  palace,  to  call  upon  the  Grand 
Duchess,  who  recognised  me  very  cordially,  and  had  been  expect- 
ing to  see  us.  I  then  went  on  to  Dr.  Froriep,  who  seemed  truly 
glad  of  our  arrival.  The  Grand  Duchess  wished  to  see  us  all  at 
twelve  o'clock,  and  after  visiting  some  institutions,  we  waited  upon 
her  and  her  husband  at  the  hour  appointed ;  they  both  received  us 
most  kindly,  though  she  rather  reproached  us  for  having  allotted  so 
short  a  lime  to  Weimar.  After  a  very  agreeable  interview,  we 
took  leave,  in  much  Christian  regard,  desiring  that  the  divine  bless- 
ing might  rest  upon  this  family." 

During  the  visit,  when  passing  a  bust  of  the  late  Empeior  Alex- 
ander of  Russia,  the  Duchess  paused,  looked  at  the  bust,  and  then 
at  W.  A.,  and,  without  uttering  a  word,  sighed  deeply.  He  was 
much  overcome,  and  she  afterwards  remarked  to  Elizabeth  Fry, 
that  "  Mr.  Allen  knew  her  brother  well."  On  E.  J.  Fry  saying  that 
there  were  very  few  Emperors  like  him,  she  replied,  "Very  few 
men  you  might  say." 

In  proceeding  from  Weimar  to  Gotha,  William  Allen  mentions 
stopping  at  Erfurt,  to  see  the  Augustine  convent,  in  which  Luther 
first  began  his  career.    He  says — 

"  The  building  is  now  converted  into  an  orphan  house,  but  liis 
apartment  is  preserved  as  nearly  as  possible  in  its  original  state,  and 
contains  his  portrait,  Bible,  and  other  relics.  Here  he  spent  several 
years  of  his  life;  at  the  altar  in  the  chapel  he  read  his  first  mass, 
and  here,  perhaps,  in  this  very  cell,  he  first  studied  the  Bible,  a  copy 
of  which  he  never  saw,  until  he  was  twenty  years  of  age,  when  he 
picked  up  one  by  accident,  in  a  corner  of  the  library. 

I  was  very  tired  on  our  arrival  at  Gotha,  but  some  of  the  party 

Vol.  II.  31 


474 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


set  off  to  see  the  palace,  which  is  a  grand  and  spacious  pile  of  build- 
ing, finely  situated.  They  saw  Prince  Albert's  apartments,  M'hich 
they  said  were  extremely  handsome. 

Fifth  Month  1st. — Left  Gotha  early.  A  fine  morning.  I  thought 
much  of  the  Grand  Duchess  of  Saxe  Weimar,  and  her  wish  to  know 
more  of  our  agricultural  plans  for  the  poor.  We  passed  through 
fine  romantic  scenery,  including  the  Thuringian  Forest,  mountains 
covered  with  wood,  &c.  We  breakfasted  at  Eisenach,  and  after- 
wards visited  the  Castle  of  Wartburg,  formerly  the  residence  of  the 
Landgrave  of  Thuringia,  but  more  remarkable  as  the  asylum  of 
Luther,  for  the  space  of  ten  months.  It  was  while  returning  from 
the  Diet  of  Worms,  where  he  had  so  nobly  stood  forth  in  defence 
of  his  faith,  unmoved  by  threats  or  cajolings,  and  had  thereby  in- 
curred the  papal  excommunication,  that  on  reaching  the  borders  of 
the  Thuringian  Forest,  he  was  waylaid  by  a  party  of  armed  and 
vizored  knights,  his  attendants  dispersed,  and  he  was  made  prison- 
er. So  secretly  was  the  capture  effected,  that,  for  a  time,  no  one 
knew  what  was  become  of  him  ;  even  Luther  himself,  it  is  believed, 
was  not  aware,  at  the  moment  of  his  seizure,  that  the  whole  was 
merely  the  device  of  his  friend,  the  Elector  of  Saxony,  adopted 
with  the  view  of  rescuing  him  from  the  dangers  which  at  that  mo- 
ment threatened  his  life.  He  was  silently  conveyed  away  to  the 
Castle  at  Wartburg,  where  he  passed  for  a  young  nobleman,  and 
was  enjoined  to  take  the  name  of 'Junker  Georg,'  (Squire  Geoi'ge.) 
During  the  time  spent  in  this  solitude,  which  he  called  his  '  Patmos,' 
he  wrote  several  works,  and  completed  a  large  portion  of  his  trans- 
lation of  the  Bible. 

The  castle  stands  upon  an  eminence,  and  overlooks  a  wide  range 
of  country,  including  many  forest-clad  hills.  The  chamber  which 
Luther  occupied,  appears  to  have  undergone  little  change  ;  it  con- 
tains his  table,  three  legged  stool,  and  inkstand ;  he  has  himself  de- 
scribed in  his  writings,  the  attacks  of  the  devil,  to  which  in  some  of 
his  solitary  hours  he  felt  himself  subjected  ;  and  tradition  says,  that 
he  repulsed  these  attacks  by  throwing  the  inkstand  at  the  head  of 
his  adversary.  In  confirmation  of  this  assertion,  the  ink  spots  are 
shown  upon  the  wall.  The  prospect  from  this  place  is  delightful. 
From  thence,  we  proceeded  to  Fulda,  where  we  lodged,  and  the 
next  day  reached  Frankfort.  After  being  settled  in  my  room,  I 
knelt  down  and  poured  out  thanksgiving  for  the  preservations  and 
continued  mercies  vouchsafed  to  me  during  this  journey.  So  far 
the  retrospect  is  peaceful. 

Fifth  Month  3rd. — First-day.    Comforted  in  receiving  letters 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


475 


with  good  accounts  from  home.  We  held  our  meeting  this  morn- 
ing; E.  F.  was  engaged,  briefly,  in  testimony  and  supphcation,  and 
I  was  led  to  offer  a  few  remarks  on  that  comprehensive  portion  of 
the  prayer  of  our  blessed  Lord,  '  Thy  will  be  done,'  showing  the 
necessity  of  ivaiting  upon  our  Divine  Master,  in  order  to  know 
what  is  His  will  concerning  us.  L.  and  I  took  a  pleasant,  quiet 
walk  among  the  pretty  gardens  of  this  nice,  clean  town.  In  the 
evening,  about  forty  persons  attended  our  reading ;  it  was  a  satis- 
factory time,  and  many  seemed  comforted  and  refreshed,  feelingly 
acknowledging  that  they  considered  it  a  privilege  to  have  been  pre- 
sent. Woodbridge,  from  New  England,  and  his  wife  are  residing 
here ;  they  are  both  in  poor  health.  Dr.  Pinkerton  called.  I  find 
that  the  rumour,  which  I  heard  at  Berlin,  is  quite  true,  that  the  Em- 
peror of  Russia  has  forbidden  Temperance  societies.    Sad  !  sad  ! 

Fifth  Month  4.th. — We  all  dined  at  Dr.  Pinkerlon's,  and  in  the 
afternoon  proceeded  by  railroad  to  Mayence.  Walked  to  the  pub- 
lic gardens  outside  the  fortifications,  from  whence  there  is  a  beau- 
tiful view  of  the  junction  of  the  Maine  and  the  Rhine.  The  even- 
ing was  very  fine. 

5th. — We  proceeded,  by  the  steamer,  to  Cologne,  and  had  a  de- 
lightful day,  viewing  the  interesting  scenery  on  the  banks  of  the 
river.  We  breakfasted  and  dined  on  board;  arrived  between  six 
and  seven,  and  the  next  day  came  on  to  Dusseldorf." 

During  his  stay  here,  William  Allen  visited  the  institution  at  Dus- 
selthal,  for  orphans  and  destitute  children,  under  the  care  of  the  ex- 
cellent Count  Von  der  Recke,  he  says — 

"  This  is  another  instance  of  the  blessing  of  Divine  Providence 
upon  the  benevolent  and  disinterested  exertions  of  a  single  indivi- 
dual, in  the  cause  of  suffering  humanity.  Count  Adelbert  von  der 
Recke  Volmerstein  is  descended  of  a  noble  family,  which  was  pos- 
sessed of  many  large  estates,  prior  to  the  wars  of  Napoleon  Bona- 
parte :  most  of  these  estates  fell  a  prey  to  the  conqueror.  Soon 
after  the  peace,  many  fatherless  and  destitute  children  were  found 
upon  the  roads,  begging  or  stealing :  these  poor  out-casts  strongly 
excited  the  compassion  of  this  generous  youth  ;  and  to  some  of  them 
he  afforded  an  asylum  in  his  house,  and  boarded  and  educated  them 
himself.  The  comfort  and  pleasure  resulting  from  these  deeds  of 
mercy,  and  the  increasing  number  of  these  pitiable  objects,  induced 
him  to  found  a  little  establishment  for  their  education,  near  his 
paternal  castle  at  Overdyk,  not  far  from  Elberfeld,  about  the  year 
1817  :  and  this  is  thought  to  have  been  the  first  asylum  for  destitute 
children  on  the  Continent.    Some  years  afterwards,  these  philan- 


476 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


thropic  feelings  continually  increasing,  he  adopted  the  resolution  of 
making  it  the  chief  object  of  his  life  to  relieve  the  distressed  and 
instruct  the  ignorant ;  and  the  whole  of  his  noble  family,  who  had 
themselves  felt  the  distress  of  the  war,  encouraged  him  in  it.  He 
instituted  a  society  which  he  called  '  Menschenfreunde,'  or  '  Friend 
of  Man,'  and  purchased  the  large  estate  called  Dussellhal  Abbey, 
in  the  year  1822.  Here  he  took  in  a  number  of  poor,  destitute,  and 
even  some  criminal  children.  It  appears,  from  the  information  we 
have  received,  that  for  several  years  this  establishment  proceeded 
on  a  very  extensive  scale  :  in  its  fourth  year  two  hundred  and  thirty- 
six  persons  were  boarded  there  every  day,  and  the  buildings  were 
increased.  Although  very  considerable  gifts  were  received,  the 
out-acoings  exceeded  the  income,  and  debts  were  incurred.  A  con- 
cern  of  this  magnitude  appears  almost  too  much  to  rest  upon  an 
individual,  unassisted  by  any  committee.  His  excellent  wife,  how- 
ever, the  mother  of  eight  children,  is  a  powerful  support,  and  his 
unmarried  sister  and  brother,  and  a  few  female  christian  friends, 
who,  from  the  attraction  of  the  conduct,  character,  and  object  of 
the  Count  and  Countess,  reside  with  them,  cheerfully  aid  their  plans, 
and,  in  great  measure,  supply  the  place  of  a  committee.  A  rennark- 
able  spirit  of  christian  philanthropy  seems  to  pervade  the  whole 
family.  The  devotedness  and  self-denial  of  the  dear  Count  and  his 
estimable  wife,  are  very  remarkable.  Though  brought  up  in  afflu- 
ence in  their  younger  years,  they  submit  to  live,  with  their  own 
eight  children,  and  a  few  faithful  friends,  under  the  same  roof  with 
one  hundred  and  twelve  destitute  children,*  subject  to  be  called 
upon  almost  every  hour  of  the  day  to  attend  to  some  details  of  the 
establishment,  or  to  inquiries  connected  with  it.  The  children  re- 
ceive sufficient  school  instruction,  and  above  all,  have  much  reli- 
gious care  extended  to  them, — great  pains  being  taken  to  lead  them 
to  a  knowledge  of  their  God  and  Saviour.  The  pleasing  proofs  of 
grateful  affection,  evinced  by  many  of  those  who  have  been  brought 
up  in  this  establishment,  have  cheered  the  Count  and  Countess  in 
their  arduous  labours.  In  one  of  his  reports,  he  says,  '  Great  are 
our  wants:  sometimes  greater  than  our  faith;  therefore,  I  hold  up 
one  of  my  hands  to  the  Father  in  Heaven,  without  whose  notice 
not  a  sparrow  falls  to  the  ground,  and  I  stretch  out  my  other  to  you, 
dear  christian  friends,  who  may  have  received  much  of  the  goods 
of  this  life — a  talent  to  be  employed  in  the  cause  of  the  kingdom  of 
God,  for  your  assistance  in  feeding  the  hungry,  clothing  the  naked, 

*  The  number  is  now  increased  to  one  hundred  and  sixty. 


jg^Q  OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN.  477 

and  instructing  those  who  are  ignorant  of  their  duties  to  God  and 
to  man.' 

Gustavus  Meyer,  who  resides  in  the  house,  seemed  much  pleased 
to  see  me,  and  I  found  he  had  been  a  pupil  of  Professor  Tholuck's. 

There  is  a  farm  connected  with  the  establishment,  on  which  the 
children  are  employed;  and  their  labour  is  not  only  available  in  a 
pecuniary  point  of  view,  but  is  found  to  contribute  to  their  moral 
improvement.  Several  trades  are  carried  on  here,  as  shoemaking, 
printing,  bookbinding,  &c.,  and  there  is  a  large  warehouse  for  the 
sale  of  religious  publications,  eau  de  Cologne,  &c.  This  is  a  very 
interesting  place. 

Samuel  Gurney  has  received  some  important  letters  from  his 
brother,  J.  J.  Gurney,  giving  exxellent  accounts  of  the  black  la- 
bourers, and  speaking  highly  of  my  worthy  friends,  Colonel  Cole- 
brooke.  Governor  of  Antigua,  and  Major  Macphail,  Governor  of 
Dominica. 

We  had  company  in  the  evening,  to  converse  about  prison  con- 
cerns and  other  philanthropic  objects.  The  Count  and  Countess 
Von  der  Recke,  with  several  from  the  Dussehhal  establishment,  and 
many  other  intelligent  persons,  were  present.  But  very  few  here 
speak  English. 

Fifth  Month  8th. — The  Countess  Groeben,  whom  S.  Grellet  and  I 
saw  in  Berlin,  in  1832,  called.  There  seems  to  be  a  good  prison 
committee  here  ;  but  there  is  a  want  of  plan  and  system  in  many 
places  in  Prussia.  It  is  of  great  importance  to  have  regular  details 
of  the  proceedings  of  a  committee,  and  of  the  result  of  their  labours. 

We  took  a  ride  to  Kaiserswerth,  on  the  Rhine,  to  visit  the  insti- 
tution of  Pastor  Fliedner,  a  man  of  piety,  energy,  and  devotedness 
of  heart,  who  combines  several  objects  in  his  establishment.  One 
is,  to  train  a  number  of  young  women  as  protestant  sisters  of  chari- 
ty, to  attend  the  sick  poor  at  their  own  houses,  in  hospitals,  &c. ; 
they  are  termed  '  deaconesses.'  He  has,  at  present,  fifteen  in  the 
house,  and  six  who  are  out  nursing.  They  are  selected  with  great 
care,  and  those  whom  we  saw  were  agreeable  looking  young  wo- 
men, all  dressed  alike,  in  a  very  neat  blue  print. 

He  has,  besides  an  infant-school  for  forty  or  fifty  poor  children, 
an  hospital,  containing  about  forty  patients,  who  seemed  comfort- 
ably provided  for,  and  a  small  refuge  for  discharged  prisoners; 
these  are  under  the  care  of  a  matron,  a  valuable  person,  who  per- 
forms this  service  from  principle,  and  will  not  receive  a  salary;  she 
has  been  there  three  years.    All  the  premises  appeared  very  clean. 


478 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


Before  we  came  away,  we  had  a  religious  opportunity  with  the 
deaconesses,  and  were  engaged  in  innparting  counsel  and  encourage- 
ment. 

We  spent  the  evening  agreeably  at  Count  Groeben's. 

Fifth  Month  iHh. — S.  Gurney  and  I  waited  upon  Prince  Frederick, 
the  son  of  the  Queen  of  Hanover  by  her  second  husband,  the  Prince 
of  Solms.  He  received  us  very  cordially.  He  confirmed  what  we 
had  heard  respecting  the  difficulties  which  Count  Von  der  Recke 
had  to  struggle  with,  in  conducting  his  establishment,  and  bore  tes- 
timony to  the  worth  of  the  man.  We  had  a  very  agreeable  inter- 
view. We  made  some  other  calling  visits,  and  L.  and  I  again  went 
out  to  Dusselthal,  to  enter  farther  into  the  details  of  this  important 
work  of  christian  benevolence.  I  feel  that  it  embraces  so  much 
that  is  valuable,  and  so  much  that  is  really  wanted  in  Germany, 
that  I  much  wish  to  see  the  interesting  objects  which  its  excellent 
founder  is  so  disinterestedly  labouring  to  promote,  more  effectively 
carried  out.  We  were  most  kindly  and  gratefully  received,  and 
the  visit  fully  answered. 

There  was  a  large,  agreeable  company  in  the  evening;  much 
useful  conversation. 

lOih. — First-day.  Retirement;  bright  gleams  of  comfort.  Our 
meeting  was  held  mostly  in  silence.  Several  persons  called,  and 
we  had  a  very  important  visit  from  a  gentleman  high  in  authority, 
who  has  the  superintendence  of  all  the  prisons.  He  seems  to  have 
been  acting  completely  in  accordance  with  our  views,  as  it  regards 
prison  discipline,  and  it  appears  that  here  they  have  well  organized 
committees.  We  have  not  met  with  such  zeal  on  this  subject  in  all 
our  travels  before. 

About  four  o'clock,  we  visited  the  prison,  when  the  prisoners 
were  assembled,  and  solemnly  addressed ;  some  of  them  seemed 
much  affected.  Dear  Elizabeth  Fry  was  very  sweet  in  her  com- 
munications. 

I  felt  under  much  exercise  of  mind  in  the  prospect  of  a  parting 
opportunity  for  worship  this  evening,  and  retired  to  my  own  apart- 
ment, where  my  prayers  were  put  up  that  the  Lord  would  be 
pleased  to  be  with  us,  and  make  our  meeting,  to  which  many  were 
invited,  as  a  crown  to  our  work ;  and  this  petition,  I  reverently  be- 
lieve, was  eminently  granted.  More  than  one  hundred  persons 
came  to  the  hotel,  among  whom  were  a  large  number  of  rank  and 
influence,  and  many  military  officers.  E.  J.  F.  was  remarkably 
helped  to  show  the  nature  of  true  Christianity,  and  what  it  leads 


1840. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


479 


into,  reminding  us  that  God  sees  the  heart,  &c.  Pastor  Fliedncr 
interpreted  well. 

After  a  little  time,  I  rose  and  said,  that  the  servants  of  the  Lord 
were  deeply  sensible  that  they  could  only  acceptably  perform  their 
Divine  Master's  work  through  His  power  strengthening  them,  and 
showing  the  necessity  of  submitting  to  the  sanctifying  operation  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  in  the  heart,  in  order  to  be  made  partakers  of  that 
great  salvation,  purchased  for  all  mankind  by  the  dear  Son  of  God. 
I  was  led  to  show  that  the  Scriptures  testify  of  Christ,  as  the  sure 
foundation,  and  to  describe  the  fruits  which  are  brought  forth  by 
living  faith  in  Him,  quoting  also  the  promise  of  the  Comforter,  who 
was  to  teach  us  all  things,  and  bring  all  things  to  our  remembrance, 
&c.  One  of  the  principal  clergymen,  Pastor  Thielen,  interpreted 
for  me  excellently.  Dear  E.  F.  was  afterwards  engaged  in  prayer. 
This  was,  indeed,  a  blessed  crowning  meeting;  the  power  of  truth 
reigned  over  all ;  many  of  the  company  were  evidently  much  affect- 
ed, and  both  the  interpreters  expressed  the  satisfaction  they  had  felt 
in  their  office.  On  retiring  to  my  room,  I  knelt  down,  and  under 
sweet  feelings,  offered  up  thanksgiving  for  the  help  received. 

Fifth  Month  lUh. — Peaceful  retrospect  of  yesterday.  On  leaving 
Dusseldorf,  we  passed  the  Rhine  on  a  bridge  of  boats,  and  pro- 
ceeded by  Aix  la  Chapelle,  to  Verviers,  where  we  lodged,  and  the 
next  day  came  on  to  Antwerp,  which  we  reached  with  grateful 
hearts.  In  contemplating  the  mercies  and  preservations  expe- 
rienced in  this  very  interesting  journey,  in  which  there  is  not  any 
movement  to  look  back  upon  with  regret,  but  quite  the  contrary,  a 
very  tranquil,  peaceful  feeling,  with  abundant  thanksgiving,  is  the 
clothing  of  my  spirit.  My  dear  niece  L.  B.  has  been  a  great  com- 
fort to  me. 

Fifth  Month  13<A. — After  reading,  this  morning,  there  was  a  pause, 
and  we  were  favoured  with  a  solemn  feelin"r  of  thanksoriving,  to 
which  dear  E.  J.  Fry  gave  utterance  on  bended  knees.  She  prayed 
sweetly  for  her  dear  brother  S.  G.,  and  his  daughter,  then  for  me, 
as  a  '  Brother  beloved  in  the  Lord,'  then  for  dear  L.,  then  for  the 
two  servants  who  had  been  our  faithful  attendants,  and  lastly  for 
herself.    It  was  a  most  sweet  and  precious  opportunity. 

We  left  our  hotel  between  twelve  and  one,  to  go  on  board  the 
Kintwerpen'  steamer  for  London.  The  wind  was  fair  and  the  water 
smooth.  My  mind  was  clothed  with  reverent  thankfulness,  and  we 
proceeded  very  pleasantly.  I  rested  well,  and  met  my  dear  com- 
panions at  the  breakfast  table  next  morning,  all  in  usual  health,  and 
peaceful.    About  half-past  nine  we  landed  at  the  Tower  Stairs;  L. 


460 


LIFE  AND  correspondence; 


1840. 


and  I  took  leave  of  our  beloved  fellow-travellers,  and  were  met  by 
C.  H.,  E.  B.,  and  T.  T.,  with  C.  Majolier,  who  arrived  from  France 
about  a  week  since.  We  proceeded  to  Plough  Court,  and  found 
every  thing  apparently  well,  for  which  I  feel  humbly  thankful.  After 
our  baggage  was  released,  we  came  down  to  Stoke  Newington,  and 
were  kindly  greeted  by  several  of  our  friends.  I  was  glad  to  see 
Sarah  Bradshaw,  who  is  come  over  from  Ireland.  Enjoyed  a  quiet 
evening  with  my  dear  nieces." 

Shortly  after  William  Allen's  return  from  the  Continent,  he  men- 
tions attending  a  meeting  of  the  Royal  Society,  on  account  of  Prince 
Albert's  admission  to  membership.    He  says — 

"  Our  room  was  crowded ;  I  was  truly  glad  to  see  the  Prince, 
and  when  we  went  up  to  the  library  to  tea,  was  introduced  to  him 
by  our  president." 

Engagements,  consequent  upon  the  Yearly  Meeting,  occupied 
him  pretty  closely  during  the  latter  part  of  the  Fifth  Month.  Before 
the  conclusion  of  the  meeting,  he  and  his  dear  friend  Elizabeth 
Joseph  Fry,  believed  it  would  be  right  for  them  to  have  a  meeting 
for  worship  appointed,  to  which  the  younger  class  of  Friends  should 
be  especially  invited.  The  proposition  was  united  with,  and  on  the 
evening  of  the  28th,  he  writes — 

"  I  prayed  earnestly  for  help,  to  Him  from  whom  alone  it  could 
come,  and  at  six  o'clock  walked  into  meeting;  the  large  house  was 
quite  full;  I  felt  under  a  great  weight  of  exercise,  and  continued  so 
for  some  time.  E.  J.  F.  knelt  down  in  prayer,  and  soon  afterwards, 
I  rose  and  was  helped  to  deliver  what  came  before  me,  under  a  be- 
lief that  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  accompanied  the  words.  Dear 
E.  F.  was  afterwards  engaged  in  ministry,  and  I  concluded  in  sup- 
plication. It  was  a  solemn  time,  and  I  was  humbly  thankful  for  the 
support  experienced. 

Fifth  Month  20th. — The  Yearly  Meeting  closed  this  evening, 
under  a  feeling  of  holy  solemnity;  thanksgivings  arose  from  many 
hearts,  for  the  sense  of  the  divine  presence  and  love,  with  which 
we  have,  from  time  to  time,  been  favoured. 

30th. — Rose  at  half-past  five.  Retirement;  the  aspiration  was, 
'  Lord !  it  is  sweet  to  come  to  Thee.' 

Wrote  notes  to  eleven  members  of  parliament  for  J.  T.  Barry,  on 
the  subject  of  Kelly's  motion,  on  the  Capital  Punishment  question. 

Sixth  Month  1st. — Inspectors'  Cotnmittee,  Borough  Road;  then 
to  Exeter  Hall,  to  attend  the  meeting  of  the  African  Civilization 
Society;  Prince  Albert  in  the  chair,  supported  by  Buxton,  Lush- 
ington,  and  others  of  our  friends.    The  Prince  was  greeted  with 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLE\. 


481 


thundering  applause;  the  expression  of  his  countenance  was  calm, 
pleasing,  and  dignified,  and  in  a  short,  but  very  appropriate  speech, 
he  stated  his  view  of  the  subject,  and  his  interest  in  the  cause.  There 
was  a  great  crowd,  and  hundreds  who  came  were  unable  to  enter 
the  Hall. 

12t/i. — To  town,  to  attend  the  *  Anti-Slavery  Convention,'  which 
commenced  its  sittings  at  the  Freemasons'  Hall,  at  ten  o'clock. 

In  afterwards  writing  to  a  friend,  W.  A.  says — 

"  This  Assembly,  which  was  called  *  The  World's  Convention,' 
originated  with  members  of  the  Anti-Slavery  Society,  and  consisted 
of  delegates  from  various  parts  of  this  country,  also  from  the  Uni- 
ted States  of  America,  and  from  France.  The  meetings  were  con- 
tinued, by  adjournments,  from  day  to  day,  exclusive  of  the  Sabbath, 
for  eleven  days.  The  venerable  Thomas  Clarkson,  infirm  and  aged 
as  he  was,  had  yet  strength  enough  to  come  up  to  London,  and  was 
placed  in  the  chair  as  president  on  this  memorable  occasion.  In 
order  to  spare  his  feelings,  an  intimation  was  given  that  it  would 
be  desirable  to  omit  the  demonstrations  of  applause,  so  usual  in 
popular  assemblies;  and  the  solemnity  of  the  pause  which  took 
place  before  the  business  began,  was  far  more  striking  than  any 
noisy  expression. 

With  respect  to  the  subjects  brought  forward  for  discussion,  and 
which  gave  occasion  to  very  powerful  and  eloquent  speeches,  as 
there  is  to  be  a  printed  account,  I  need  only  add,  that  the  proceed- 
ings were,  on  the  whole,  highly  important  and  satisfactory. 

On  the  24th,  after  the  conclusion  of  the  convention,  there  was  a 
large  public  meeting  held  at  Exeter  Hall,  the  Duke  of  Sussex  in  the 
chair.  The  French  minister,  Guizot,  was  there,  also  Isambert  from 
France.  There  were  some  excellent  addresses,  and  I  believe  a  deep 
impression  was  made. 

Our  dear  Joseph  John  Gurney,  in  addition  to  his  ministerial  la- 
bours in  our  West  India  Islands,  has  been  of  great  use  to  the  Anti- 
Slavery  cause." 

During  a  visit  to  Lindfield,  in  this  month,  William  Allen  was 
comforted  and  encouraged  by  the  religious  engagements  of  some 
Friends  who  were  much  interested  in  his  establishment,  and  had  a 
meeting  with  the  boys,  as  well  as  a  meeting  to  which  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  place  were  invited. 

Gustavus  Meyer,  from  Count  Von  der  Recke's  establishment,  at 
Dusselthal,  came  over  to  spend  some  time  at  the  school,  in  order  to 
learn  the  English  language,  and  to  gain  some  knowledge  of  a  sys- 
tem of  farming,  which  might  be  beneficial  to  the  Count. 


482 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1S40. 


"Sixth  Month  2dth. — Quarterly  Meeting.  The  testimony  on  the 
subject  of  tithes  and  ecclesiastical  demands,  issued  by  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  was  read ;  it  is  very  valuable.  E.  J.  Fry  came  in  to  re- 
turn the  endorsement  of  her  certificate,  and  gave  a  sweet  account 
of  her  proceedings.  I  stated  that  I  was  not  prepared  to  give  up 
mine,  as  I  had  not  accomplished  all  that  I  had  in  prospect,  and  that 
if  health  and  strength  were  afforded,  and  way  opened,  I  might  pos- 
sibly visit  the  South  of  Europe.  Friends  spoke  encouragingly,  and 
I  thought  it  was  a  good  time. 

Seventh  Month  \st. — To  Lord  John  Russell's,  Wilton  Crescent. 
I  ventured  to  press  upon  him  the  subject  of  Capital  Punishment,  and 
remarked  how  much  we  were  behind  the  Continent:  he  kindly  in- 
quired respecting  my  late  journey. 

4th. — Elizabeth  J.  Fry,  Samuel  Gurney,  and  I,  paid  a  visit  to  the 
Duke  of  Sussex.  We  had  much  conversation  about  the  Continent, 
&c. ;  he  was  very  communicative,  and  is  quite  with  us  on  the  sub- 
ject of  ecclesiastical  domination.  He  took  us  into  his  library, 
which  is  particularly  rich  in  Bibles ;  he  says  that  he  spends  two 
hours  every  morning,  soon  after  he  rises,  in  reading  and  studying 
the  Scriptures. 

I3lh. — Morning  Meeting.  We  received  notice  of  the  decease 
of  our  dear  friend,  Daniel  Wheeler,  at  New  York.  His  end  was 
peace.  It  was  proposed  that  the  sympathy  which  the  meeting  felt 
with  the  children,  should  be  conveyed  to  them,  which  was  agreed  to. 

nth. — Rose  between  five  and  six.  Breathing  to  the  Lord  for 
help  for  myself  and  others;  mv  secret  prayers  were  put  up  for 
more  divine  grace.  '  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  0  God  ;  and  re- 
new a  right  spirit  within  me.'  " 

On  the  22nd  William  Allen  set  out  for  Ireland,  in  order  to  en- 
deavour to  promote  agricultural  plans  for  the  labouring  poor.  His 
views  were  particularly  directed  to  the  county  of  Galway,  where 
two  young  persons,  who  had  been  at  his  school,  at  Lind field,  were 
residing.  Though  it  was  a  considerable  exertion,  he  seemed  well 
satisfied  with  the  journey,  and  returned  with  his  brother  Joseph, 
who  had  been  engaged  in  religious  service  in  that  country'.  Soon 
after  his  arrival,  he  mentions  attending  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings, 
in  the  Eighth  Month,  when  a  committee  was  appointed  to  visit  the 
South  of  France. 

On  the  19th  of  this  month,  he  again  left  home  for  the  Continent, 
accompanied  by  his  niece,  Lucy  Bradshaw.  They  lodged  at  South- 
ampton that  night,  and  the  next  day  visited  the  Reformatory  for 
boys,  at  Parkhurst,  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  which  he  says — 


1840.  OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN.  493 

"Far  exceeded  my  expectation.  The  Governor,  Captain  Wool- 
comb,  and  the  Chaplain,  T.  England,  seem  to  enter  into  the  work 
with  all  their  hearts.  They  have  adopted  the  very  plans  which  I 
have  been  long  anxious  to  see  in  operation,  viz. — 

Such  a  system  of  classification  as  is  calculated  to  prevent  crimi- 
nals from  contaminating  each  other  still  more. 

A  complete  history  of  the  criminal,  previous  to  his  entrance  into 
prison,  with  the  causes  which  appear  to  have  operated  in  bringing 
him  into  his  present  condition,  and  a  daily  record  of  his  conduct, 
with  notice  of  his  progress  towards  reformation,  that  being  the 
principal  or  main  object. 

This  Reformatory  has  only  been  established  twenty  months,  and 
the  order  is  beautiful.  We  parted  cordially  with  the  managers  of 
it,  invoking  the  divine  blessing  upon  their  truly  christian  labours. 

On  returning  to  Southampton  we  found  our  friends,  Peter  Bed- 
ford, Samuel  Fox,  George  Stacey,  Josiah  Forster,  and  Thomas  Nor- 
ton, jun.,  also  Christine  Majolier:  they  were  about  to  proceed  to  the 
South  of  France,  and  we  had  arranged  to  travel  together  to  Paris. 
We  embarked  for  Havre  in  the  afternoon,  and  had  a  fine,  calm  pass- 
age, arriving  about  half-past  six  the  following  morning.  From 
Havre  we  proceeded  up  the  Seine  in  a  steam-boat  to  Rouen.  The 
weather  was  delightful,  the  scenery,  in  many  parts  of  the  river,  ro- 
mantic and  beautiful,  and  the  landscape  varied  :  the  ruins  of  several 
monasteries,  the  dens  of  superstition  in  olden  time,  are  to  be  seen. 
After  lodging  at  Rouen,  we  went  forward  the  next  day  to  Paris, 
and  arrived  late  in  the  evening." 

During  his  stay  in  this  city,  William  Allen  revived  the  intercourse 
of  former  years,  with  some  of  his  old  friends,  and  also  became 
acquainted  with  the  Baroness,  (now  the  Countess,)  Pellet,  whom  he 
describes  as  a  very  interesting  person,  possessing  a  superior  mind, 
and  uniting  a  discriminating  judgment  with  real  piety.  He  had 
several  interviews  with  her,  and  received  kind  attention  from  the 
Baron,  her  husband,  with  whom  he  mentions  having  much  satisfac- 
tory conversation  on  subjects  of  public  interest. 

He  went  over  the  "  Maison  pour  les  Jeunes  Detenus,"  at  La  Ro- 
quette ;  but  though  pleased  with  some  parts  of  the  system  adopted 
there,  he  says — 

"  It  might,  from  neglect  or  design,  be  made  an  engine  of  great 
oppression.  There  are  upwards  of  five  hundred  of  these  young 
prisoners;  they  are  employed  in  various  trades,  and  every  one  is 
confined  in  a  separate  cell,  both  at  meals  and  at  work.  The  coun- 
tenances of  many  of  the  boys  were  interesting ;  I  saw  very  little 


484 


LIFE  A\D  CORRESFONUENCE 


1840. 


appearance  of  hardened  guilt,  and  considering  that  a  great  propor- 
tion of  thenn  were  in  for  vagabondage,  and  were  not  convicted  of 
any  crime,  the  treatment  seems  too  severe.  We  were  shocked  to 
find  that  the  nice  little  books  and  tracts  which  dear  Elizabeth  Fry 
had  left  for  them,  were  complained  of  by  the  Priest,  who  had  writ- 
ten to  the  Prefect,  and  they  ivere  prohibited!  Here  is  a  specimen 
of  ecclesiastical  tyranny.  In  an  interview  with  the  'Prefecture  de 
Police,'  I  represented  the  circumstance  to  him,  and  did  not  withhold 
my  sentiments  on  the  occasion.  He  was,  however,  very  kind,  and 
we  parted  cordially. 

We  visited  the  '  Jardin  des  Plantes,'  and  were  particularly  pleased 
with  the  elegant  and  spacious  buildings,  erected  for  the  minerals. 
I  never  saw  any  thing  of  the  kind  so  perfect,  as  the  arrangement  of 
the  specimens,  with  the  description  of  the  class,  &c.  A  student, 
with  a  good  'mineralogical  work  in  his  hand,  might  gain  much  in- 
formation in  a  short  time.  There  is  a  beautiful  statue  here  of  the 
great  Cuvier." 

W.  A.  attended  the  meetings  for  worship  held  on  first-day,  and 
in  the  middle  of  the  week,  and  was  also  engaged  in  some  other  re- 
ligions services,  but  he  observes,  on  one  occasion, — 

"  I  felt  low, — there  is  so  little  in  this  place  which  is  congenial  to 
the  spiritually-minded." 

He,  however,  acknowledges  the  privilege  of  christian  intercourse, 
when  enjoying  the  society  of  his  friend  Mallet  and  her  amiable  fa- 
mily, at  their  quiet  and  delightful  country  residence  at  Jouay,  a  few 
miles  from  Versailles. 

"  Here,"  he  says,  "  we  had  much  open,  religious  conversation, 
which  was  truly  refreshing. 

Eighth  Month  28th. — Retirement.  Satisfied  in  being  here,  with 
some  feelings  of  comfort.  It  should  be  our  special  endeavour,  in 
these  seasons,  to  place  ourselves  as  in  the  presence  of  God,  and  let 
the  breathing  of  our  soul  be  to  Him,  that  He  would  not  only  enable 
us  to  seek  His  blessing  for  ourselves,  but  for  our  friends. 

A  very  interesting  young  man  called  this  morning,  on  the  recom- 
mendation of  our  dear  friend,  the  Baroness  Pellet;  he  gave  us  some 
useful  information  respecting  Strasburg.  John  Sargent  also  called; 
he  has  been  exceedingly  kind  and  attentive  to  us  during  our  stay. 

3lst. — We  had  a  very  sweet  visit  from  the  Baroness  Pellet  last 
evening,  and  to-day  L.  and  I  set  out  for  Strasburg,  which  we 
reached  the  3rd  of  Ninth  Month,  having  accomplished  our  journey 
agreeably.  Called  on  my  old  friend  G.  Kraft,  who  seemed  much 
pleased  to  see  me;  we  had  a  good  deal  of  interesting  conversation, 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN.  485 

and  he  mentioned  to  us  an  institution  for  poor  children  at  Neuhof, 
about  three  miles  distant  from  Strasburg,  which  he  strongly  recom- 
mends our  visiting,  and  will  accompany  us  there  to-morrow.  He 
■walked  with  us  to  call  upon  Charles  Cuvier,  of  the  family  of  the 
great  naturalist,  a  clergyman,  to  whom  Louis  Vernes,  the  friend  of 
the  Baroness  Pellet,  had  given  us  a  letter  of  introduction.  He  seems 
a  very  pious,  agreeable  man. 

Ninth  Month  4th. — Our  kind  friend  Kraft  came,  about  nine  o'clock, 
to  take  us  to  Neuhof;  he  was  accompanied  by  a  nice  young  man, 
of  whom  his  friends  say,  'The  Lord  has  touched  his  heart,'  and 
truly  this  appears  to  be  the  case.  There  was  also  a  gentleman 
from  Germany,  named  Nees.  We  learnt  many  interesting  particu- 
lars connected  with  the  history  of  this  establishment,  which  affords 
a  striking  proof  that,  when  the  love  of  God  dwells  in  the  heart,  love 
to  man  will  be  there  also,  and  it  is  always  useful  to  let  the  expe- 
rience of  others  be  known,  when  it  serves  to  increase  our  confidence 
in  that  promise,  •  I  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake  thee.' 

It  appears  that,  in  the  year  1825,  some  christian  friends,  at  Stras- 
burg, formed  the  design  of  establishing  an  institution  for  the  educa- 
tion of  poor  children,  and  met  to  communicate  their  views  upon  the 
subject.  Encouraged  by  a  number  of  unforeseen  circumstances,  they 
soon  felt  a  conviction  that  their  project  came  from  Him  who  inclines 
the  hearts  of  men,  and  that  it  was  their  duty  to  put  their  hand  to  the 
work.  There  was  then,  in  that  city,  an  old  man,  whom  the  Lord 
had  designed  to  be  the  principal  founder  of  the  projected  institution  ; 
his  name  was  Philip  James  Wurtz;  and  this  worthy  man  being  casu- 
ally informed  of  what  was  in  prospect,  invited  the  parties  to  his  house, 
informed  them,  that  he  had  himself  been  a  poor  child,  and  had  sought 
his  wife  at  the  orphan  house,  that  the  Lord  had  blessed  them,  and  as 
he  considered  the  property  which  he  then  possessed  as  a  talent  lent 
to  him  by  his  Saviour,  it  was  his  desire  to  aid  the  proposed  under- 
taking. This  he  did  liberally.  Some  other  instances  of  generosity 
also  afforded  encouragement,  and  'A  Protestant  Establishment  for 
the  Education  of  Poor  Children,'  was  founded.  The  venerable 
Wurtz,  who  was  truly  termed  the  father  of  the  destitute,  spent  sev- 
eral years  of  his  life  at  the  institution,  and  proved  a  great  blessing 
to  both  pupils  and  teachers.  By  him,  they  were  instructed  in  the 
nature  of  true  prayer.  He  often  spoke  to  them  of  their  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  and  of  their  duty  to  Gnd,  showing  them,  both 
by  example  and  precept,  that  if  they  acknowledge  Him  in  all  their 
ways.  He  will  direct  their  paths. 

We  had  much  satisfaction  in  visiting  this  establishment,  and  in 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  1840 

listening  to  these  relations.  The  children  are  taught  the  usual 
branches  of  school  learning,  and  the  hoys  work  on  the  land.  Their 
religious  instruction  is  especially  attended  to.  The  female  superin- 
tendent is  a  grand-daughter  of  the  late  revered  pastor,  Oberlin,  of 
the  Ban  de  la  Roche;  her  husband,  whose  name  is  Henri  Balhaus, 
and  who  is  the  master,  was  trained  at  Beuggen,  under  the  excellent 
Zeller,  with  whom  dear  S.  Grellet  was  so  much  pleased,  and  was 
afterwards  at  Count  Von  der  Recke's  Institution,  at  Dusselthal. 

In  the  address  of  the  president,  at  the  fifteenth  anniversary,  he 
says — 

*  It  is  a  good  thing  that  the  heart  be  established  with  grace. 
These  words  of  the  Apostle  shall  be  our  motto,  whilst  we  rejoice 
over  the  prosperity  of  our  institution,  and,  with  renewed  hopes, 
enter  upon  another  year,  in  which  we  shall  again  need  the  help  of 
our  Lord,  and  of  our  Christian  friends.' 

It  is  observed  in  the  report,  that  '  If  christian  anniversaries  had 
no  other  advantage,  they  would  be  desirable  to  help  to  keep  us 
awake.' 

The  committee  mention  the  desire  they  feel,  if  their  friends  would 
admit  of  it,  to  add  to  their  present  establishment  an  institution  for 
training  masters.  The  example  of  Beuggen,  which,  during  twenty 
years,  has  proved  so  great  a  blessing,  is  a  strong  inducement  to 
them  to  endeavour  to  make  the  attempt. 

Besides  a  vigilant  gentlemen's  committee,  there  is  an  active  com- 
mittee of  ladies.  Charles  Becker,  the  superintendent  or  director, 
seems  a  very  valuable  man.  Every  thing  appeared  clean,  and  in 
good  order.    We  distributed  many  tracts,  &c. 

After  our  return,  Henri  Scheffer  kindly  accompanied  us  to  call 
upon  sundry  pious  persons,  to  whom  we  paid  interesting  visits. 
Laure  Berger,  a  pleasing,  sensible  woman,  who  was  left  a  widow 
with  five  children,  about  two  years  since,  devotes  much  of  her  time 
to  the  service  of  the  poor  and  needy.  She  has  the  chief  charge  of 
a  very  useful  institution,  lately  established  for  training  poor  girls  as 
servants.  The  wife  of  Pastor  Hoerter,  a  friend  of  Einilie  Mallet, 
seems  to  possess  much  depth  in  religion. 

In  the  evening,  we  went  to  a  *  riunwn,^  at  Charles  Cuvier's.  He 
is  an  excellent  man,  animated  by  the  spirit  of  true  piety,  and  has  a 
very  amiable  and  agreeable  wife.  We  took  tea  with  them,  and 
met  many  interesting  persons,  with  whom  we  had  some  useful  and, 
I  trust,  edifying  conversation.  My  mind  was  under  much  exercise, 
and  having  to  express  myself  almost  wholly  in  French,  on  impor- 
'  tant  subjects,  was  a  great  stretch ;  however,  they  were  all  very 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEiV. 


487 


kind,  and  seemed  pleased  with  many  ex{)lanations  which  I  was  able 
to  give  tiicm.  There  was  a  sweet  uniting  feeling,  that  seemed  uni- 
versal, and,  shortly  before  we  came  away,  I  requested  Charles  Cu- 
vier  to  read  a  chapter  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  let  there  be  a 
short  pause  afterwards.  He  appeared  glad  of  the  proposition;  we 
were  favoured  with  a  covering  of  solemnity,  under  which  I  made 
some  remarks,  beginning  with  the  text,  •  We  preach  not  ourselves, 
but  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,'  &c. ;  I  was  helped  to  relieve  my  mind, 
and  to  show  what  the  religion  of  the  heart  would  lead  to.  C.  Cu- 
vier  prayed  with  much  fervour,  mentioning  us  in  his  petition.  This 
was  an  evening  to  call  forth  thankfulness,  and  we  parted  in  christian 
affection. 

In  the  course  of  conversation,  we  were  pleased  with  hearing  of 
one  plan  for  the  benefit  and  improvement  of  the  labouring  classes, ' 
which  has  been  adopted  at  Strasburg,  and  is,  we  understand,  in 
operation  in  many  parts  of  Germany.  It  is  to  provide  a  room  on 
the  first  day  of  the  week  in  winter,  for  those  young  men,  artisans, 
or  others,  who  may  not  have  any  substantial  home  in  which  to  pass 
that  day;  and  who,  but  for  this  kind  arrangement,  might  probably 
be  tempted  to  spend  it  in  dissipation.  This  room  is  furnished  with 
appropriate  reading,  under  the  direction  of  our  friend  Cuvier,  who 
is  much  interested  in  the  welfare  of  his  fellow  creatures,  and  who 
endeavours  to  render  the  occasion  both  pleasant  and  profitable :  a 
fire  and  lights  are  provided  ;  any  respectable  persons  may  be  admit- 
ted, and  we  learnt  that  from  sixty  to  eighty  frequently  attend. 

Great  efforts  have  been  made  at  Strasburg  in  the  circulation  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures.  On  the  occasion  of  the  '  Fete  of  Gutenberg,' 
celebrated  in  the  Sixth  Month  of  this  year,  to  commemorate  the 
invention  of  the  art  of  printing,  to  whic[i  John  Gutenberg,  a  native 
of  this  city,  appears  to  have  some  claim,  many  copies  were  distri- 
buted, together  with  a  small  pamphlet  entitled, '  Souvenir  Religieux 
de  la  Fete  de  Gutenberg,'  written  by  C.  Cuvier.  This  pamphlet 
enforces  the  importance  of  a  daily  perusal  of  the  sacred  volume, 
and  gives  a  little  biblical  calendar  of  portions  for  each  day  in  the 
year,  at  the  same  time  by  no  means  restricting  the  reader.  It  was 
prepared  for  the  occasion  ;  and  the  Testaments  distributed,  contain- 
ed a  little  printed  notice  of  the  event,  accompanied  with  a  desire, 
that  the  fete  might  be  turned  to  profit,  and  be  the  means,  not  only 
of  awakening  grateful  feelings  for  so  important  a  discovery,  but  of 
spreading  the  knowledge  of  gospel  truth,  which  the  art  of  printing 
has  given  us  the  means  of  so  widely  extending.  Several  of  these 
Testaments  are  placed  in  the  hotels  of  the  town  ;  and  in  Switzerland 


488 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


also,  it  is  a  common  practice  to  find  the  hotels  furnished  with  copies 
of  the  New  Testament. 

Ninth  Month  5th. — We  left  Strasburg  to  day,  to  visit  the  Ban  de 
la  Roche,  intending  to  return  on  second-day.  The  prospects  of  the 
Vosges  mountains,  with  many  valleys  and  villages,  are  very  fine, 
the  roads  are  excellent,  and  the  change  since  I  was  here  in  1822,  is 
great  indeed.  Large  cotton  factories  have  been  established,  a  num- 
ber of  houses  built,  and  great  improvements  have  taken  place  in 
various  ways.  We  took  a  walk  in  the  evening,  and  admired  the 
picturesque  scenery  about  Rolhau,  where  we  lodged.  This  is  con- 
sidered the  first  village  in  the  Ban  de  la  Roche. 

6th. — Rode  over  to  Foudai  this  morning,  and  called  at  Daniel 
Legrand's;  his  wife  gave  us  a  warm  welcome,  but  her  husband 
being  gone  to  Waldbach,  we  walked  on  there,  and  were  greeted  in 
the  most  friendly  manner,  both  by  him  and  the  present  Pastor, 
Rancher  and  his  wife,  the  eldest  daughter  of  Pastor  Oberlin.  We 
accepted  a  pressing  invitation  to  dine  with  the  family.  The  library 
of  the  dear  old  pastor  is  much  the  same  as  when  I  visited  him  ;  it 
was  interesting  to  trace  some  of  the  fruits  of  his  labours  ;  his  daugh- 
ter is  a  spiritually-minded  woman,  rich  in  faith.  Legrand  spoke 
of  dear  S.  Grellet's  gospel  labours  with  much  feeling,  mentioning 
an  instance  of  their  having  been  specially  blest  to  an  individual. 
They  were  all  exceedingly  kind,  and  grateful  for  the  visit.  We  re- 
turned to  Foudai,  and  attended  the  Sabbath  school,  at  the  conclu- 
sion of  which  1  was  enabled  to  convey  counsel  and  instruction  to 
those  present,  and,  I  believe,  it  was  felt  to  be  a  solemn  time. 

We  visited  the  grave  of  Oberlin,  by  which  are  interred  the  re- 
mains of  his  faithful  servant  Louise.  After  taking  tea  at  Legrand's, 
I  had  a  little  religious  conamunication  with  his  family,  and  with 
some  of  the  young  men  engaged  in  the  school.  We  returned  to 
Rothau  in  the  evening,  and  met  with  an  interesting  young  man,  a 
pastor,  and  his  sister,  who  reside  there  ;  they  were  extremely  kind, 
and  seemed  deeply  to  feel  the  spiritual  nature  of  vital  religion.  We 
had  some  very  satisfactory  conversation ;  Gospel  truths  were 
brought  forward,  and  I  was  really  glad  of  this  opportunity,  in 
-which,  I  believe,  we  were  refreshed  together.  Their  name  is  Yundt. 
They  inquired,  with  much  affection,  after  J.  and  M.  Yeardley. 

JViiith  Month  7^/;.— Retirement.  Comforted  and  strengthened  — 
earnest  breathing  of  soul  for  preservation  under  a  deep  sense  of  my 
own  unworthiness  ;  peace  on  retrospection. 

We  returned  to  Strasburg,  and  visited  the  prison,  where  a  large 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLE^. 


489 


proportion  of  the  children  are  in  merely  for  •  vagabondage.'  I  am 
more  and  more  convinced  of  the  importance  of  bringing  this  poor, 
neglected  class  of  our  fellow-creatures,  closely  under  the  notice  and 
care  of  a  good  vigilant  committee.  Our  kind  friends  came  to  fake 
leave  of  us,  and  gave  us  many  parting  blessings.  In  the  afternoon 
we  set  out  for  Stuttgard,  which  we  reached  the  following  day,  after 
having  walked  about  the  beautiful  town  of  Carlsruhe,  which  is 
nearly  surrounded  by  a  forest.  We  put  up  at  the  '  Konig  von 
Wiirtemberg,'  where  the  waiter  is  a  very  civil  man,  and  speaks 
English  well.  Called  at  Hcering's  ;  I  find  the  King  leaves  Stuttgard 
the  day  after  to-morrow  for  Heilbronn. 

9th. — Walked  to  the  palace  at  four  o'clock,  according  to  appoint- 
ment. I  was  shown  into  a  handsome  room,  where  I  met  with  a 
superior  officer,  who  was  very  civil,  and  we  had  a  good  deal  of 
conversation.  There  were  some  large  paintings  of  battles  hanging 
up,  and  we  had  some  discourse  respecting  them.  I  maintained  that 
if  we  were  all  christians,  not  merely  in  name,  but  in  deed,  there 
could  be  no  such  thing  as  war,  and  he  did  not  attempt  to  dispute 
the  point.  Shortly  afterwards,  the  officer  withdrew,  and  the  King 
entered ;  he  shook  hands  with  me  in  a  very  friendly  manner,  and 
made  me  sit  down  by  him  on  the  sofa.  He  was  very  courteous, 
and  I  felt  entirely  at  my  ease;  many  subjects  on  which  I  wished  to 
engage  his  attention  were  brought  forward,  and  he  listened  with 
kind  interest.  After  we  had  been  conversing  for  some  time,  the 
Queen  and  her  daughter  came  in,  and  were  very  affable.  It  was 
altogether  a  most  agreeable  interview,  and  I  returned  to  the  hotel 
with  a  thankful  heart. 

We  took  a  walk  by  moonlight,  in  the  extensive  gardens  of  the 
palace,  where  there  is  a  large  circular  piece  of  water,  surrounded 
by  noble  orange  trees,  some  of  them  more  than  one  hundred  years 
old,  with  stems  a  foot  or  upwards -in  diameter.  The  park  and  gar- 
dens extend  for  three  miles,  and  are  always  open  to  the  public. 

JVint/i  Month  10th. — Frederick  Chevalier,  of  Elberfeld,  kindly 
consented  to  accompany  us  to  Ludwigsburg  and  Kornthal  Our 
object  in  going  to  the  first  place,  was  to  see  the  prison,  which  con- 
tains from  seven  to  eight  hundred  prisoners.  The  whole  establish- 
ment is  remarkably  clean.  The  director,  Von  Glett,  is  a  very 
clever  man,  and  there  are  many  excellent  arrangements  in  this 
prison,  but  it  is  too  much  crowded,  and  there  are  not  sufficient 
officers. 

I  addressed  some  of  the  younger  class,  and  also  some  in  the  sick 
Vol.  II.  32 


490 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


wards,  and  had  peace  in  doing  so.  F.  Chevalier  kindly  interpreted. 
From  hence,  we  proceeded  lo  Kornlhal,  a  village  four  or  five  miles 
from  Stuttgard  ;  here  there  are  several  interesting  institutions,  which 
embrace  various  objects,  and  have  obtained  the  special  notice  and 
patronage  of  the  King.  They  are  connected  with  a  religious  set- 
tlement of  Lutherans,  who,  being  dissatisfied  with  the  form  of 
church  government  of  that  sect,  and  with  some  other  points,  form- 
ed themselves  into  a  distinct  community.  The  principal  founder 
of  this  settlement  is  a  very  pious,  excellent  man,  named  Hoffman, 
who,  about  twenty-four  years  ago,  commenced  a  work  which,  in  its 
progress,  appears  to  have  been  eminently  blessed.  The  history  of 
its  origin  states,  that  '  The  chief  aim  of  himself  and  of  his  coadju- 
tors is  the  religious  education  of  young  people,  and  the  advance- 
ment of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.' 

There  is  a  boarding  school  for  boys  and  one  for  girls  of  the 
middle  ranks  of  society,  where  the  pupils  pay  a  moderate  sum  for 
board,  lodging  and  instruction,  proportioned  to  the  privileges  which 
they  wish  to  enjoy.  They  appear  to  be  carefully  taught  the  usual 
branches  of  school  learning,  and  in  some  of  the  institutions  they 
have  the  advantage  of  a  liberal  as  well  as  a  guarded  education. 

There  are  also  schools  for  the  destitute  classes,  where  much  of 
the  children's  lime  is  devoted  to  works  of  industry :  in  all  of  them, 
religious  instruction  is  considered  of  the  first  importance,  and  is 
carefully  imparted. 

We  were  interested  in  hearing  the  origin  of  this  establishment, 
which  now  consists  of  five  houses,  with  forty  morgens  of  land,  (or 
about  thirty  acres,)  and  contains  one  hundred  and  ninety-two  chil- 
dren. It  was  commenced  with  only  twenty-four  kreutzers  (equal 
to  one  shilling,)  and  arose  from  the  following  circumstance: — 

One  first-day  afternoon,  in  the  year  1822,  several  guests  were 
dining  with  Hoffman,  when  a  little  boy,  between  five  and  six  years 
of  age,  came  from  a  neighbouring  district  to  ask  for  charity.  The 
compassion  of  Hoffman  was  awakened  by  the  exposed  situation  of 
children,  who  at  so  early  an  age  were  trained  to  gain  a  subsistence 
by  begging,  considering  that  they  would  probably  by  little  and  little, 
become  idlers  and  thieves  :  and  he  thought,  if  he  were  rich  enough, 
he  would  build  a  house  for  destitute  children,  where  they  should  be 
lodged  and  boarded,  receive  school  instruction,  and  be  trained  up 
in  industry;  but  this  was  not  in  his  power.  The  company  con- 
versed for  some  time  upon  the  subject,  and  on  rising  from  table, 
one  of  the  guests  went  up  to  him  and  gave  him  a  twenty-four 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


491 


kreutzer  piece,  saying,  'Do  not  abandon  the  idea  of  building  a 
house  for  destitute  children.'  The  same  year  Hoffinan  had  a  no- 
tice printed,  in  which  he  first  showed  the  blessing  that  had  attended 
the  establishment  of  Count  Von  der  Recke's  Institution,  and  then 
expressed  the  wishes  of  himself  and  his  friends,  that  a  similar  one 
should  be  formed  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Kornthal ;  in  which  poor, 
destitute,  and  orphan  children,  or  children  of  worthless  parents, 
might  be  boarded,  clothed,  and  educated,  either  gratuitously,  or  for 
a  very  small  sum.  The  parties  expressed  their  desire  to  know  the 
will  of  God  in  this  matter,  and  wished  to  ascertain  whether  the 
needful  support  would  be  obtained  from  benevolent  individuals,  who 
were  friendly  to  the  cause.  They  soon  received  very  encouraging 
letters,  with  assurances  of  support,  and  the  institution  at  Beuggen 
was  mentioned  as  a  cheering  example  of  success. 

Towards  the  middle  of  the  year  1823,  Hoffman  announced  that 
the  proposed  building  was  about  to  be  commenced,  and  solicited 
funds  in  aid  of  the  undertaking.  Contributions  accordingly  flowed 
in  from  all  quarters,  both  far  and  near,  and  stones,  wood,  and  labour 
were  freely  offered.  The  King  subscribed  liberally,  and  in  a  few 
months,  half  the  house  was  opened  for  the  reception  of  the  children, 
ten  of  whom  were  first  admitted,  but  the  number  was  soon  in- 
creased, and  in  the  summer  of  1825,  when  the  second  half  was  com- 
pleted, it  amounted  to  fifty-seven.  The  following  year  the  report 
bears  a  most  satisfactory  testimony  to  the  improvement  of  the  chil- 
dren, in  many  of  whom  it  is  stated,  *  a  joyful  change  had  taken 
place.'  During  the  last  fourteen  years,  the  average  number  at 
Kornthal  has  been  about  seventy:  the  plan  of  employing  them  in 
manual  labour  answers  well ;  and  the  healthiness  of  their  occupa- 
tion, as  well  as  of  their  situation  and  manner  of  living,  is  proved 
from  the  fact,  that,  during  this  period,  notwithstanding  many,  when 
they  first  came,  were,  through  neglect,  weakly  or  diseased,  there 
have  only  been  two  deaths  in  the  institution. 

We  called  upon  Hoffman  and  his  wife,  who  are  both  advanced 
in  years,  but  seem  animated  with  feelings  of  faith  and  love. 

On  our  way  to  Stuttgard,  we  visited  an  infant  school  belonging 
to  the  same  establishment;  the  little  creatures  are  trained  to  work 
according  to  their  years  and  capacity  ;  they  raise  silk-worms,  and 
gain  something  by  picking  herbs.  The  total  number  of  children 
under  care  in  the  different  establishments,  is  one  hundred  and 
ninety-two.  The  population  of  Kornthal  is  about  eight  hundred, 
and  much  improvement  has  taken  place  in  the  neatness  of  the  dwell- 


492 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCJJ 


1840. 


ings  since  the  formation  of  this  settlement.  The  Pastor  KapfF  seems 
a  devoted  Christian.  The  whole  community  are  instructed,  that 
whatever  their  rank  in  life  may  be,  industry  is  a  duty.  '  Pray  and 
labour,'  is  the  motto ;  they  make  labour  a  pleasure  to  the  children, 
and  show  that  none  can  enjoy  real  happiness,  unless  they  are  ful- 
filling the  duties  to  which  they  are  called. 

After  our  return  to  the  hotel,  I  wrote  a  letter  to  the  King  direct- 
ing his  attention  to  those  parts  of  the  Lindfield  Reporter,  which  I 
had  given  him,  where  the  punishment  of  death  is  mentioned,  also 
prisons,  agricultural  colonies,  &c." 

The  letter  thus  concludes: — 

"  W.  A.  cannot  take  his  leave  of  the  King  without  saying,  that 
it  is  the  fervent  prayer  of  his  heart,  that  the  King  may  earnestly 
seek  for  and  receive  strength  from  the  Almighty,  to  put  down  and 
discourage  every  thing,  in  his  kingdom,  that  tends  to  demoraliza- 
tion, and  consequently,  to  the  misery  of  man;  and  that  he  and  the 
Queen,  and  all  the  branches  of  his  dear  family,  may  be  the  objects 
of  divine  protection." 

"Ninth  Month  Wth. — We  took  a  ride  this  morning  to  Hohenheim, 
to  visit  what  is  considered  the  most  complete  school  of  agriculture 
in  Europe.  The  King,  understanding  that  I  was  going  there,  kind- 
ly sent  me  a  letter  of  recommendation  to  the  director,  who  was 
very  attentive,  in  giving  us  every  facility  to  obtain  the  desired  in- 
formation. The  situation  is  beautiful,  commanding  a  magnificent 
view  of  the  distant  mountains.  The  spacious  edifice  was  once  a 
palace,  but  has  been  appropriated  to  its  present  purpose  since  the 
year  1817.  The  farm,  consisting  of  nearly  one  thousand  acres,  is 
exclusively  devoted  to  the  objects  of  the  institution.  There  are 
about  one  hundred  pupils,  who  are  of  different  classes  in  society, 
some  paying  for  their  education,  and  others  being  admitted  gratuit- 
ously. The  establishment  possesses  the  most  ample  means  for  af- 
fording an  excellent  course  of  instruction.  There  is  a  large  stock 
of  cattle  of  various  kinds;  a  collection  of  agricultural  implements, 
and  a  museum  of  natural  history.  The  subjects  for  study  are  admi- 
rably arranged. 

J.  Hoering  called  in  the  evening,  and  regretted  that  some  of  his 
friends,  whom  he  wished  to  bring  here,  were  engaged.  He  was 
earnest  with  me  to  go  by  Kircheim  to  Ulm,  in  order  to  call  upon 
the  Duchess  Louis,  the  mother  of  the  Queen,  who,  he  said,  had 
several  times  expressed  a  desire  to  see  me,  and,  at  length,  I  fixed 
to  do  so;  I  felt  the  more  disposed  to  yield  to  this  proposition,  from 


1840. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


493 


having  learnt  that  the  Queen  intended  being  there,  instead  of  going 
to  the  review  at  Heilbronn. 

\2th. — We  left  Stuttgard  for  Munich,  proceeding  by  way  of 
Kircheim,  where  we  called  at  the  chateau,  and  were  shown  into  an 
apartment  in  which  the  Duchess,  with  the  Queen  her  daughter,  and 
the  two  young  Princesses,  were  sitting  at  work ;  they  rose  on  our 
entrance,  and  came  to  meet  us,  the  Duchess  stating  her  desire  to 
see  me,  and  the  regard  she  felt  for  me,  in  consequence  of  what  she 
had  heard  from  her  dear  friend,  the  late  Emperor  Alexander.  We 
staid  nearly  an  hour,  and  paid  them  a  very  interesting  and  agree- 
able visit;  they  seemed  gratefully  to  receive  the  expression  of 
Christian  regard  and  solicitude,  and  evidently  felt  the  value  of  gos- 
pel truth.  On  our  preparing  to  retire,  they  took  leave  of  us  with 
kindness,  and  even  affection,  speaking  of  the  satisfaction  which  the 
visit  had  afforded  them,  and  their  approbation  of  the  Society  of 
Friends.  I  was  thankful  that  way  had  opened  for  this  interview. 
We  left  some  books  with  them,  and  soon  afterwards  proceeded  on 
our  way  to  Munich,  passing  through  some  very  fine  country.  We 
were  particularly  struck  with  the  town  of  Geislingen,  most  roman- 
tically situated  in  a  narrow  glen,  at  the  foot  of  the  hills  called  the 
Rauhe  Alps ;  these  are,  in  some  parts,  covered  with  trees,  whose 
rich  foliage  forms  a  striking  contrast  with  the  rugged  and  gigantic 
rocks,  which,  rising  up  on  the  opposite  side,  tower  above  the  clear 
waters  of  the  river  Fils.  On  leaving  Ulm,  the  frontier  town  of 
Wiirtemberg,  we  crossed  the  Danube,  and  entered  Bavaria;  here 
the  country  is  very  flat,  and  from  thence  to  Augsburg,  presents  lit- 
tle interest.  I  was  sorry  to  find,  on  arriving  at  Munich,  that  the 
King  was  absent  at  Aschaffenburg. 

JVinth  Month  16th. — Called  on  Dr.  Ringseis,  who  received  me  in 
a  most  kind,  frank,  and  open  manner;  he  has  great  vivacity,  and  is 
certainly  a  very  clever  man.  This  visit  brought  dear  S.  Grellet  for- 
cibly to  my  remembrance.  He  took  us  over  the  great  hospital, 
which,  as  it  regards  cleanliness  and  neatness,  I  think,  exceeds  any 
thing  of  the  kind  I  have  ever  seen.  There  are  from  four  hundred 
to  five  hundred  patients,  who  are  waited  upon  by  fifty  sisters  of 
charity,  from  an  adjoining  convent,  but  we  were  informed  that  their 
interference  in  matters  of  religion,  was,  at  times,  burdensome  to  the 
poor  inmates,  particularly  to  the  protestants,  all  classes  being  re- 
ceived. After  visiting  an  excellent  institution  for  orphans,  and 
making  some  other  calls,  we  went  to  the  establishment  of  the  suc- 
cessor of  Frauenhoffer,  who  showed  us  their  large  object  glasses. 


494 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


We  looked  through  one  telescope  and  read  small  print  distinctly,  at 
a  distance  of  five  hundred  feet,  a  card  being  fastened  upon  a  wall 
as  a  mark. 

JYinth  Month \ltli. — Called  upon  our  friend  Kleinshrod,\vho  visited 
us  at  Lindfield  ;  he  vi^as  rejoiced  to  see  me,  and  introduced  me  to  the 
president  of  the  agricultural  society,  as  well  as  to  several  of  the 
members,  all  of  whom  gave  me  a  cordial  reception.  L.  and  I  set 
out,  this  afternoon,  for  the  Donaumoos,  C.  Kleinshrod  having  kindly 
made  all  the  needful  arrangements  for  us.  We  had  fine  views  of 
Ingolstadt  before  we  reached  Neuburg.  Cultivation  is  increased 
very  much  since  I  was  last  here ;  a  number  of  divisions  of  cabbages, 
potatoes,  &c.  reminded  me  of  Lindfield,  and  I  think  they  have  co- 
pied those  plans.  On  arriving  at  Neuburg  we  took  the  letter  which 
the  Minister  of  the  Interior,  at  Munich,  had  given  me,  to  the  direc- 
tor of  the  Donaumoos,  and  found  him  very  civil,  and  desirous  of 
rendering  us  every  assistance.  He  afterwards  called  at  the  hotel 
with  Professor  Kettel,  and  arrangements  were  made  for  us  to  go 
to  the  Donaumoos  the  following  day.  Lucy  and  I  took  a  walk  by 
the  Danube,  which  runs  very  rapidly  here. 

Idth. — A  sweet  pause  after  our  chapter  this  morning,  in  which  an 
evidence  seemed  mercifully  granted,  that  the  Lord  was  near,  and 
we  were  comforted  together.  The  Inspector  Widdeman,  and  Pro- 
fessor Kettel  called,  and  accompanied  us  to  the  Donaumoos :  here 
again  I  noticed  a  great  improvement  in  the  cultivation  of  the  land, 
since  my  last  visit.  We  drove  first  to  the  Mennonite  colony  of 
Maxweiler,  which  consists  of  sixteen  families.  Daniel  Schmidt  and 
his  wife  immediately  recognized  me,  and  gave  me  a  cordial  wel- 
come: they  now  have  eight  children.  The  meeting-house,  which 
was  begun  when  S.  G.  and  I  were  here  in  1832,  is  finished,  and  we 
arranged  to  be  with  them  at  their  time  of  worship  to-morrow,  (first- 
day.)  We  visited  some  of  the  other  villages,  which  are  inferior  to 
Maxweiler.  It  appears  to  me  that  the  people  ought  to  keep  more 
cattle,  and  to  make  more  use  of  lime  on  the  land. 

In  the  afternoon,  we  took  a  ride  alone,  through  Zell  and  Marien- 
burg,  to  Carlshuld ;  there  is  a  great  expanse  of  flat,  uncultivated 
land  in  this  direction,  and  we  saw  rows  of  turf  cut  and  drying,  just 
as  in  Ireland.  Carlshuld  is  a  scattered  villnge  of  poor-looking 
houses,  containing  about  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  families.  We 
managed  to  have  some  conversation  with  several  of  the  inhabitants, 
who  were  very  open  and  kind,  and  seemed  pleased  with  our  visit, 
gratefully  receiving  a  few  tracts  which  we  gave  them.  In  return- 
ing, we  saw  at  a  distance  a  little  wooden  building,  which  we  thought 


1840. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


495 


might  be  the  protestant  place  of  worship,  and  having  heard  mach  of 
Piichtner,  the  clergyman,  for  whom  I  had  a  letter,  and  who  is  now 
travelling  to  collect  funds  for  a  new  building,  (which  is  indeed  much 
wanted,)  we  both  felt  an  inclination  to  drive  towards  it.  Seeing  a 
neat,  pretty  house  just  by,  we  alighted  ;  an  agreeable  looking,  well- 
dressed  young  man,  invited  us  to  walk  in,  and  we  found  that  this 
was Piichtner's  house:  his  wife,  who  received  us  very  kindly,  seems 
a  sweet-spirited  person.  On  giving  my  card  to  the  young  man,  he 
appeared  surprised,  and  said  there  was  a  letter  here  for  me;  it 
proved  to  be  from  the  King  of  Wiirtemberg,  who,  having  known 
my  intention  of  coming  to  the  Donaumoos,  had  written  to  acknow- 
ledge the  letter  which  I  sent  to  him  on  leaving  Stuttgard." 

The  letter  is  dated  "  Heilbronn,  September  13th,  1840,"  and  the 
King  writes — 

"My  dear  Mr.  W.  Allen, 

"  I  have  received  the  letter  which  you  addressed  to  me  before 
your  departure  from  Stuttgard,  and  have  learnt  with  pleasure  that 
the  different  establishments  which  you  have  visited,  have  met  with 
your  approbation. 

I  shall  be  very  happy  to  receive  from  you,  after  your  return  to 
England,  the  result  of  your  observations  upon  those  important  sub- 
jects connected  with  the  interests  of  humanity,  in  which  you  have 
so  successfully  occupied  yourself.  In  the  meantime,  I  thank  you 
for  your  communications  in  the  '  Lindfield  Reportei-,''  which  contains 
very  useful  hints  and  suggestions. 

Accept  my  sincere  gratitude  for  your  good  wishes  on  behalf  of 
myself,  my  kingdom,  and  my  family,  and  receive  also  the  expres- 
sion of  those  sentiments  of  esteem  and  regard  which  I  feel  towards 
you.  I  pray  God  that  he  may  have  you,  my  dear  Mr.  VV.  Allen, 
in  His  holy  keeping.  Wilhelm." 

W.  A.  observes,  "  My  receiving  this  letter  so  unexpectedly,  and 
under  such  circumstances,  was  certainly  remarkable. 

JVinth  Month  20th. — First-day.  We  drove  to  the  house  of  Johann 
Schmidt,  and  had  a  loving  reception  from  several  who  were  col- 
lected there  to  meet  us.  We  accompanied  them  to  their  place  of 
worship,  where  the  service  was  conducted  by  a  minister,  whose 
appearance  was  very  simple,  and  who  does  not  receive  any  remu- 
neration for  his  office;  his  sermon  contained  sound  gospel  truths,  it 
was  extempore,  and  I  thought  there  was  much  feeling  in  what  he 
said.  As  there  was  no  person  present  who  understood  English,  I 
could  not  venture  to  address  the  people,  but  an  acquaintance  of 


496 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


their's,  who  can  speak  both  English  and  German,  is  expected  to  be 
with  them  to-morrow,  so  I  have  settled  to  have  a  meeting  for  wor- 
ship after  his  arrival.  They  were  very  glad  of  some  tracts  which  we 
left  them.  We  felt  well  satisfied  in  having  come  over,  and  after 
spending  about  an  hour  in  interesting,  though  limited,  communica- 
tion, we  returned  to  Neuburg. 

A  fine  old  man,  a  Mennonite,  who  lives  at  a  considerable  dis- 
tance, called  this  afternoon.  He  was  in  a  very  precious  and  tender 
state  of  mind ;  the  tears  were  in  his  eyes  as  he  conversed  with  us, 
and  the  opportunity  seemed  quite  a  comfort  to  him.  We  had  also 
a  visit  from  some  protestants  in  the  neighbourhood,  who  have  been 
suffering  from  persecution,  and  feelingly  stated  their  case.  This  has 
been  an  interesting,  though  an  exercising  day;  there  is  something 
in  this  place  worth  feeling  for. 

Ninth  Month  2\st. — We  rode  over  to  Maxweiler  this  morning, 
and  soon  after  we  reached  the  house  of  Johann  Schmidt,  the  young 
man  arrived  who  understands  English,  and  who  had  walked  a  dis- 
tance of  twenty-two  miles  to  meet  us,  and  act  as  interpreter;  his 
name  is  Jacob  Lechy.  We  were  soon  surrounded  by  our  Men- 
nonite friends,  and  were  enabled  to  obtain  much  information  with 
regard  to  their  circumstances.  It  appears  that  at  Maxweiler  they 
have  the  free  exercise  of  their  religion,  and  are  not  obliged  to  con- 
tribute towards  the  support  of  the  Roman  Catholic  priests,  who  are 
paid  by  the  King.  The  Mennonite  pastors  do  not  receive  any  thing 
for  preaching.  All  the  children,  of  a  suitable  age,  in  this  colony, 
can  read  and  write.  At  twelve  o'clock,  we  assembled  in  the  meet- 
ing-house for  a  religious  meeting;  I  think  about  a  hundred  were 
present;  we  sat  for  some  time  in  silence,  and  were  favoured  to  feel 
a  solemnity  over  us.  My  mind  was  under  much  exercise,  and  my 
prayers  were  put  up  in  secret  for  divine  support.  At  length  I  was 
led  to  address  the  audience,  J.  L.  interpreting.  I  showed  the  im- 
portance of  wailing  upon  the  Lord,  and  seeking  for  the  guidance  of 
His  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  necessity  of  experiencing  an  evidence  of 
the  remission  of  sins,  through  the  great  atoning  sacrifice;  earnestly 
intreating  the  young  people  especially,  to  attend  to  the  secret  draw- 
ings of  the  Father's  love.  We  were  enabled  to  proceed  very  intel- 
ligibly. On  concluding,  there  was  another  silent  pause,  and  I  then 
knelt  down  and  prayed  for  a  blessing  upon  these  people,  that  the 
Holy  Spirit  might  be  poured  out  upon  them,  &c.  I  was  thankful 
for  this  opportunity.  The  countenances  of  many  indicated  much 
feeling,  and  several  expressed  the  comfort  they  had  experienced. 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


497 


We  parted  in  much  aflection,  and  afterwards  called  on  Pastor 
Brock,  at  Unter  Maxfield.  He  gave  a  farther  statement  of  the 
grievances  which  they  labour  under  in  Neuburg,  and  which  I  must 
endeavour  to  represent  to  the  King. 

There  are  six  hundred  and  fifty-two  families  in  the  Donaumoos; 
every  district  has  its  school,  and  as  all  the  children  are  obliged  to 
attend,  they  must  be  sent  to  the  Roman  Catholic,  if  there  is  no  Pro- 
testant school. 

Ninth  Month  22nd. — Professor  Kettel  called,  and  conducted  us  to 
the  gymnasium,  and  also  to  the  prison,  which  is  in  a  very  bad  state; 
■women  confined  without  any  female  officers,  and  some  have  been 
in  prison  for  fourteen  months  before  trial. 

We  dined  early,  and  set  out  on  our  return  to  Munich,  taking  a 
circuit  by  the  colony  of  Heinrichsheim  to  call  upon  Johann  Miiller, 
the  Mennonite  minister.  A  good  agricultural  school  here,  would 
be  of  incalculable  benefit,  as  an  experimental  farm,  and  also  in  other 
respects.  These  dear  people  were  much  gratified  with  this  short 
visit;  they  seem  very  industrious,  and  were  at  work  in  the  fields 
when  we  arrived.  They  took  an  aflTectionate  leave  of  us,  and  we 
felt  very  near  to  each  other  in  gospel  love.  J.  M.  showed  me  a 
copy  of  *  No  Cross,  no  Crown,'  which  he  valued  much ;  it  was  print- 
ed at  Pyrmont.  We  left  many  tracts  with  them,  which  they  re- 
ceived gratefully.  Though  I  have  passed  through  much  exercise  of 
body  and  mind,  in  coming  to  these  colonies,  yet  it  has  proved  a  most 
interesting  and  confirmincf  visit. 

We  reached  Munich  the  following  day,  and,  in  the  course  of  our 
ride,  observed  the  women  working  in  the  fields  just  like  men  ;  some 
of  them  holding  the  plough,  and  guiding  the  cattle  with  reins. 

Ninth  Month  24th. — Fervent  prayer  and  some  comfort.  A  sweet 
pause  after  our  reading  this  morning,  when  spiritual  refreshment 
was  afibrded.  Called  on  C.  Kleinshrod,  who  took  me  to  see  one  of 
the  King's  principal  ministers,  with  whom  I  had  a  good  deal  of 
important  conversation.  We  afterwards  visited  the  beautiful  gar- 
dens near  the  city,  which  are  several  miles  in  extent.  They  were 
laid  out  by  the  late  Count  Rumford.  We  returned  by  a  delightful 
terrace  walk,  on  the  banks  of  the  Iser,  from  whence  there  is  a  fine 
commanding  view  of  Munich,  with  the  Tyrolese  Alps  in  the  dis- 
tance. 

In  the  evening  I  wrote  a  letter  to  the  King,  with  some  suggestions 
about  the  Donaumoos,  and  a  representation  of  the  state  of  the  pri- 
son at  Neuburg,  &c. 

25th. — Took  an  aflTectionate  leave  of  C.  Kleinshrod,  and  set  out 


498 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


for  Lindau  on  the  Lake  of  Constance.  There  was  a  great  change 
in  the  appearance  of  the  country,  during  the  latter  part  of  our  ride, 
when  the  scenery  became  very  romantic,  and  quite  Swiss  in  its  cha- 
racter: there  were  pretty  cottages,  hills,  valleys,  pine  forests,  water- 
falls, and  mountain  streams  as  clear  as  crystal.  On  our  arrival  we 
were  sorry  to  find  that  the  steamer  for  Constance  did  not  go  till 
the  next  day.  I  always  wish  to  avoid  travelling  on  First-day,  but 
this  seems  a  case  of  necessity. 

21ih. — We  went  on  board  the  steamer  about  six  o'clock.  The 
views  of  the  lake,  and  the  snow-topped  mountains  were  grand.  As 
I  looked  towards  the  red  clouds  in  the  east,  at  sunrise,  the  first  verse 
of  the  twentieth  chapter  of  John  was  sweetly  brought  to  my  remem- 
brance— '  The  first  day  of  the  week  cometh  Mary  Magdalene  to  the 
sepulchre,'  &c.,  and  my  mind  was  deeply  impressed  with  the  tri- 
umph of  our  risen  Lord.  During  part  of  our  voyage,  we  had  a 
quiet,  comfortable  time  in  the  cabin,  and  reached  Constance  about 
twelve  o'clock. 

In  the  afternoon  L.  and  I  took  a  walk  to  the  Cathedral,  which  is 
a  very  curious  structure;  we  saw  the  large  square  stone  on  which 
the  martyr  John  Huss  stood,  when  he  was  degraded,  and  condemned 
to  be  burnt;  we  were  also  shown  his  house,  on  which  there  is  a 
figure  of  his  head  in  relief.  The  place  where  he  suffered  is  near 
the  Schaff'hausen  gate;  all  this  cruelty  was  perpetrated  by  persons 
who,  under  the  mask  of  religion,  claimed  a  right  to  exercise  eccle- 
siastical authority.    Read  a  good  deal  in  the  Bible  to  comfort. 

Ninth  Month  2Sth. — Engaged  a  carriage  to  take  us  to  Zurich. 
The  weather  was  fine  and  we  travelled  very  pleasantly.  From 
thence  we  proceeded  by  public  conveyances  to  Geneva,  where  I 
was  rejoiced  to  meet  dear  Peter  Bedford,  who  had  been  waiting  for 
me  above  a  week.  Great  alterations  and  improvements  have  been 
made  in  this  city  since  I  was  last  here.  We  took  up  our  quarters 
at  De  Jean's  at  Secheron,  where  we  have  a  beautiful  view  of  the 
lake  and  the  mountains.    Mont  Blanc  is  clear  and  grand. 

Tenth  Month  1st. — We  visited  the  excellent  penitentiary,  but 
Aubanel  was  absent  on  account  of  his  health;  his  family  received 
us  most  cordially.  Charles  Grellet  was  supplying  his  place.  My 
spirits  are  exceedingly  depressed.  The  Vernets  are  absent  at  Carra, 
and  dear  M.  A.  V.  is  very  ill." 

The  following  day,  William  Allen  rode  out  to  Carra ;  but  M.  A. 
V.  was  in  too  weak  a  state  to  be  told  of  his  arrival.    He  says — 

"  In  returning  to  Geneva  I  met  her  husband,  who  was  very  re- 


1840. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


499 


spectful  and  anbctionate ;  and,  on  taking  leave,  remarked,  that 
there  was  something  solemn,  to  persons  of  our  age,  in  the  word 
fareinelh 

We  made  some  other  calling  visits,  and  had  a  religious  opportu- 
nity with  the  prisoners,  which  afforded  satisfaction.  In  the  after- 
noon we  took  a  ride  to  the  burying-ground,  at  Sacconet,  (the  lesser,) 
and,  under  feelings  of  deep  solemnity,  stood  for  some  time  in  silence 
by  the  grave  of  my  dear  Charlotte.  It  is  now  twenty-four  years 
since  our  separation.  We  had  lived  together  in  uninterrupted  har- 
mony for  about  ten  years. 

Dr.  Fauconnet  and  T.  D'Espine  spent  the  evening  with  us;  we 
had  much  useful  and  satisfactory  conversation. 

Tenth  Month  3rd. — P.  B.,  L.,  and  I  went  on  board  the  steamer  for 
Lausanne.  We  met  with  very  agreeable  company.  Some  of  the 
passengers  were  persons  of  distinction,  who  had  lived  a  considera- 
ble time  in  Russia.  They  seemed  disposed  to  be  sociable,  and  asked 
me  many  questions  which  drew  forth  a  history  of  the  Scripture 
Lessons,  Lanark,  Lindfield,  &c.,  and  they  appeared  to  be  deeply 
interested.  On  reaching  Lausanne,  we  went  to  the  *  Hotel  Gibbon,' 
which  commands  a  fine  view  of  the  lake  and  mountains.  Some 
calls  in  the  evening.  It  seems  that  the  government  here  interferes 
with  religion,  and  we  found  little  openness  on  the  subject. 

4th. — We  spent  some  time  together  in  worship,  and  afterwards 
visited  the  excellent  prison.  The  inspector  seems  well  qualified  for 
his  office.  In  the  evening  we  called  at  the  house  of  Chavannes,  who 
was  not  at  home,  but  we  saw  his  daughters,  and  had  much  useful 
conversation  with  them. 

5th. — The  breathing  of  my  soul,  this  morning,  was,  '  Thy  face 
Lord  will  I  seek.'  On  visiting  the  normal  school,  we  found  they 
were  engaged  in  the  examination  of  young  men  called  Regents, 
who  were  candidates  for  appointments  as  masters.  It  seems  to  be 
conducted  in  the  presence  of  some  of  the  principal  inhabitants,  and 
is  on  an  extended  scale;  schools  are  spreading  rapidly.  Pastor 
Gaultrey  is  the  director.  Cornelia  Chavannes  called  upon  us  at  our 
hotel.  There  is  much  christian  sweetness  about  her,  and  her  visit 
revived  my  drooping  spirits.  She  has  published  a  very  sensible 
book  on  domestic  economy.  We  left  Lausanne  in  the  diligence  for 
Berne,  and  arrived  in  the  evening.  We  had  intelligent,  agreeable 
companions  the  first  part  of  the  way. 

Gth. — After  making  several  calls  in  Berne,  we  walked  to  the  Che- 
valier Biinsen's,  whose  house  is  beautifully  situated  a  little  out  of  the 


500 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


town  ;  we  found  him  a  most  interesting  man,  his  wife  seems  an  ex- 
cellent person,  and  they  have  a  fine  family.  We  afterwards  accom- 
panied him  to  Waburn,  where  a  reformatory  for  boys  has  lately 
been  established.  The  young  man  who  has  the  care  of  them  wishes 
to  act  upon  the  minds  of  his  charge  by  kindness  and  firmness,  and 
to  make  religious  principle  the  basis  of  his  instructions ;  he  seems 
deeply  interested  in  the  success  of  his  plan.  The  boys  work  on  the 
land,  which  is  attached  to  the  establishment.  We  took  tea  at  the 
Chevalier  Biinsen's,  and  had  a  very  agi-eeable  visit.  Sophia  Wiirs- 
temberger,  a  pious  young  woman,  active  in  charities,  came  in  ;  she 
is  the  person  who  interpreted  for  E.  Fry,  when  in  this  neighbour- 
hood, and  wrote  E.  F.'s  '  Address  to  Prisoners,'  from  having  heard 
her  deliver  it.  We  also  met  here,  a  very  interesting  man,  H.  C. 
Zellweger,  who  is  president  of  the  society  for  '  Common  Usefulness,' 
in  Appenzell,  and  has  done  much  for  the  cause  of  education  in  Swit- 
zerland ;  he  is  now  far  advanced  in  life. 

Tenth  Month  1th. — Rode  over  to  Hofwyl  this  morning :  E.  Fel- 
lenberg  was  very  kind,  and  I  had  much  conversation  with  him  re- 
specting his  plans,  but  it  was  difficult  to  discover  his  sentiments  on 
some  points,  and  those  of  great  moment. 

We  all  spent  the  evening  at  Schoosshalden,  the  residence  of  So- 
phia Wiirstemberger's  family :  the  Chevalier  Biinsen  and  his  wife 
were  there,  and  some  other  friends.  It  was  a  very  interesting  visit ; 
we  had  a  precious  time  of  christian  fellowship,  in  which  I  was  en- 
abled to  testify  to  the  truth  of  the  Gospel,  and  to  speak  of  the  influ- 
ence of  the  Holy  Spirit,  on  the  hearts  of  believers.  My  own  mind 
felt  refreshed  and  relieved.  P.  B.  was  afterwards  similarly  engaged. 

Sth. — The  Chevalier  Biinsen  and  S.  Wiirstemberger  called  ;  we 
parted,  I  believe,  with  mutual  feelings  of  affectionate  regard,  and 
about  two  o'clock  set  out  to  proceed  on  our  way  to  Basle.  Cultiva- 
tion appeared  very  luxuriant,  and  the  cattle  are  some  of  the  fattest 
I  have  ever  seen.  We  lodged  at  Soleure,  and  in  our  ride  from 
thence  to  Waldenburg,  passed  most  grand  and  striking  scenery. 
The  ruins  of  the  commanding  castle  of  Falkenstein,  and  many  other 
dens  of  the  robber  knights,  brought  to  remembrance  some  of  the 
histories  of  former  times.  Here  are  also  immense  ridges  of  lime- 
stone rock,  projecting  from  hills,  clothed  with  wood,  now  rich  in 
autumnal  tints,  and  the  road,  which  in  its  course  traverses  a  singu- 
lar cleft  in  the  mountains,  severing  the  Jura  chain  from  top  to  bot- 
tom, exhibits  varied  scenes  of  romantic  beauty,  rarely  to  be  found. 
We  reached  Basle  about  six  o'clock. 

Tenth  Month  10th. — We  took  a  walk  to  the  Mission  House,  of 


1840. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


501 


which  W.  Hoffman,  son  of  the  Director  at  Kornthal,  is  the  Inspec- 
tor. This  is  a  very  interesting  estabUshment,  and  we  were  struck 
with  the  appearance  of  cheerful  dedication  with  which  many  of  the 
young  men  seemed  to  be  pursuing  their  self-denying  course.  One 
of  them,  who  understands  English,  and  whose  name  is  John  George 
Widdman,  accompanied  us  to  Beuggen,  to  visit  the  school  for  or- 
phan and  destitute  children,  and  for  training  teachers.  We  went 
over  the  bridge,  and  took  an  eastern  course  by  the  side  of  the  noble 
Rhine,  for  about  ten  or  twelve  miles.  The  views  were  beautiful ; 
on  one  side  the  mountains  of  Jura,  and  on  the  other  the  Black  Fo- 
rest, and  vineyards.  The  institution  is  still  superintended  by  Zeller 
and  his  wife;  it  was  cheering  and  encouraging  to  find  that,  during 
twenty  years  which  have  elapsed  since  its  first  establishment,  the 
course  of  steady  usefulness  in  which  it  has  proceeded,  has  been  at- 
tended with  the  most  favourable  results ;  and  as  I,  in  conjunction 
with  some  other  friends  of  education  in  England,  took  a  lively  in- 
terest in  its  formation,  it  was  particularly  pleasant  to  witness  the 
blessing  that  has  attended  it,  and  to. learn,  from  various  quarters,  the 
extensive  benefits  which  it  has  been  the  means  of  conferring. 

We  were  glad  of  the  opportunity  of  becoming  acquainted  with 
our  kind  interpreter,  who  seems  an  excellent  young  man :  there  is 
a  settled  stamp  of  piety  in  his  countenance,  and  we  found  from  his 
conversation,  that  his  sentiments  quite  corresponded  with  our  im- 
pression of  his  character. 

11th. — First-day.  J.  G.  Widdman  joined  us  at  meeting  this 
morning.  We  afterwards  called  upon  the  dear  old  man  Spittler, 
who  seemed  much  rejoiced  to  see  me.  He  gave  us  an  animated 
account  of  his  'Pilgrim  Mission,'  established  at  Chrishona,  on  a 
mountain  a  few  miles  distant.  He  said,  '  My  desire  was  to  find 
some  young  men  who  would  give  themselves  to  the  service  of  the 
Lord,  and  quietly  serve  Him  amongst  the  poor, — who  would  prac- 
tise self-denial,  with  prayer,  and  labour  to  support  themselves ;  and 
who  might  eventually  become  useful  as  Bible  colporteurs,  as  assist- 
ants in  hospitals,  and  as  aids  to  missionaries  amongst  the  heathen, 
to  instruct  them  in  useful  arts,  &c. ;  and  a  small  beginning  has 
already  been  made. 

We  took  tea  with  friends  of  S.  Wiirstemberger,  Dr.  Burckhardt, 
Haller  and  his  wife.  Our  friend  Widdman  was  there,  also  Pastor 
Albert  Ostertag,  the  nephew  of  the  late  Blumhardt,  his  wife,  and 
some  other  friends.  Before  we  separated,  a  chapter  was  read,  and 
though  I  had  previously  felt  low,  life  seemed  to  arise,  and  I  was  led 
to  address  the  company  in  ministry.    We  then  went  to  the  Mission 


502  LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  1840. 

House,  and  saw  the  young  men,  about  forty-three  in  nunnber,  as- 
sembled for  supper.  The  dear  Inspector  Hoffman,  and  his  excel- 
lent wife,  were  present;  there  was  a  sweet  solemnity,  and  I  offered 
a  few  remarks,  which  he  most  readily  interpreted.  The  communi- 
cation was  cordially  received,  and  I  came  away  in  peace.*  Widd- 
man  expressed  the  comfort  he  felt  on  this  occasion :  he  accompa- 
nied us  to  our  hotel,  and  took  an  affectionate  leave. 

Tenth  Month  \2th.—We  left  Basle  early,  lodged  at  Kehl,  and  the 
next  day  arrived  at  Carlsruhe.  Finding  we  could  not  go  forward 
by  the  Rhine  that  night,  we  staid  till  the  following  afternoon,  and 
then  proceeded  by  the  steamboat  from  Leopoldshafen  to  Bonn, 
spending  a  short  night  at  Manheim.  This  day,  the  15th,  being  the 
King  of  Prussia's  birth-day,  the  boats  were  dressed  out  with  flags, 
and  many  guns  were  fired.  As  evening  approached,  bonfires  were 
lighted  on  the  summits  of  the  hills,  lamps  were  hung  from  the  ves- 
sel, and  on  entering  Bonn,  we  found  the  town  illuminated. 

Tenth  Month  IGth. — Called  upon  Dr.  Meyer,  and  then  visited  the 
University,  which  was  formerly  the  palace  of  the  Elector  of  Bonn, 
but  since  his  death,  the  King  of  Prussia  has  made  it  the  seal  of  a 
university.  On  looking  over  the  library,  and  examining  the  com- 
partment of  theology,  we  found  no  Friends'  books.  I  inquired  of 
Professor  Joseph  Schram,  whether  they  would  be  willing  to  accept 
of  any,  and  he  said  they  should  be  exceedingly  glad  to  receive 
them.f 

We  came  by  the  steamer  to  Dusseldorf,  where  we  put  up  at  our 
old  quarters,  the  '  Breidenbacher  Hof.' 

11th. — P.  B.,  L.,  and  I,  walked  over  to  Dusselthal,  and  met  with 

*  After  the  decease  of  W.  Allen,  Peter  Bedford  enclosed  to  W.  Hoffman,  some  copies 
of  the  "  Testimony,"  issued  by  the  Monthly  Meeting,  together  with  a  letter  from  himself. 
In  acknowledging  his  kindness,  W.  H.  writes  thus  to  P.  B. : — 

"  Your  kind  letter,  accompanying  the  copies  of  the  interesting  Memorial  to  our  late 
dear  friend  William  Allen,  gave  me  much  pleasure. 

When  I  heard,  by  the  newspapers,  that  our  dear  friend  was  called  away  by  Divine 
Providence,  from  the  scene  of  his  labours  for  the  good  of  mankind,  I  deeply  felt  that  one 
of  the  fathers  in  Israel  had  left  us,  for  finding  the  heavenly  repose  which  the  Lord  has 
destined  for  his  faithful  servants.  O !  that  my  end  may  be  like  that  of  this  righteous 
man ;  and  that  he  may  find  many  followers  to  imitate  his  benevolence  and  activity." 

-j-On  W.  Allen's  return  home  he  procured,  from  the  Society  of  Friends,  a  present  of 
books,  for  the  University,  and  forwarded  them  to  Professor  Schram,  together  with  a  set  of 
J.  J.  Gurney's  Works,  presented  by  the  author.  The  following  acknowledgment  was 
soon  afterwards  received  : — 

"  Bonn,  24</j  of  March,  1841. 
"  I  thank  the  Friend  William  Allen,  in  the  name  of  the  said  Library,  for  the  valuable 
present  of  books,  which  has  duly  arrived.  These  authentic  proofs  of  the  labours  of  the 
Society  of  Friends  for  the  promotion  of  pure  Christianity,  are  cause  of  peculiar  rejoicing 
in  the  present  day,  and  deserve  to  be  considered,  by  all  those  who  regard  the  diffusion  of 
christian  doctrine  as  important,  as  worthy  memorials  of  pious  sentiments. 

I  therefore  beg  that  the  Librar)'  of  the  said  University,  may  be  further  permitted  to 
share  m  any  future  publications  of  the  Society,  and  be  kept  in  friendly  remembrance. 

J.  Schram." 


1840. 


or  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


503 


a  cordinl  reception  from  the  Count  and  Countess  Von  der  Rccke, 
and  Marianne  Murray,  (wlio  now  resides  there)  ;  we  also  saw  Gus- 
tavus  Meyer,  who  is  returned  from  England.  We  fixed  for  M.  A. 
M.  to  spend  the  afternoon  with  us,  at  our  hotel,  and  from  her  we 
received  much  interesting  information  respecting  the  establishment. 

Deeply  impressed,  in  the  evening,  with  a  sense  of  my  own  un- 
worlhiness. 

18t/i. — First-day.  Some  of  our  friends  from  Dusselthal  came 
over  and  joined  us,  at  our  meeting  for  worship.  We  waited  in 
silence  before  the  Lord  for  some  time,  when  I  became  concerned 
to  address  them,  and  M.  A.  M.  interpreted.  Towards  the  conclu- 
sion, the  Count,  in  a  very  sweet  manner,  expressed  the  comfort  he 
had  felt.  I  experienced  the  truth  of  this  scripture  declaration,  'He 
that  watereth  shall  be  watered  himself.' 

In  the  afternoon  we  rode  over  to  Dusselthal,  where  a  meeting  for 
worship  was  appointed  :  it  was  held  in  the  great  chapel  of  the  es- 
tablishment, and  from  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred  persons 
were  present.  We  sat  in  silence  under  a  calm  and  precious  feel- 
ing:  at  length,  I  felt  it  right  to  rise,  and  was  strengthened  to  my 
own  humble  admiration,  to  preach,  I  trust,  the  gospel  of  Christ. 
Dear  M.  A.  M.  again  interpreted  remarkably  well.  It  was  felt  to 
be  a  time  of  divine  favour,  and  we  were  comforted  together.  All 
praise  be  to  the  Great  Master  alone ! 

Te7ith  Month  I9th. — Called  at  Count  Von  der  Groeben's,  and  on 
Pastor  Thielen,  and  were  very  kindly  received.  We  then  endea- 
voured to  enter  a  little  into  the  arrangements  at  Dusselthal,  with  a 
view  to  affording  help  to  this  interesting  establishment.  Part  of 
the  following  day  was  also  similarly  engaged.  We  all  dined  at 
Count  Groeben's,  and  had  a  warm-hearted  reception ;  several  rela- 
tions and  friends  were  present,  and  the  whole  company  were  much 
delighted  with  the  speech  of  the  King  of  Prussia,  on  his  birlh-day ; 
it  does  indeed  breathe  an  excellent  spirit.  A  meeting  for  worship 
was  appointed  for  the  afternoon,  and  proved  a  solemn  and  favoured 
opportunity ;  I  was  engaged  in  ministry,  and  Pastor  Thielen  inter- 
preted well.  Prayer  was  afterwards  offered  up,  and,  amongst  other 
petitions,  I  supplicated  for  a  blessing  upon  the  King  and  Queen. 
A  tribute  of  thanksgiving  was  raised  in  my  heart  to  my  Divine  Mas- 
ter, for  being  graciously  helped  through  this  engagement. 

2lsL — We  had  a  satisfactory  religious  opportunity  with  the  wait- 
ers of  the  hotel,  this  morning.  Some  of  our  dear  friends  from 
Dusselthal  came  to  take  leave  of  us,  and,  between  eleven  and  twelve 
o'clock,  we  set  out  from  Dusseldorf,  on  our  way  to  Brussels." 


604 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1840. 


William  Allen  and  his  companions  proceeded  by  Aix  la  Chapelle 
to  Brussels,  and  from  thence  to  Ghent,  where  he  had  several  inter- 
views with  some  of  the  English  work-people,  and  endeavoured  to 
complete  the  arrangements  for  a  school  and  library,  which  had  been 
commenced  in  his  former  visit.  The  fluctuating  state  of  this  class 
of  persons  presented  many  difficulties,  but  at  length,  some  points 
were  satisfactorily  adjusted.  A  meeting  for  worship  was  held  on 
first-day,  at  which  a  few  were  present.  He  mentions  a  solemn 
feeling  having  prevailed,  and  adds — 

"  I  had  an  open  time  in  testimony,  and  afterwards  in  supplica- 
tion. 

Tenth  Month  26th. — We  met  a  number  of  the  work-people  at 
David  Bell's,  at  the  little  Phoenix  works,  and  agreed  upon  some  of 
the  rules  to  be  adopted.  There  was  rather  a  large  company;  and 
when  the  business  was  concluded,  I  read  a  chapter,  and  had  to  offer 
a  religious  communication  afterwards,  which  brought  peace. 

28t/i. — We  came  to  Antwerp  yesterday,  and  spent  a  pleasant 
quiet  evening  at  the  '  Grand  Labour eur  ;^  thankfulness  covered  my 
mind  that  we  had  been  favoured  to  arrive  thus  far  in  safety.  We 
started  about  noon  in  the  ^  Antic erjpen'  steamer  for  London,  and 
landed  at  the  Tower  Stairs  between  eight  and  nine  o'clock.  A  tri- 
bute of  thanksgiving  and  praise  to  the  Great  Preserver  of  men,  was 
again  raised  in  my  heart  for  the  mercies  vouchsafed  to  us.  Very 
peaceful  feelings  on  reaching  Stoke  Newington. 

Eleventh  Month  1th. — Received  a  letter  from  Alexander  D'Jun- 
kovsky,  expressing  his  regret  that  Daniel  Wheeler,  (son  of  the  late 
Daniel  Wheeler,)  was  leaving  Russia.  He  also  says,  'Be  per- 
suaded, my  kind  benefactor,  that  the  benefits  you  have  conferred 
upon  me,  are  never  to  be  rooted  out  of  my  memory;  your  friend- 
ship and  the  kind  proceedings  of  your  friends  towards  me,  I  shall 
never  forget,  and  I  am  very  sorry  that  the  only  member  of  your 
esteemed  Society,  who  resided  in  Russia,  is  going  away.' 

Wth. — (At  Lindfield.)  Dear  E.  and  L.  and  I  enjoy  being  again 
together  at  this  place.  It  is  great  cause  for  thankfulness  that  the 
school  seems  to  have  been  managed  well  in  my  absence.  There 
are  now  twenty-one  boarders,  and  I  was  comforted  with  the  appear- 
ance of  the  children." 

William  Allen  was  diligently  occupied  on  his  return  home,  in 
bringing  up  the  arrears  of  his  little  periodical,  the  "Lindfield  Re- 
porter," and  in  his  other  home  engagements;  he  says — 

"  I  am  graciously  permitted  to  enjoy  a  quiet,  peaceful  state  of 
mind. 


1840. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


505 


Twelfth  Month  3rd. — Felt  the  good  effects  of  the  prayer  put  up  in 
my  retirement  this  morning. 

5th. — Received  a  gold  medal  from  the  King  of  Prussia,  who,  in  a 
letter  addressed  'To  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Fry,  Mr.  William  Allen,  and 
Mr.  Samuel  Gurney,'  returns  his  best  thanks  for  our  kind  letter, 
'  united  with  the  sincere  wish,'  he  says,  '  that  the  three  golden  hom- 
age medals  enclosed  hereby,  may  aflx)rd  you  some  pleasure,  and  be 
a  constant  remembrance  of  me.' 

1th. — A  letter  from  Professor  E.  Jaequemyns,  mentioned  the  arri- 
val of  John  Dixon,  the  school-master,  at  Ghent, — he  promises  to 
patronise  him. 

lOth. — The  city  has  voted  one  thousand  pounds  to  the  British  and 
Foreign  School  Society. 

2\st. — L.  read  to  me  in  J.  J.  Gurney's  'Winter  in  the  West 
Indies,'  a  most  cheering  account  of  the  working  of  the  Abolition 
Act.  Triumphant  facts  in  favour  of  freedom.  Thanksgiving  and 
everlasting  praises  to  my  Divine  Master,  who  has  permitted  His 
poor  unworthy  servant  to  see  the  desire  of  his  soul,  after  more  than 
fifty  years'  struggle  with  the  powers  of  darkness,  in  promoting  the 
Abolition  of  Slavery  in  the  British  Dominions! 

24:lh. — With  the  Aborigines  Committee,  to  Lord  John  Russell, 
about  a  memorial  from  that  Society.  A  very  agreeable  interview; 
we  were  earnest  that  government  should  make  some  provision  for 
the  protection  of  the  Aborigines  of  New  Zealand. 

2Gth. — Wrote  the  following  letter  to  the  King  of  Prussia : — 

TO  FREDERICK  WILLIAM,  THE  FOURTH,  KING  OF  PRUSSIA. 

"  The  important  events  which  have  taken  place  in  Berlin  since 
I  had  the  privilege  of  seeing  thee  in  that  city,  have,  on  many  ac- 
counts, excited  my  deep  sympathy  with  thee,  O  King;  and  earn- 
estly do  I  desire,  that  the  Father  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all  conso- 
lation, may  continue  to  watch  over  and  preserve  thee,  and  thy  be- 
loved consort;  so  that  neither  heights  nor  depths,  things  present, 
nor  things  to  come,  may  ever  be  able  to  separate  you  from  His 
love  in  Christ  Jesus,  our  Lord.  I  cannot  adequately  express  the 
comfort  and  satisfaction  that  I  felt,  and  the  thanksgiving  that  was 
excited  in  my  heart,  when  I  read  the  account  of  the  manner  in 
which,  I  have  no  doubt,  thou  wast  divinely  supported  bv  the  grace 
of  our  Lord,  to  acknowledge  Him  before  men.  It  has  been  cause 
of  great  joy  to  his  seroants,  not  only  in  thy  own  country,  but  will 
be  so  in  all  countries  where  the  account  shall  come;  and  I  am  fully 

Vol.  II.  33 


506  LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  1840 

persuaded,  that  their  fervent  prayers  will  ascend  for  thy  preserva- 
tion, under  all  the  difficulties,  trials,  and  temptations  that  thou 
mayst  have  to  meet  with ;  and  O,  saith  my  soul,  may  '  the  unction 
from  the  Holy  One'  be  thy  guide,  thy  defence,  and  thy  comforter, 
and  through  all  the  varied  scenes,  of  thy  earthly  career,  may  He, 
whom  thou  hast  so  publicly  confessed,  mark  and  acknowledge  thee 
for  His  own,  not  only  in  this  present  world,  but  in  the  great  day, 
before  His  Father  and  the  holy  angels.  '  Him  who  honoureth  me, 
I  will  honour,'  saith  the  Lord. 

The  tokens  of  thy  kind  remembrance  of  my  two  friends  and  me, 
as  expressed  in  the  letter  that  accompanied  the  homage  medals, 
which  thou  ordered  to  be  delivered  to  us,  were  very  cordial  to  our 
feelings,  and  we  gratefully  receive  them,  not  merely  as  coming  from 
a  king,  whom  we  honour  and  love,  but  from  one  whom  we  rejoice 
in  being  permitted  to  consider  as  a  christian  friend.  The  letter  and 
medals  did  not  come  to  hand,  till  after  the  notice  of  the  transactions 
of  the  15th  of  the  Tenth  Month  (October)  last  was  printed  in  the 
Lindfield  Reporter  herewith  sent,  which  will  show  how  those  trans- 
actions were  felt  and  appreciated  here.* 

I  remain,  thy  very  respectful  and  affectionate  friend, 

William  Allen. 

Mar  London,  27th  of  Twelfth  Month,  1840." 

*  Tlie  following  extracts  from  the  Lindfield  Reporter,  state  the  circumstances  to  which 
W.  A.  referred  : — 

"The  15th  of  this  month  was  a  day  of  public  rejoicing  at  Berlin,  and  of  great  interest 
to  all  Prussia.  It  was  the  forty-fifth  anniversary  of  the  birth  of  her  l>eloved  monarch 
Frederick  William  the  IV.,  and  on  this  memorable  day  he  received  the  homage  of  several 
provinces,  on  his  accession  to  the  throne.' 

In  commencing  the  proceedings  at  Konigsbcrg,  on  the  10th  of  the  preceding  month, 
he  thus  addressed  the  people  : — 

'  I  promise,  here  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  all  these  beloved  witnesses,  that  I  will  be  an 
upright  judge — a  true,  careful,  merciful  Prince — a  christian  king,  as  my  nevcr-to-bc-for- 
gottcn  father  was  :  blessed  be  his  memory  !  I  will  exercise  justice  and  righteousness  with 
zeal,  and  without  respect  of  persons.  I  will,  with  equal  atfection,  protect,  cherish,  and 
promote  the  welfare,  the  success,  and  the  honour  of  all  classes;  and  I  pray  God  for  that 
blessing  which  incUnes  the  hearts  of  men  towards  the  prince,  and  makes  him  a  man  after 
the  divine  will,  a  delight  to  the  good,  a  terror  to  the  evil-doers.  May  God  bless  our  be- 
loved country.' 

A  highly  respectable  correspondent,  has  furnished  us  with  the  following  particulars  of 
the  events  which  occurred  at  Berlin,  on  the  15th  of  Tenth  Month. 

"  The  addresses  delivered  by  His  Majesty,  were  distinctly  heard  by,  at  least,  twenty 
thousand  of  the  persons  present.    He  said — 

'I  know  indeed,  and  I  acknowledge  it,  that  I  have  received  my  crown  from  God  alone: 
I  know  also,  and  I  acknowledge  before  you  all,  that  I  wear  it  as  a  trust  from  the  Most 
High,  aiSl  that  I  am  accountable  to  Him  for  every  day  and  every  hour  of  my  reign. 
Should  any  one  desire  a  guarantee  for  the  future,  I  refer  him  to  these  words  ;  a  better  se- 
curity can  neither  I,  nor  any  other  man  on  earth  give  ;  it  weighs  heavier,  and  binds  faster, 
than  any  coronation  oath,  than  all  the  assm-ances  written  upon  brass  or  parchment ;  for 
it  flows  from  the  heart,  and  is  rooted  in  faith.' 

In  a  subsequent  address  he  said — 

'  In  the  solemn  moment  of  receiving  the  homage  of  my  German  dominions,  of  the  no- 
blest races  of  the  most  noble  people,  and  recollecting  the  memorable  scene  at  Konigsbcrg, 
and  which  is  here  repeated,  I  pray  God  to  be  pleased  to  confirm,  with  His  Almighty 


1841. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


507 


Twelfth  Month  31s/. — This  year  I  have  spent  five  months  on  the 
continent,  and  travelled  about  five  thousand  miles,  by  sea  and  land, 
and  I  have  gratefully  to  acknowledge  the  goodness  of  our  Almighty 
Preserver,  who  supported  me  and  kept  my  spirits  from  utterly  sink- 
ing in  low  seasons.  Though  sometimes  I  am  afraid  to  call  myself 
the  Lord's  servant,  and  am  almost  ready  to  wonder  that  I  should 
feel  peace  in  attempting  publicly  to  advocate  His  blessed  cause,  yet 
I  may  acknowledge  that  through  the  influence  of  His  Holy  Spirit, 
He  has,  at  some  favoured  seasons,  enabled  me  to  preach  His  ever- 
lasting gospel  to  my  own  humbling  admiration. 

O,  I  have  very  distinctly  felt  that  the  power  and  ability  were 
solely  from  Him,  and  that  no  merit  attaches  to  my  poor  self.  To 
Him  be  all  the  praise  of  his  own  work  !" 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

1841 — 1844. — Letter  to  his  Grand-d.iuglitcr — Death  of  his  Niece — Religious  Persecution 
— Letter  to  the  King  of  Sweden — Visit  of  A.  Beyerhaus — Attends  the  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing of  SufTolk — Correspondence — Interview  with  the  King  of  Prussia,  in  London — 
Friends  present  an  Address  to  the  King — Letter  to  F.  Fox — Reflections — Illness  at 
Lindfield — Letter  from  J.  J.  Gurney — Returns  to  Stoke  Newington — Declining 
Health — Last  Illness  at  Lindfield — Death. 

"  First  Month  4th,  1841. — Adjourned  Morning  Meeting.  I  was 
contrited  in  hearing  some  of  the  old  letters  I'cad,  of  our  worthy  pre- 
decessors.   The  Lord  was  with  them  of  a  truth.f 

5th. — Michael  Gibbs's  wife  paid  us  a  visit,  with  Frances  Fox,  the 
daughter  and  only  child  of  my  late  very  dear  friend,  Joseph  Fox.  I 
was  affected  by  the  recollection  of  him. 

8//<. — British  and  Foreign  School  Committee ;  important.  A  me- 
morial drawn  up  to  the  present  government.  We  are  afraid  that 
concessions  have  been  made,  which  will  tend  to  throw  the  educa- 
tion of  the  people  into  the  hands  of  the  church,  by  degrees. 

23rJ. — Thanksgiving.  Retirement  to  comfort,  under  the  calm- 
ing influence  of  divine  good.  This  acknowledgment  of  the  Prophet 
occurred  with  some  instruction, — '  Mine  eyes  fail  with  looking  up- 

Amcn,  the  vows  which  I  made  at  Konigsborg,  and  which  I  here  confirm, — I  promise  to 
conduct  my  government  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  in  love  to  man,  with  open  eyes  when  the 
wants  of  my  people  are  concerned,  and  with  closed  eyes  when  justice  is  to  be  administer- 
ed. I  will,  as  far  as  my  power  and  my  will  extend,  maintain  peace  in  my  time,  and,  ti> 
the  very  utmost  of  my  ability,  support  the  noble  endeavours  of  the  great  Powers,  who, 
for  the  last  ((uartcr  of  a  century,  have  been  the  faithful  guardians  of  the  peace  of  Europe.' 

The  King's  words  were  received  with  the  most  joyful  acclamations,  and  in  concluding^ 
his  impressive  address,  which  embraced  several  other  points,  he  prayed  that  the  blessing 
of  God  might  rest  upon  that  hour." 

I  "  Letters  of  Early  Friends,"  selected  by  A.  R.  Barclay. 


508 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1841. 


ward,'  denoting  that  his  mind  was  abstracted  from  earthly  things, 
the  things  that  are  seen  and  are  temporal,  and  directed  to  the  in- 
visible Source  of  help  and  consolation,  and  that  he  did  it  ardently 
and  perseveringly. 

First  Month  24tli. — I  have  been  drawing  up  a  set  of  queries  to  be 
answered  by  young  Friends,  and  sent  the  following  letter  to  my 
grand-daughter  Charlotte  Hanbury,  with  a  copy  of  them  : — 
'  My  Dear  Charlotte, 

'  The  testimonies  of  our  Religious  Society,  though  founded  upon 
the  doctrine  and  precepts  of  Holy  Scripture,  are,  in  many  points, 
so  different  from  the  practice  of  the  world  in  genera],  that  the  child- 
ren of  Friends  are  liable  to  be  called  upon,  to  give  a  reason  for 
being  singular  in  various  respects;  and  I  have  long  been  desirous 
that  our  dear  young  people  should  so  thoroughly  acquaint  them- 
selves with  the  subject,  as  to  be  able  to  render  a  reason,  as  the 
Apostle  Peter  expresses  it,  *  But  sanctify  the  Lord  God  in  your 
hearts,  and  be  ready  always  to  give  an  answer  to  every  man  that 
asketh  you  a  reason  of  the  hope  that  is  in  you,  with  meekness  and 
fear  ;'  and  again,  Psalm  cxix.  v.  46,  '  I  will  speak  of  thy  testimonies 
also  before  kings,' 

I  have  made  a  Mst  of  some  of  those  points,  in  which  we  are 
deemed  singular  by  the  world,  as  queries;  with  a  request  that  those 
to  whom  they  are  given,  would  return  an  answer  in  writing;  bring- 
ing forth  such  passages  of  Scripture,  as  they  think  applicable  to  the 
subject. 

Barclay's  Apology,  J.  J.  Gurney's  Peculiarities,  and  the  Rules  of 
Discipline,  would  furnish  excellent  materials.' 

3lst. — Called  upon  my  sister-in-law,  Sarah  Hoare,  who  is  very 
ill,  and  wished  to  see  me.    I  had  much  satisfaction  in  the  visit. 

Second  Month  1th. — Message  from  J.  T.  B.,  requesting  me  to 
write  notes  to  some  members  of  parliament,  urging  them  to  an 
early  attendance  at  the  house  on  the  9th,  when  F.  Kelly  is  to  bring 
in  his  bill  on  the  subject  of  the  Punishment  of  Death. 

12///. — Hawes's  Bill  about  Chemists  and  Druggists  is  trying  to 
us.  I  have  been  requested  to  take  the  chair  at  a  public  meeting  of 
the  trade  on  second-day,  but  I  am  not  up  to  it." 

After  mentioning  the  decease  of  his  dear  sister-in-law,  Sarah 
Hoare,  on  the  14th  instant,  he  writes — 

"  Comfort  in  my  morning  retirement;  contrited  in  prayer  for  my 
own  preservation,  and  for  that  of  those  dearest  to  me;  especially 
for  my  dear  grandson  William. 

Second  Month  23i'd. — Very  much  interested  in  reading  Ellis's 


1841. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


509 


'  Women  of  England ;'  it  is  written  with  great  ability,  and  ought  to 
have  a  place  in  every  boarding-school  for  girls." 

For  some  weeks  after  this  period,  William  Allen  was  much  indis- 
posed from  an  attack  of  influenza,  which  was  at  that  time  a  pre- 
vailing epidemic;  he  mentions  that  his  niece,  Eliza  Bradshaw,  was 
suffering  from  the  same  complaint,  but  on  the  27th  of  Third  Month, 
he  writes — 

"  I  think  dear  Eliza  is  recovering.  We  returned  from  Lindfield 
by  easy  stages,  having  the  chariot  to  the  Blue  Anchor,  and  a  fly  from 
thence  to  Croydon.   We  reached  home  to  dinner. 

29i/i. — I  thought  our  dear  Eliza  was  recovering  yesterday,  and 
though  poorly  in  the  evening,  and  urged  to  have  medical  advice, 
she  said  she  had  rather  wait  till  the  next  day.  She  had  a  tolerable 
night,  but  this  morning,  about  six  o'clock,  L.  was  struck  with  a 
change  in  the  dear  creature  when  she  coughed,  and  ran  down  to 
call  me.  I  was  dressed  and  in  my  study,  and  it  is  remarkable,  that 
in  my  private  retirement  before  the  Lord,  which  was  then  over,  I 
had  prayed,  upon  my  knees,  for  these  two  dear  objects  of  my  care 
and  solicitude;  but  little  did  I  think  that  my  precious  E.  was  then 
about  to  be  gathered  to  her  everlasting  rest.  I  ran  to  the  bed-side, 
— she  seemed  in  a  sweet  sleep,  but  was  very  pale ;  it  was  evident 
that  life  was  ebbing  out,  and  she  scarcely  breathed  after  I  entered 
the  room.  There  was  neither  sigh  nor  movement, — not  a  feature 
was  disturbed;  a  heavenly  serenity  marked  her  placid  countenance, 
which  was  lovely  in  death,  and  seemed  to  speak  more  powerfully 
than  words,  'AH  is  peace.'  Surely  there  never  was  a  sweeter  or 
an  easier  transition  from  a  world  of  trial  and  conflict,  to  the  regions 
of  love  and  bliss!  I  firmly  believe  she  sleeps  in  Jesus;  and  O,  that 
my  last  end  may  be  like  her's !  Ah !  this  was  a  most  sudden  and 
unexpected  stroke,  and  nature  must  feel,  but  I  remembered  the  lan- 
guage, 'I  was  dumb;  I  opened  not  my  mouth,  because  thou  didst 
it,'  and,  in  a  little  soul-sustaining  help,  we  have,  I  trust,  been  enabled 
to  say,  '  Thy  will  be  done.'  On  how  many  occasions  shall  we  miss 
her !  we  were  indeed  a  three-fold  cord ;  it  is  consoling  to  think  of 
the  love  and  harmony  in  which  we  have  lived,  down  to  the  mo- 
ment of  separation.  A  more  amiable  disposition  than  that  of  our 
precious  Eliza,  I  was  never  acquainted  with, — so  perfectly  free  from 
selfishness  or  ostentation, — she  delighted  in  doing  good  privately. 
I  loved  her  deeply  and  tenderly.  O,  may  we  who  remain,  be  pre- 
served unto  the  end,  and  then,  being  washed  from  our  sins,  in  the 
blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  rejoin  the  spirit  of  the  dear  de- 
parted. Amen! 


510 


LIFE  AND  correspondence; 


1841. 


In  the  course  of  the  morning,  my  dear  friend  and  christian  bro- 
ther, Peter  Bedford,  called;  his  sweet,  sympathising  spirit  is  truly 
cordial  to  me.  He  is  one  who  loves  the  Saviour,  and  all  those  who 
love  Him.  After  the  Select  Quarterly  Meeting,  dear  E.  J.  Fry  and 
Samuel  Gurney  paid  us  a  very  acceptable  visit,  also  dear  S.  Corder, 
and  some  other  Friends.  A  contriting  season  in  the  evening; :  I  read 
the  fourteenth  chapter  of  John,  and  we  were  comforted. 

Fourth  Month  5th. — To-day,  the  remains  of  our  precious  Eliza 
were  interred  at  Stoke  Newington,  next  to  those  of  my  dear  mother. 
A  meeting  was  held,  which  was  largely  attended.  The  poor  were 
true  mourners.  Her  loss  will  be  long  and  extensively  felt,  both 
here  and  at  Lindfield.  We  were  favoured  with  a  very  solemn  and 
satisfactory  meeting,  and,  I  trust,  an  evidence  that  the  Comforter 
was  near.  Our  beloved  E.  J.  Fry  was  helped  in  an  extraordinary 
manner,  both  in  testimony  and  supplication,  to  the  tendering  of  many 
hearts;  it  was  a  time  to  be  long  remembered;  some  other  Friends 
were  acceptably  engaged  in  ministry.  I  spoke  for  a  short  time  at 
the  ground,  quoting  those  expressions  of  our  Lord,  '  Where  I  am, 
there  shall  also  my  servant  be.' 

Deep  gratitude  was  experienced  for  the  support  graciously  vouch- 
safed to  us  under  this  bitter  trial,  and  for  the  precious  evidence,  that 
the  beloved  departed  one  had  entered  into  the  joy  of  her  Lord.  She 
was,  indeed,  a  humble  follower  of  her  dear  Saviour,  whom  she  loved 
and  diligently  served,  and  the  manner  in  which  she  was  so  gently 
and  peacefully  withdrawn  from  us,  contrited  my  spirit. 

Fourth  Month  6th. — A  sweet  consolatory  letter  from  dear  J.  J. 
Gurney,  and  also  from  my  dear  old  friend,  Thomas  Clarkson,  ex- 
pressive of  the  sincere  sympathy  of  himself  and  his  wife  and  daugh- 
ter-in-law. 

8tk. — Tender  in  prayer,  entreating,  that  my  heart  might  not  be 
permitted  to  become  hard. 

9th. — At  work  on  an  article  for  the  Lindjield  Reporter,  on  reli- 
gious persecution. 

It  commences  thus  : — 

"  Our  attention  has  been  particularly  turned  to  the  subject  of 
religious  persecution,  by  the  accounts  given  of  the  debates  in  par- 
liament, upon  the  case  of  W.  Baines,  a  highly  respectable  inhabi- 
tant of  Leicester,  for  the  non-payment  of  church-rates.  The  argu- 
ments of  those  who  ranged  themselves  on  the  side  of  ecclesiastical 
domination,  amounted  briefly  to  this,  that  these  rates  were  levied  in 
consequence  of  an  act  of  parliament,  and  being  thus  the  law  of  the 
land,  it  is  the  bounden  duty  of  every  subject  to  pay  them.  Now, 


1841. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


511 


overlooking  for  a  moment  the  circumstance,  that  they  can  only  be 
legally  enforced  by  a  vote  of  the  majority  of  rate  payers  in  any 
given  parish,  let  us  examine  this  position,  on  wliich  the  advocates 
for  the  compulsory  maintenance  of  an  ecclesiastical  establishment, 
take  their  stand. 

The  whole  force  of  their  argument  lies  in  the  very  words  em- 
ployed by  those  who  condemned  the  Saviour  of  men,  '  We  have  a 
law.'    John  xix.  7. 

We  will,  in  the  first  place  tell  them,  that  the  mere  circumstance 
of  having  a  law,  is  not  sufficient  to  justify  them  in  the  execution  of 
it.  Have  they  never  heard  of  unjust,  cruel,  and  wicked  laws?  Can 
they  forget  that  Bishops  Ridley  and  Latimer,  and  a  glorious  host  of 
martyrs,  were  burnt  to  death  according  to  larv,  because  they  could 
not  conscientiously  conform  to  the  state  religion]  Had  these  cham- 
pions for  law  lived  in  Spain  and  Portugal,  when  the  laws  of  the  land 
in  those  countries  subjected  conscientious  men  and  women  to  the 
horrors  of  the  Inquisition,  would  they  have  considered  it  their  duty 
to  support  these  proceedings,  because  there  was  a  law  for  it?  But 
we  will  tell  them  that  every  law,  which  is  contrary  to  the  precepts 
and  doctrine  of  the  gospel,  is  more  honoured  in  the  breach,  than  in 
the  observance,  and  ought  not  to  be  considered  binding  upon  any 
christian." 

He  then  describes  the  object  and  end  of  all  good  government, 
which  has  before  been  stated,  and  proceeds — 

"  The  Saviour  of  men,  when  He  sent  out  His  apostles, — who,  by 
the  way,  were  of  the  poor  of  this  world,  though  rich  in  faith, — so 
far  from  giving  them  any  authority  to  claim  pecuniary  support,  laid 
this  solemn  injunction  upon  them, — '  Freely  ye  have  received,  free- 
ly give.'  Matt.  X.  8.  The  kingdoms  of  this  world  are  of  a  secular 
character;  their  objects  are  secular;  but  what  relates  to  the  king- 
dom of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  is  of  a  spiritual  nature; 
and  He  said,  expressly,  "  My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world.'  " 

After  strongly  deprecating  the  ecclesiastical  courts,  where 
"  William  Baities,  for  a  demand  of  two  pounds,  five  shillings,  has 
been  visited  with  costs,  in  addition  to  the  amount,  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty-seven  pounds,  eight  shillings,"  he  says — 

"  The  religious  liberty  enjoyed  in  this  country,  in  the  present  day, 
was  obtained  through  the  sufferings  of  those  upright  men,  who  bold- 
ly stood  forward  to  advocate  the  rights  of  conscience.  See  the  re- 
markable trial  of  William  Penn,  and  William  Meade,  for  the  crime 
of  meeting  for  the  purpose  of  religious  worship  and  preaching,  in  a 
manner  different  from  that  of  the  establishment. 


512 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1841. 


The  call  of  every  true  minister  of  the  gospel,  is  derived  from 
Christ  alone,  through  the  agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit:  even  the 
Apostles  of  Christ  were  not  permitted  to  go  forth  with  their  message, 
until  they  were  endued  with  power  from  on  high  :  human  learning 
is  by  no  means  a  necessary  qualification:  the  unlearned  may  be, 
and  have  been  made,  skilful  in  the  office,  through  the  influence  of 
the  Holy  Spirit.  Is  it  not,  therefore,  awful  presumption  for  any  to 
suppose,  that  they  can  qualify  themselves  for  that,  as  for  any  secu- 
lar employment,  by  human  study  1  And  must  we  not  conclude,  when 
such  take  upon  them  the  ministerial  office,  maintain  themselves  in 
it,  by  the  power  of  the  government,  and  force  all  to  contribute  to 
their  pecuniary  support,  that  such  a  procedure  is  not  only  unsanc- 
tioned by  the  scriptures  of  the  New  Testament,  but  contrary  to 
the  spirit  and  tenor  of  the  Gospel,  and  plainly  anti-christian  ?" 

"  Fuurth  Month  \5th. — Trade  Meeting  at  the  Crown  and  Anchor, 
Strand.  The  Pharmaceutical  Society  of  Chemists  and  Druggists 
was  unanimously  formed. 

nth. — Anna  Pease  accompanied  L.  and  me  to  Lindfield ;  we  ar- 
rived in  the  afternoon,  in  sadness. 

18th — Reading  meeting  at  the  schools.  Fifteenth  chapter  of 
First  Corinthians,  and  some  precious  letters  of  John  Thorp's.  There 
was  a  solemnity  over  us,  and  I  addressed  the  company,  alluding  to 
our  late  loss  ;  it  was  a  contriting  time,  and  divers  were  affected. 

Idth. — I  expressed  a  few  words  to  the  servants  this  morning,  re- 
commending them  always  to  avail  themselves  of  the  solemn  pause 
after  reading  the  Scriptures,  to  lift  up  their  hearts  to  the  Lord  in 
silent  prayer,  and  enforcing  the  importance  of  doing  the  will  of  our 
Father,  who  is  in  heaven. 

Fifth  Month  1st. — In  an  interview  with  Lord  John  Russell,  I  gave 
him  the  Lindfield  Reporter,  containing  my  article  on  Religious  Per- 
secution, telling  him  at  the  same  time,  that  I  supposed  we  should 
not  agree  upon  that  subject.    He  received  it  very  kindly. 

8th. — Engaged  in  writing  the  following  letter  to  the  King  of 
Sweden,  on  the  subject  of  the  persecution  of  our  Friends  in  Norway." 

TO  CHARLES  THE  FOURTEENTH,  KING  OF  SWEDEN  AND  NORWAY. 
"  May  it  PLEASE  THE  KING, 

"  Having,  in  the  year  1818,  had  the  privilege  of  two  interviews 
with  the  King,  at  Stockholm,  in  company  with  my  dear  friend  and 
fellow-traveller,  Stephen  Grellet,  when  the  King  was  pleased  to 
present  us  with  a  printed  copy  of  the  laws,  and  having,  subsequent- 
ly, had  an  interview  with  the  Crown  Prince,  at  Verona,  at  the  lime 


1841. 


OP  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


513 


of  the  Congress,  in  1822,  I  venture  to  bring  myself  to  the  King's 
recollection,  in  order  to  lay  before  him  the  circumstance  of  some  of 
his  loyal  subjects,  in  Norway,  who  are  now  suffering  persecution 
for  not  conforming  to  the  requisitions  of  the  state  religion;  they  are 
of  the  same  christian  persuasion  as  myself,  namely,  of  the  Society 
of  Friends,  commonly  called  Quakers.  Their  religious  scruples 
are  respected  in  this,  and  other  countries,  where  its  members  are 
acknowledged  as  useful  and  valuable  subjects.  The  King  must  be 
■well  aware  that  William  Penn,  the  founder  of  the  government  of 
Pennsylvania,  was  a  distinguished  member  of  our  Society. 

I  beg  to  recal  to  the  King's  recollection  some  of  his  kind  expres- 
sions, in  an  audience  he  was  pleased  to  give  to  my  dear  fellow- 
traveller  and  me,  on  the  25th  of  the  Tenth  Month,  (October,)  1818, 
at  Stockholm,  when  we  entreated  the  King's  kind  indulgence  to  the 
members  of  our  Religious  Society,  who  were  settled,  or  might  be 
settled,  in  his  dominions.  We  stated  to  the  King,  that  we  felt  bound, 
faithfully  and  cheerfully,  to  support  the  government  under  which, 
by  the  permission  of  Divine  Providence  we  might  be  placed;  and 
to  maintain,  as  good  subjects,  all  laws  which  did  not  interfere  with 
those  duties,  which  we  conscientiously  believed  we  were  called 
upon  to  perform  to  the  Supreme  Being  ;  but  there  were  some  requi- 
sitions of  an  ecclesiastical  nature,  in  no  way  essential  to  the  frame 
of  civil  society,  which  we  felt  ourselves  religiously  restrained  from 
complying  with.  Among  these  are,  marriage  by  a  priest,  and  con- 
formity with  what  are  called  the  ordinances,  rites,  and  ceremonies 
of  an  established  church.  At  the  time  of  this  interview,  we  left 
with  the  King  the  publications  of  the  Society,  containing  the  rea- 
sons for  its  dissent,  and  affording  full  explanation  on  all  these  heads, 
which  the  King  was  pleased  to  receive  in  the  most  gracious  man- 
ner; and  in  reference  to  the  Friends  in  Norway,  he  then  told  us, 
that  the  affair  of  marriage  had  been  before  the  council,  and  that  it 
was  concluded,  that  provided  it  was  performed  after  the  manner  of 
Friends,  and  registered,  it  should  be  lawful,  and  that  he  would  pro- 
tect, not  only  the  Friends  who  were  there  at  present,  but  those  who 
might  join  them  in  future.  We  think  it  right,  however,  to  inform 
the  King,  that  in  a  letter  lately  received  from  one  of  our  Friends  at 
Stavanger,  it  appears,  that  two  of  our  Friends,  having  been  married 
according  to  the  rules  of  our  Society,  have  been  summoned  before 
the  judicial  authorities,  condemned  to  be  sent  to  prison,  and  kept 
there  ten  days  on  bread  and  water, — to  pay  a  fine,  and  be  separated 
from  each  other,  the  marriage  being  thus  rendered  null  and  void. 

In  another  instance,  the  magistrates  have  taken  from  one  of  our 


514 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1841. 


Friends,  Sorcn  Ericksen  Stagland,  six  cows  and  one  horse,  because 
he  had  not  submitted  his  two  children  to  water  baptism.  These  cir- 
cumstances so  strongly  affected  a  dear  friend  of  mine,  George  Ri- 
chardson, of  Newcastle,  who  was  the  means  of  conveying  the  letter 
to  me,  that  he  immediately  wrote  a  letter  to  the  magistrates  of  Nor- 
way, a  copy  of  which  is  herewith  sent.  It  is  very  remarkable,  that 
while  the  Lutherans,  in  Norway,  were  employed  in  cruelly  perse- 
cuting our  Friends,  on  account  of  their  religious  scruples,  which 
prevented  them  from  conforming  to  the  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the 
Established  Church, — we,  the  Friends  of  England,  were  at  the  same 
time  employed  in  using  our  influence  with  the  Government  of  Prus- 
sia to  stay  the  persecution  of  Lutherans  in  that  country,  and  were 
contributing  to  aid  and  support  those  who  were  emigrating  from 
their  country  on  account  of  their  religious  scruples.  And  here  may 
I  be  permitted  to  copy  a  paragraph  from  a  letter  which  we  wrote 
to  the  late  King  of  Prussia,  not  long  before  his  decease,  on  behalf 
of  his  Lutheran  subjects.* 

In  conclusion,  I  beg  to  recommend  the  case  of  my  suffering 
Friends  to  the  kind  interposition  of  the  King  in  their  favour,  and 
request  his  acceptance  of  the  tracts  herewith  sent. 

My  friend  Grellet  resides  at  Burlington,  near  Philadelphia ;  he 
and  his  wife  and  daughter,  were  in  good  health,  when  I  last  heard 
of  them,  and  from  the  impression  that  the  King's  kindness  made 
upon  him,  wher>Ave  were  at  Stockholm,  I  am  sure  that,  if  he  were 
present,  he  would,  most  heartily,  join  me  in  best  wishes  for  the 
comfort  and  happiness  of  the  King  and  his  son,  and  the  peace  and 
prosperity  of  his  kingdom. 

I  remain,  with  great  respect  and  affection, 
Thv  sincere  friend, 

William  Allen. 

Paradise  Row,  Stoke  Newington,  Middlesex, 
8th  of  Fifth  Month  {May),  1841." 

Several  days  of  this  month  were  occupied  in  the  attendance  of 
anniversaries.  In  consequence  of  the  critical  state  of  public  affairs, 
W.  A.  was  much  urged  to  take  the  chair  at  the  Annual  Meeting  of 
the  Anti-Slavery  Society;  this  he  at  length  reluctantly  consented  to 
do,  observing,  "  It  is  painful  to  me,  but  it  seems  a  duty  to  stand  by 
a  cause  in  difiicult  times."  The  exertion  was,  however,  almost  too 
much  for  him. 


*  See  the  passage  in  reference  to  the  Lutherans,  in  the  letter  inserted  at  page  465. 


1841. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


5J5 


He  mentions  the  Yearly  Meeting  as  satisfactory,  and  on  one  oc- 
casion, writes — 

"  James  Backhouse  gave  a  most  interesting  and  satisfactory  ac- 
count of  his  gospel  labours,  with  those  of  his  dear  friend  G.  W. 
Walker,  in  Van  Diemen's  Land,  Norfolk  Island,  South  Australia, 
the  Island  of  Mauritius,  South  Africa,  &c.,  &c.,  during  a  period  of 
between  nine  and  ten  years. 

Sixth  Month  \st. — The  Pliarmaceutical  Society  organised.  I  am 
appointed  president  of  the  council. 

ISth. — Attended  the  examination  of  the  boys  at  the  Borough 
Road,  but  was  called  out  by  a  note  from  J.  T.  Barry,  informing  me 
that  the  last  reading  of  the  Capital  Punishment  Bill  was  to  come 
on  this  evening,  and  he  much  wished  me  to  show  myself  in  the  gal- 
lery. We  accordingly  went  there  together  in  the  afternoon.  The 
bill,  or  rather  the  clause,  for  removing  the  punishment  of  death  for 
certain  crimes,  was  opposed  vehemently,  but  supported  by  Lord 
Brougham  and  Lord  Normanby.  On  the  division,  there  was  for  the 
clause,  sixty-four;  against  it,  sixty ;  majority,  four  !  Thus  another 
grand  step  has  been  secured. 

Seventh  Month  Wth. — First-day.  Contrited  in  prayer ;  preserved 
in  a  wrestling  spirit,  in  both  the  morning  and  afternoon  meeting.  I 
thought  of  our  Lord's  query  to  the  poor  disciples,  after  his  resur- 
rection, when  standing  by  the  sea  of  Tiberias,  he  said,  *  Children, 
have  ye  any  meat?  They  answered  him,  No  ;'  he  then  said,  '  Cast 
the  net  on  the  right  side  of  the  ship,  and  ye  shall  find.  They  cast 
therefore,  and  now  they  were  not  able  to  draw  it  for  the  multitude 
of  fishes.'  Thus  he  made  an  act  of  faith  necessary  for  procuring 
a  supply.  I  was  a  little  comforted  and  revived  in  our  family  read- 
ing, which  was  the  sweet  religious  journal  of  M.  A.  Gilpin,  and  a 
portion  of  Scripture. 

Seventh  Month  12th. — Augustus  Beyerhaus,  of  Berlin,  arrived, 
and  takes  up  his  quarters  with  us. 

15th. — Favoured  in  my  retirement ;  constantly  looking  forward 
to  the  end  of  all  things  here.  Attended  the  Council  of  the  Phar- 
maceutical Society  ;  passed  the  bye-laws  unanimously  ;  a  very  sa- 
tisfactory meeting.  Our  vice-president,  C.  J.  Payne,  is  a  very  clear 
headed,  sensible  man.  Jacob  Bell  is  indefatigable,  and  one  of  our 
most  useful  members. 

17th. — The  Brighton  railroad  was  opened  on  the  12lh,  and  we 
came  by  it  to  Hayward's  Heath  station  to-day.  Rode  from  thence 
to  Gravely,  which  is  looking  very  beautiful.  My  spirits  were  quite 
cheered. 


516 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1841. 


25th. — First-day.  (At  Lindfield.)  A.  Beyerhaus  is  staying  with 
us,  and  accompanied  us  to  meeting  in  the  morning,  and  to  our  read- 
ing meeting  in  the  afiernoon." 

In  a  subsequent  letter  from  Augustus  Beyerhaus,  he  writes — 

"  I  often  think  of  you,  my  dear  friend,  and  of  the  pleasant  days  I 
was  favoured  to  spend  in  your  company.  What  a  blessed  sabbath 
it  was  which  I  passed  with  you  at  Lindfield,  far  from  the  noise  and 
bustle  of  town:  how  solemn  the  hour  of  our  social  worship,  waiting 
upon  the  Lord,  and  how  beautiful  the  chapter  you  read  in  the  after- 
noon, from  St.  John,  of  Mary  weeping  at  the  grave,  because  she 
thought  her  Lord  was  taken  away,  and  she  knew  not  where  they 
had  laid  him.  How  graciously  did  the  Lord  reveal  himself  to  her, 
and  how  graciously,  thought  I,  does  He  visit,  even  now,  with  His 
comforting  presence,  every  afflicted  heart  that  is  longing  for  His 
sweet  communion.  I  knew  and  felt  it  was  the  Lord  who  was  in  the 
midst  of  us,  and  who  blessed  my  heart  with  His  precious  peace, 
which  the  world  cannot  give." 

"Seventh  Month  28th. — Faint,  yet  pursuing.  Some  comfort  in 
my  retirement. 

Eighth  Month  3rd. — A  deputation  of  Friends  waited  upon  Lord 
Palmerston,  and  stated  to  him  the  case  of  Friends  in  Norway,  who 
are  suffering  from  persecution.  He  received  us  very  kindly,  and 
promised  to  write  to  our  minister  at  Stockholm. 

9th. — Morning  Meeting.  The  MS.  respecting  John  Wigham  was 
finished;  it  is  a  very  valuable  account,  and  I  felt  comforted  in  hear- 
ing it.  Went  up  to  the  Home  Office  about  the  case  of  a  person, 
who  was  to  have  been  executed  next  sixth-day :  a  reprieve  is  ob- 
tained. Called  at  the  Privy  Council  Office,  Whitehall ;  received 
five  thousand  pounds  for  the  buildings  at  the  Borough  Road. 

Read  to  L.  some  account  of  J.  J.  Gurney's  Travels  in  America, 
to  great  satisfaction.  I  am  persuaded  that  his  visit  has  been  blessed 
to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  many,  though  a  little  out  of  the 
common  line  of  ministers  amongst  Friends:  he  has  talents  and  gifts 
for  usefulness  in  the  higher  ranks  of  society. 

15th. — Letters  from  Davally  and  Moran ;  the  poor  are  suffering 
dreadfully  in  some  parts  of  Ireland.  Lindfield  plans  are  greatly 
wanted  there. 

JVinth  Month  3rd. — Meeting  for  Sufferings.  John  Candler  gave 
an  interesting  account  of  his  visit,  in  company  with  his  wife,  to  Ja- 
maica, Hayti,  and  America.  I  am  decidedly  of  opinion,  that  all 
these  visits  are  highly  useful,  and  am  thankful  to  the  Lord  in  that 


1841. 


OF  WIMJAM  ALLEN. 


517 


He  has  inclined  the  hearts  of  those  who  desire  to  serve  Ilina,  to 
enter  into  such  fields  of  labour;  and  though,  in  the  diversities  of 
gifts,  there  may  be  some  variety  in  the  operations,  yet  under  the 
guidance  of  the  one  ever-blessed  Spirit,  we  may  humbly  trust  that 
the  labour  will  not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

Attended  the  Anti-Slavery  Committee  in  Broad  Street;  Joseph 
Sturge  and  Dr.  Madden  were  there.  I  find  that  some  of  our  mer- 
chants openly  supply  slavers  with  guns  and  powder.  0,  this  lust  of 
money !  the  value  of  honest,  disinterested  labourers  in  the  Anti- 
Slavery  cause,  is  inestimable." 

William  Allen,  with  his  niece  L.  B.,  attended  the  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing for  Suffolk,  held  at  Bury  ;  from  thence,  he  proceeded  to  Ipswich, 
and  speaks  with  pleasure  of  a  friendly  visit  which  he  paid  to  R.  D. 
Alexander  and  his  wife,  the  latter  of  whom  he  had  known  and  loved 
from  her  childhood.    He  says — 

"  Our  kind  friends  took  us  to  Playford  Hall,  to  call  upon  my  dear 
old  friend,  Thomas  Clarkson;  he  was  rejoiced  to  see  me,  and  after 
spending  an  hour  in  talking  over  old  times,  we  returned  to  Ipswich, 
where  he  joined  us  at  dinner;  a  most  satisfactory  party.  In  the 
afternoon,  L.  and  I  set  out  for  Witham,  on  our  return  home.  I  was 
affected  on  taking  leave  of  T.  C,  and  said,  'The  Lord  bless  thee;' 
it  came  from  my  heart,  and  went  to  his;  he  quite  wept.  We  have 
been  dear  to  each  other  for  nearly  half  a  century,  and  it  is  doubtful 
whether  we  shall  ever  meet  again. 

Ninth  Month  2Qth. — Attended  Chelmsford  meeting,  morning  and 
afternoon.  Lodged  at  Broomfield,  with  our  kind  friend,  Tliomas 
Christy.  My  spirits  were  rather  depressed  with  the  remembrance 
of  his  late  dear  wife. 

27///. — Returned  to  London  this  morning,  thankful  and  abundantly 
satisfied  with  this  excursion. 

Tenth  Month  Wth. — Retirement.  Earnest  prayer  for  preserva- 
tion and  guidance,  and  for  wisdom  from  above.  A  comfortable 
supporting  feeling  prevailed.  In  the  evening,  I  was  in  the  chair, 
at  the  Stoke  Newington  Bible  Meeting — satisfactory.  Engaged  in 
writing  a  letter  to  Elias  Tasted,  of  Stavanger." 

After  acknowledging  E.  T.'s  letter,  is  the  following  paragraph: — 

"When  my  mind  is  turned  towards  the  little  company  in  Nor- 
way, and  the  visit  paid  to  them  by  dear  Stephen  Grellet  and  my- 
self, in  the  year  1818,  strong  desires  frequently  arise  for  their  pre- 
servation upon  the  sure  foundation,  against  which  all  the  storms 
that  may  be  raised  by  the  grand  adversary  of  souls,  will  never  be 
able  to  prevail.    May  our  divine  Master  stablish,  strengthen,  settle 


518 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1841. 


you,  and  give  you  an  evidence,  by  tlic  witness  of  His  spirit,  that 
you  are  His :  as  tiie  Apostle  John  says,  iii.  24,  '  We  know  that  He 
abideth  in  us,  by  the  spirit  which  He  hath  given  us.'  And  if  we 
are  favoured  witli  this  precious  evidence,  we  know  that  our  sins 
are  forgiven  us  for  His  name's  sake,  and  that  through  His  atoning 
sacrifice  we  are  reconciled  to  the  Father.  The  apostles  said  to  the 
believers  formerly,  '  Ye  are  Christ's:  and  Christ  is  God's.' 

May  your  little  company  be  strengthened  and  kepi  together,  by 
the  unity  of  the  spirit,  which  is  the  bond  of  peace.  As  this  is  the 
case,  you  will  be  glad  when  the  day  comes,  to  meet  together  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  will  wait  patiently  for  the  fulfilment  of  His 
promise,  to  bless  all  such  with  his  presence.  Now,  if  He  be  with 
you,  who  shall  harm  you?  if  He  give  quietness,  who  then  can  make 
trouble?  The  more  your  trials  increase,  the  closer  you  must  press 
to  our  blessed  Saviour,  who  can  deliver  to  the  uttermost  all  those 
who  put  their  trust  in  Him." 

"Tenth  Month  21  th. — Retirement.  The  language  of  poor  Nehe- 
miah  was  feelingly  adopted, — '  Remember  me,  O  my  God.'  Fer- 
vent prayer  for  more  of  the  descendings  of  the  Holy  Spirit  on  my- 
self, and  on  those  nearest  and  dearest  to  me. 

Eleventh  Month  \st. — Heard  that  there  was  a  great  fire  at  the 
Tower,  on  seventh-day  night,  and  that  the  armoury  was  completely 
destroyed,  with  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  stand  of  arms;  but 
the  worst  of  it  is,  that  two  lives  were  lost.  The  damage  is  esti- 
mated at  a  million  of  pounds  sterling.  On  the  other  hand,  however, 
there  is  great  and  good  news.  The  trial  of  McLeod  has  terminat- 
ed in  his  acquittal,  to  the  mortification  of  those  who  'delight  in  war.' 
So  now  there  is  a  prospect  of  continued  peace  with  North  America. 

9th, — The  Queen  was  safely  confined  this  morning,  with  a  son, 
for  which,  thanksgiving  to  God  arose  in  my  heart. 

Uth. — Wrote  to  Frances  Fox  to-day."* 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  this  letter: — 
"  My  Dear  Friend,  Frances  Fox, 

"  Thy  note,  dated  '  Penn  Cottage,  near  Beaconsfield,  Bucks,' — I 
notice  thus  particularly,  in  order  to  preserve  the  address,  coming 
from  the  representative  of  one  whose  memory  is  most  dear  to  me, — 
was  exceedingly  welcome.  I  was  sorry  to  hear  so  poor  an  account 
of  thy  dear  grandmamma's  health, — indeed,  I  feel  a  deep  interest  in 
all  those  who  shared  the  love  of  thy  honoured  father.  Since  I  wrote 
to  thee,  in  the  spring  of  this  year,  I  have  suffered  much  affliction  by 

•  Daughter  of  the  late  Joseph  Fox,  who  appointed  William  Allen  one  of  his  executors 
and  trustees. 


1841. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEIV. 


519 


the  sudden  and  unexpected  death  of  my  beloved  niece,  Ehza  Brad- 
shaw.  Though  we  have  the  firm  conviction  that  she  is  translated 
from  the  trials  and  conflicts  of  time,  to  an  everlasting  inheritance  in 
the  joy  of  our  Lord,  and  is  now  the  blessed  companion  of  spirits 
made  perfect,  through  the  redeeming  love  of  Him,  wiio  was  the 
great  sacrifice  and  atonement  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world,  yet 
nature  deeply  feels  the  bereavement.  My  own  health  lias  been  de- 
licate, and  the  '  earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle,'  has  been  giving 
hints,  that  ought  to  make  me  increasingly  anxious  for  a  building  of 
God,  eternal  in  the  heavens.  I  am  now  better,  though  the  weight 
of  things  pressing  upon  me  causes  me  sometimes  to  groan  under 
my  burdens,  but  then  I  look  up  to  Him,  who  has  mercifully  helped 
me  hitherto,  and  who  I  humbly  trust, 

'  Will  help  me  all  my  journey  through ;' 

and,  through  the  merits  of  the  dear  Son  of  God,  permit  me  to  join, 
in  a  blissful  eternity,  the  spirits  of  those  beloved  ones  who  are  gone 
before,  in  ascribing  everlasting  praises  and  thanksgiving  to  the 
Lord  God  and  the  Lamb. 

Remember  me  most  kindly  to  thy  dear  grandmamma. 
I  remain,  dear  Frances,  thy  attached  old  friend, 

William  ALLEtf." 

TO  JOSEPH  J.  GURNEY. 

"  Gravehj  Cottage,  \{jth  of  Eleventh  Month,  1841. 
"My  very  dear  Friend, 

"  Thy  kind  and  brotherly  note,  dated  ten  days  back,  should  have 
been  responded  to  sooner,  but  my  spirits  have  been,  for  some  time, 
depressed  with  cares  and  anxieties  about  institutions  on  the  Conti- 
nent, in  which  I  had  been  led  to  take  a  deep  interest. 

It  was  truly  cordial  to  be  thus  affectionately  remembered  by  one 
whose  feelings,  upon  subjects  of  the  highest  interest  to  the  great 
human  family,  are  so  fully  in  unison  with  my  own.  I  do  indeed  re- 
joice in  the  connexion  thou  hast  formed,  and  the  prayer  arises  in 
my  heart,  may  the  Lord  direct  your  way,  enable  you  to  walk  hum- 
bly before  Him,  and  bless  you  together  v/ith  the  sweet  sense,  from 
lime  to  time,  of  His  love  and  life-giving  presence.  May  He  sustain 
and  support  you  in  heights  and  in  depths,  and  finally,  in  the  riches 
of  His  redeeming  love  and  mercy,  having  kept  you  from  falling, 
present  you  before  the  presence  of  His  glory,  with  exceeding  joy." 

"Eleventh  Month  \lth.—{k\.  Lindfield.)  Received  a  letter  re- 
questing me  to  come  to  town,  to  join  a  deputation  of  the  Pharma- 


520 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1841. 


ceutical  Society  to  the  College  of  Physicians,  to-morrow — an  un- 
pleasant interruption,  but  I  must  go. 

29th. — In  the  pause,  after  the  usual  family  reading,  I  expressed  a 
few  words  as  to  where  we  were  to  look  in  affliction,  '  They  looked 
unto  Him,  (tlie  Lord,)  and  were  lightened.'  Indeed,  this  has  been 
my  own  case.    Felt  a  little  comforted. 

Ticelflk  M<nHli  I3th. — Lord  Brougham  came  and  dined  with  me; 
a  very  satisfactory  visit.  We  discussed  the  subject  of  education. 
I  told  him  we  were  prepared  to  concede  any  thing,  except  prin- 
ciple. 

leih. — Received  a  letter  from  Alexander  D'Junkovsky,  in  which 
he  says — 

*  You  express  a  wish  that  a  village  could  be  established  in  Rus- 
sia, according  to  your  plan.  Now,  in  answer  to  this,  I  may  tell 
you  that  on  the  lands  and  bogs  cultivated  by  our  lamented  friend, 
Daniel  Wheeler,  there  are  established  thirty  small  farms,  on  which 
as  many  families  of  free  labourers  and  peasants  are  comfortably 
settled  in  this  manner,  only  with  some  small  alterations  which  the 
climute,  the  soil,  and  the  laws  of  the  country  require.  These  free 
labourers  enjoy  their  prosperity  under  the  kind  patronage  of  the 
Emperor  and  the  Prince  Alexander  Galitzin.  I  fully  hope  that  the 
example  will  have  a  salutary  effect  on  the  neighbouring  proprietors 
and  peasants.  I  suppose  you  recollect  that,  some  years  ago,  you 
sent  me  a  copy  of  your  '  Colonies  at  Home,'  which  we  have  read 
and  translated. 

The  Prince  has  thankfully  received  the  expression  of  your  Chris- 
tian love  towards  him,  and  has  laid  before  the  Emperor  Nicholas 
the  letter  which  you  wrote  to  me.  His  Imperial  Majesty  read  it,  and 
was  graciously  pleased  to  order  thanks  to  be  conveyed  to  you  in 
his  name,  for  your  kind  feelings  of  Christian  love  to  his  person,  and 
for  the  veneration  and  remembrance  of  his  much  lamented  brother, 
the  late  Emperor  Alexander.' 

TicelJ'tk  Month  25th. — Contrited  this  morning  in  reading  to  the 
family  the  account  of  the  birth  of  our  Saviour.  As  we  cannot  give 
ourselves  these  feelings,  I  was  comforted  in  the  humble  hope  that 
they  were  produced  by  the  drawings  of  the  Father's  love. 

28i/«.— Quarterly  Meeting;  very  large.  Dear  E.  J.  Fry  was 
sweetly  engaged  in  supplication,  and  afterwards,  I  think  I  may  say, 
she  delivered  a  heavenly  testimony.  She  is  so  unwell  in  health,  that 
I  fear  we  cannot  calculate  upon  her  long  continuance  here. 

Zlst. — In  the  year  that  is  just  closed,  I  have  met  with  a  sore  trial 


1842. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


521 


in  the  death  of  my  beloved  niece  Eliza  Bradshaw.  The  ways  of 
the  Lord  are  a  great  deep.  May  He  enable  me,  in  all  the  permis- 
sions of  His  providence,  to  adopt  the  language  of  '  Thy  will,  O 
Lord,  be  done:'  this  I  was  strengthened  to  say  at  the  grave  of  my 
beloved  Charlotte,  in  1816. 

I  am  much  oftener  than  the  returning  day,  looking  towards  the 
end  of  all  things  here,  and  fervent  prayers  arise  for  an  increase  of 
faith  and  love.  O  Lord,  make  me  and  keep  me  Thine,  in  time  and 
in  eternity !  Strong  cries  ascend,  by  night  and  by  day,  to  our  Ad- 
vocate with  the  Father,  through  whose  atoning  sacrifice  alone,  par- 
don and  reconciliation  can  be  experienced. 

I  am  now  in  my  seventy-second  year,  and  my  bodily  powers  are 
gradually  failing.  0,  that  the  inner  man  may  be  renewed  day  by 
day! 

First  Month  \st,  1842. — Interview  with  Sir  James  Graham  on  the 
subject  of  the  Pharmaceutical  Society,  together  wiih  C.  J.  Payne 
and  Jacob  Bell.  He  received  us  very  cordially.  I  informed  him 
of  the  origin,  nature  and  extent  of  the  society,  and  my  friends  also 
gave  satisfactory  explanations.  He  promised  that  nothing  should 
be  done,  bearing  upon  our  trade,  without  communicating  with  me, 
which  we  acknowledged  as  very  kind. 

\ltk. — Prince  Albert  laid  the  stone  for  the  foundation  of  the 
Royal  Exchange  to-day." 

William  Allen  was  much  affected  on  hearing  of  the  death  of  his 
dear  and  much  respecled  friend,  John  Smith,  of  Dale  Park,  and  the 
24lh  of  1st  month,  wrote  the  following  letter  to  his  widow: — 

"  My  dear  Friend, 

"It  was  only  the  day  before  yesterday  that  the  news  of  our  be- 
reavement reached  me.  Permit  me  to  say  our — for  indeed  I  was 
most  affectionately  attached  to  the  dear  departed.  His  upright, 
sterling  character,  and  his  domestic  virtues,  will  long  be  quoted  as 
a  bright  example  for  imitation  to  the  youth  of  this  great  city,  who 
are  entering  upon  private  life;  whilst  his  universal  benevolence  and 
kind  regard  to  the  comfort  and  happiness  of  the  poorer  classes,  will 
render  his  memory  precious  to  every  real  philanthropist,  who  had 
the  privilege  of  being  acquainted  with  his  worth. 

May  He,  who  I  humbly  trust  has  received  the  spirit  of  thy  be- 
loved husband  into  His  everlasting  rest,  through  that  redemption 
which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  be  very  near  to  sustain  and  sup- 
port thee  by  the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  enable  thee  to  stay  thy 

Vol.  II.  34 


522 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1842. 


mind  upon  Him,  so  as  to  enjoy  His  '  perfect  peace,'  and  to  adopt 
the  language,  '  Thy  will,  0  Lord,  be  done  !' 

Please  to  present  my  affectionate  sympathy  to  all  thy  beloved 
children.  Every  one  who  was  dear  to  John  Smith,  will  ever  be  the 
object  of  respectful  attention,  to  his  old  friend 

William  Allen." 
In  a  kind  acknowledgment  of  the  receipt  of  this  letter,  the  writer 
says — 

"  Any  testimony  of  affection  or  esteem  towards  the  dear  object 
of  our  present  sorrow,  never  can  fail  to  give  pleasure  to  us  all,  and 
your  letter  was  one  of  the  most  gratifying  of  the  many  proofs  we 
have  received  of  such  feelings." 

"  First  Month  2dth. — At  the  Prussian  Ambassador's,  the  Cheva- 
lier Biinsen's,  with  Samuel  Gurney  and  Peter  Bedford,  to  meet  the 
King  of  Prussia,  who  is  now  in  this  country.  He  noticed  us  in  a 
very  kind,  and  even  affectionate  manner.  There  was  a  large  party, 
amongst  whom  was  Baron  Humboldt,  who  pleasantly  recognised  us. 

30//i. — Arrangements  having  been  made  that  an  Address  to  the 
King  of  Prussia,  prepared  by  Friends,  should  be  presented  to  him, 
during  a  visit  which  he  proposed  to  make  to  Elizabeth  Fry,  some 
of  the  members  of  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings  met  at  Upton,  and 
had  an  audience  with  him  at  Joseph  Fry's.  His  manner  was  very 
courteous  and  agreeable.  On  my  informing  him  that  I  held  in  my 
hand  an  Address  from  the  Religious  Society  of  Friends,  and  inquir- 
ing whether  he  would  please  to  hear  it;  he  immediately  replied — 
*  With  the  greatest  pleasure.' 

I  then  read  as  follows : — 

To  Frederick  William,  the  Fourth,  King  of  Prussia. 

"May  it  Please  the  King, 

"  We,  the  undersigned  members  of  the  Religious  Society  of 
Friends,  and  acting  on  behalf  of  that  body  in  Great  Britain,  desire 
respectfull}-  to  express  to  the  King  of  Prussia,  the  gratification 
which  we  feel  at  the  opportunity  afforded,  by  his  presence  in  this 
country,  of  thus  publicly  addressing  him.  We  rejoice  at  the  evi- 
dence, which  his  visit  affords,  of  the  mutual  amity  and  good  will 
which  subsists  between  himself  and  our  beloved  Sovereign,  and  we 
trust  that  this  friendly  intercourse  will  tend  to  cherish  and  confirm 
the  feelings  of  harmony  and  brotherhood  between  their  subjects. 

Warm  are  our  wishes  for  thy  happiness,  and  for  the  prosperity 
of  thy  kingdom,  and  in  the  confidence  that  the  religion  of  our  Lord 


1842. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN 


523 


and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  is  dear  to  tliy  heart,  we  arc  emboldened 
to  express  our  desire  that  its  principles  and  its  precepts,  in  their 
purity  and  practical  efficacy,  may  be,  in  all  things,  the  law  of  thy 
reign,  and  may  be  increasingly  diffused  and  exhibited  among  thy 
people ;  being  firmly  persuaded  that,  in  proportion  as  these  princi- 
ples and  precepts  influence  the  actions  of  a  Prince,  and  sway  the 
counsels  of  his  government,  will  the  welfare  of  his  kingdom  be  most 
effectually  promoted. 

We  would  take  the  liberty  of  commending  to  thy  continued  pro- 
tection and  favourable  notice,  the  little  company  of  our  fellow-pro- 
fessors, who  are  resident  within  thy  dominions,  at  Minden  and  in  its 
neighbourhood ;  and  we  desire  at  the  same  time  gratefully  to  ac- 
knowledge that  consideration  which  has  been  already  manifested 
towards  them  in  reference  to  their  christian  profession  and  practice. 

Entire  liberty  of  conscience  will,  we  believe,  mark  the  govern- 
ment and  legislation  of  a  state  in  which  the  principles  of  the  New- 
Testament  fully  prevail,  and  under  its  genial  influence,  we  may  most 
reasonably  anticipate  the  increase  of  individual  happiness,  and  the 
spread  throughout  the  land  of  that  'righteousness,'  which  '  exalteth 
a  nation,'  and  which  is  its  surest  bulwark. 

We  are  ourselves,  as  a  distinct  christian  community,  the  more 
alive  to  this  subject,  from  having,  in  the  earlier  part  of  our  history, 
had  to  endure  sore  persecution  for  conscience'  sake,  and  that  not 
only  from  worldly-minded  rulers,  but  from  high  professors  of  the 
name  of  Christ. 

It  has  afforded  us  heartfelt  satisfaction,  to  observe  the  unqualified 
manner  in  which  the  King  of  Prussia,  in  his  addresses  to  his  nobles 
and  states,  has  expressed  his  sense  of  the  blessing  of  peace,  and  his 
desire  to  maintain  it  inviolate.  Amongst  the  religious  principles 
which,  from  the  origin  of  our  society,  have  distinguished  us  from 
many  of  our  fellow-christians,  has  been  that  of  the  unlawfulness  of 
all  war  for  those  who  profess  the  religion  of  the  Prince  of  Peace. 
We  cannot  therefore  but  earnestly  crave  that  it  may  please  Him  who 
is  our  common  Lord  and  Master,  and  who  hath  enjoined  us  to  love 
our  enemies,  so  to  influence  the  hearts  both  of  rulers  and  people,  as 
to  hasten  the  coming  of  that  day,  when,  in  accordance  with  evan- 
gelical prophecy,  'Nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against  nation, 
neither  shall  they  learn  war  any  more.' 

May  Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  all  our  mercies,  bless  thee,  O 
King,  with  thy  royal  consort ;  may  he  pour  forth  upon  you  abun- 
dantly of  His  Holy  Spirit;  and  may  you,  through  following  His 


524 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPOXDENCE 


1842. 


blessea  guidance,  be  enabled  to  go  in  and  out  with  wisdom  before 
the  people  !  May  you  be  enriched  with  '  the  fuhicss  of  the  blessing 
of  the  gospel  of  Christ,'  and  at  the  end  of  your  days,  through  the 
mercy  of  our  Lord  and  Redeemer,  be  admitted  into  His  everlast- 
ing kingdom ! 

"  Signed  by  us,  members  of  the  Meeting  appointed  to  represent 
the  Religious  Society  of  Friends  in  England  and  Wales.  London, 
24th  day  of  First  Month,  1842." 

(Forty- three  names.) 

"  Much  solemnity  prevailed  during  the  reading,  and  was  evidently 
felt  by  the  King,  who  made  short  remarks  from  time  to  time,  de- 
noting his  approbation.  After  it  was  finished,  I  ventured  to  add 
that  this  passage  of  Holy  Writ  had  much  impressed  my  mind, 
'  Them  that  honour  me,  I  will  honour,  saith  the  Lord.'  John  Hodg- 
kin,  jun.  made  a  short  addition,  and  also  Josiah  Forster.  We  had 
much  satisfaction  and  peace  in  this  opportunity,  and  I  believe  a 
good  impression  was  made. 

Third  Month  26th. — Devoted  this  day  to  correspondence." 

Amongst  the  letters  written,  was  the  following,  addressed  to 
Fi'ances  Fox : — 

"My  dear  Friend, 

"  It  was  cordial  to  the  feelings  of  thy  dear  father's  old  friend,  to 
receive  a  token  of  remembrance  from  his  representative;  but  I  was 
sorry  to  hear  that  thy  grandmamma  was  suffering  from  ill  health. 
I  had  pleased  myself  with  the  hope,  that  both  of  you  might  have 
spent  a  few  days,  with  my  niece  and  me,  in  our  quiet  retreat,  at 
Lindfield,  which  is  now  very  accessible,  by  means  of  the  Railway 
to  Brighton;  but  do  let  me  know,  from  time  to  time,  how  you  all 
are,  even  if  you  cannot  come  to  see  me.  I  am  now  favoured  with 
usual  health,  though  I  sensibly  feel  the  effect  of  declining  years.  I 
feel  also  deeply,  that  I  have  nothing  to  trust  to  in  going  out  of  life, 
but  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  the  Great  Shepherd  of  the 
sheep.  'Not  by  works  of  righteousness,  which  we  have  done,  but 
according  to  His  mercy  He  saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  regenera- 
tion, and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost.' 

I  have  no  doubt,  dear  Frances,  of  thy  being  diligent  in  reading 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  meditating  upon  them ;  and  I  may  tell 
thee,  that  I  often  feel  comfort  and  inward  support,  in  sitting  quietly 
by  myself,  in  my  study,  and  praying  to  our  Father,  who  '  seeth  in 
secret.' 

Please  to  accept  the  little  tract  which  accompanies  this,  and  give 


1842. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


525 


my  love  to  thy  dear  grandmamma.  May  she  be  encouraged  to 
look  steadily  to  Jesus  as  the  author  and  finisher  of  her  faith,  who 
'  having  loved  his  own  which  were  in  the  world,  loved  them  unto 
the  end.''  " 

Fourth  Month  4t/i. — We  never  can  be  truly  happy,  or  in  the  way 
that  leads  to  eternal  happiness,  but  in  seeking  to  do  the  ivill  of  God, 
and  hence  the  immense  importance  of  daily  inquiring  after  it  in 
abstractedness  of  mind." 

After  a  visit  to  Northamptonshire,  by  appointment  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  William  Allen  writes — 

"  I  have  been  much  fatigued  with  this  journey,  but  satisfied  in 
having  taken  it.  Finished  reading  Dymond's  '  Essays  on  the  Prin- 
ciples of  Morality,'  a  very  valuable  work,  which  ought  to  be  read 
by  all  our  young  people. 

IQth. — Meeting.  '  The  Lord  will  regard  the  prayer  of  the  desti- 
tute, and  not  despise  their  prayer.' 

23rJ. — Received  a  letter  from  dear  Stephen  Grellet,  dated  14th  of 
Third  Month,  in  which  he  says — '  In  body  and  mind  I  am  but  feeble, 
but  I  neither  repine,  nor  sink  below  the  hope  that  the  glorious  Gospel 
of  Christ  inspires ;  rather  shall  I  tell  thee,  that  these  are  days,  both 
of  building  up,  and  of  trying  the  certainty  and  efficacy  of  our  chris- 
tian foundation,  Christ,  our  rock.  Let  us  strive  to  have  our  dwelling 
on  Him,  then  the  floods  and  the  winds  will  beat  in  vain.' 

Fifth  Month  4th. — Retirement;  sweet  calm,  and  humbly  bowed  in 
thankfulness  to  the  Lord,  for  the  precious  feelings  with  which  I  was 
favoured.  In  reflecting  upon  the  importance  of  self-examination,  I 
was  deeply  impressed  with  the  benefit  that  would  revise  from  an  in- 
dividual inquiry  at  the  close  of  each  day,  how  far  we  have  been 
enabled  to  come  up  to  the  christian  standard ;  what  we  have  done 
to  promote  peace  on  earth,  and  good-will  toward  men ;  and  wher- 
ever we  find  deficiencies,  earnestly  endeavouring  to  improve. 
Nothing  can  so  efl^ectually  tend  to  produce  universal  happiness,  as 
seeking,  in  our  daily  walk,  to  live  up  to  the  spirit  of  the  gospel  of 
Christ  Jesus  our  Lord ;  this  would  keep  the  world  at  peace. 

Fifth  Month  9th. — Anniversary  of  the  British  and  Foreign  School 
Society ;  Lord  John  Russell  was  in  the  chair,  and  introduced  the 
business  with  an  able  and  excellent  speech.  All  went  off  exceed- 
ingly well,  which  was  great  cause  for  thankfulness. 

2Qih. — My  mind  was  contriied  this  morning,  in  the  reading  of  the 
Scriptures,  particularly  with  the  words,  '  Occupy  till  I  come.' 

28</i.— Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders.  Edwin  O.  Tre- 
gelles  spread  before  Friends  his  concern  to  pay  a  religious  visit  to 


52G 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1842. 


the  people  of  colour  in  the  British  West  Indies,  and  in  Hayli,  which, 
after  full  consideration,  was  cordially  united  with.  I  expressed  my 
full  concurrence. 

Sixth  Month  I4.ih. — Sophia  VViirsteniberger  came  with  us  to  Lind- 
field  yesterday.    I  feel  benefited  in  health  and  spirits  by  this  visit. 

2lst. — John  A.  Smith,  and  his  friend  the  Marquis  Torrigiani, 
from  Florence,  dined  with  us ;  a  very  agreeable  visit.  We  went 
round  with  them  to  the  cottages,  and  they  were  delighted.* 

28th. — Took  a  ride  to  Kensington,  to  call  upon  the  Duke  of  Sus- 
sex, as  I  understood  he  wished  to  see  me  ;  it  was  a  very  interesting 
interview.  I  had  some  deep  religious  conversation  with  him,  which 
evidently  made  an  impression,  and  though  very  unwell,  he  seemed 
truly  glad  of  the  visit. 

29th. — To  the  Borough  Road,  to  the  opening  of  the  new  build- 
ings ;  very  satisfactory. 

Eighth  Month  2\st. — Rose  with  this  text  upon  my  mind, 'Thou 
wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace,  whose  mind  is  stayed  on  Thee,  be- 
cause he  trusteth  in  Thee.'  Favoured  at  meeting  with,  I  trust,  the 
drawings  of  the  Father's  love. 

Ninth  Month  Gth. — Lucy  has  finished  reading  to  me  the  letters  of 
.Tonathan  Hutchinson,  a  precious  collection,  from  which  I  have  de- 
rived much  comfort." 

Many  symptoms  of  declining  strength,  are  noticed  by  William 
Allen  in  the  course  of  this  summer  and  autumn,  yet  was  he  earn- 
estly engaged  in  endeavouring  to  fulfil  the  command  which  had  so 
forcibly  arrested  his  attention,  "  Occupy  till  I  come."  He  attended 
the  Quarterly  Meeting  for  Northamptonshire,  where  his  company 
and  gospel  labours  were  felt  to  be  very  acceptable  to  his  friends; 
he  was  also  encraged  in  visitin"  some  of  the  meetings  in  Sussex. 
After  one  of  these  occasions,  he  writes — 

"  We  must  be  more  diligent  in  promoting  the  Lord's  work  on 
the  earth." 

When  at  Lindfield,  in  the  Ninth  Month,  he  had  a  serious  attack 
of  illness,  which  greatly  enfeebled  his  frame,  and  circumscribed  the 
energies  of  his  active  mind.  He  was,  however,  preserved  in  hum- 
ble confidence  and  peace,  saying  to  those  around  him,  "  Let  us 
trust — we  shall  be  helped." 

On  hearing  of  his  indisposition,  his  much-loved  friend  Joseph 

*  After  his  return  to  Florence,  the  Marquis  addressed  a  letter  to  William  Allen,  in 
which  he  speaks  in  warm  terms  of  the  pleasure  and  advantage  he  derived  from  this  visit, 
and  says,  "  I  am  now  more  than  ever  engaged  in  pursuits  concerning  education,  and  per- 
severe with  the  most  ardent  zeal  in  devoting  myself  to  the  direction  of  some  schools  en- 
trusted to  ray  care." 


1842. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


527 


John  Gurney,  whose  warm-hearted  sympathy  was  always  promptly 
expressed  when  occasion  called  it  forth,  and  was  truly  acceptable, 
addressed  to  him  the  following  letter : — 

''Norwich,  Ninth  Month  26th,  1842. 

"  Mv  DEARLY-BELOVED  FRIEND,  WiLLIAM  AlLEN, 

"  The  accounts  which  I  have  received  of  thy  illness  are  such, 
that  I  can  hardly  venture  to  hope  that  thou  wilt  receive  this  letter ; 
or  if  received,  that  thou  wilt  be  able  to  hear  it  read,  or  read  it. 
But  in  the  possibility  of  a  change  for  the  better,  I  can  hardly  do 
otherwise  than  express  the  deep  and  tender  interest  my  wife  and  I 
feel  respecting  thee,  and  how  it  will  gladden  our  hearts,  should  we 
be  permitted  to  hear  of  thy  being  restored  to  thy  friends  and  to  the 
church.  If  not,  we  are  assured  that  all  will  be  well,  and  that  a 
glorious  entrance  is  prepared  for  thy  immortal  spirit,  through  the 
blood  of  Jesus,  into  His  everlasting  kingdom  of  rest  and  peace. 

Thou  hast  been  a  kind  and  faithful  father  in  the  truth  to  me;  and 
hear  tily  do  I  love  thee.  So  long  as  memory  lasts,  I  shall  never  for- 
get thy  kindness  ;  and  sweet  is  the  hope,  that  deeply  unworthy  as  I 
am  of  the  least  of  the  Lord's  mercies,  we  shall  spend  an  eternity  to- 
gether in  peace  and  joy  unutterable.  It  is  unspeakably  precious  to 
have  this  hope,  and  to  know  it  to  be  as  an  anchor  of  our  souls,  sure 
and  steadfast.  Yet  I  desire  to  speak  of  such  things  with  diffidence, 
and  even  with  fear  and  trembling. 

As  for  thee,  dearest  friend,  thou  slialt '  see  the  King  in  his  beauty, 
(as  I  verily  believe,)  thou  shalt  behold  the  land  that  is  very  far  off. 
Thine  eyes  shall  see  Jerusalem  a  quiet  habitation.  Not  one  of  the 
stakes  thereof  shall  ever  be  removed,  neither  shall  any  of  her  cords 
be  broken.  There  the  glorious  Lord  shall  be,  unto  thee,  a  place  of 
broad  rivers  and  streams,'  even  streams  of  joy  which  shall  flow  for 
evermore. 

It  will  be  very  sweet  to  me,  shouldest  thou  be  able  to  receive  this 
token  of  my  warm  love  and  gratitude,  and  of  my  humble  confidence 
in  the  Lord  on  thy  account.  But  if  it  be  ordered  otherwise,  these 
lines  will  serve  to  assure  our  dear  friend  and  sister  L.  B.  of  our 
hearty  sympathy  under  this  fresh  trial  of  her  faith. 

I  am  ever  thy  attached  friend, 
and  younger  brother  in  Christ,  (as  I  humbly  trust,) 

J.  J.  Gurney." 

It  pleased  Him,  who  is  infinite  in  wisdom  aiad  in  goodness,  so  far 
to  restore  William  Allen's  health,  as  to  enable  him  to  resume  some 


528 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1842. 


of  liis  former  avocations,  and  though  many  of  his  accustomed  ob- 
jects of  pursuit  had  to  be  relinquished,  yet  these  privations  were 
borne  with  sweet  submission  to  the  will  of  his  Heavenly  Father. 
The  arm  of  Omnipotence  and  unfailing  love  was  his  support,  and 
he  often  gratefully  recognised  (he  care  of  his  God  and  Saviour.  In 
a  letter  to  his  dear  friend,  Susanna  Corder,  dated  17th  of  Tenth 
Month,  he  says — 

"  I  believe  this  illness  is  sent  in  mercy  to  me,  to  wean  me  more 
and  more  from  all  things  below,  and  to  make  me  look  more  steadily 
to  the  end  of  time." 

He  returned  to  Stoke  Newington  in  the  beginning  of  the  Eleventh 
Month,  and  after  attending  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings,  on  the  4th, 
he  writes — 

"  I  was  affected  by  the  kind  greetings  and  congratulations  of 
Friends. 

Eleventh  Month  lOth. — I  have  been  considering  respecting  the 
continuance  of  the  lectures ;  it  seems  now  quite  out  of  the  question 
for  me  to  resume  the  occupation,  after  having  been  engaged  in  de- 
livering them  between  forty  and  fifty  years. 

Twelfth  Month  18//^.— At  Plaistow  Meeting.  Called  on  E.  J.  Fry 
afterwards,  and  showed  her  a  letter  which  I  have  written  to  the 
King  of  Prussia,  respecting  Dusselthal;  she  approves  of  it  much. 
I  had  peace  in  going,  though  I  felt  low  and  weak." 

Similar  acknowledgments  frequently  occur,  as  well  as  a  sense  of 
gratitude  for  the  kindness  manifested  to  him  in  his  declining  years. 
Often  did  he  speak  of  the  mercies  by  which  he  was  surrounded,  and 
would  cheerfully  turn  from  his  increasing  infirmities,  to  his  unme- 
rited blessings. 

His  sympathies  were  feelingly  alive  to  the  sufferings  of  his  friends, 
and  the  word  of  consolation,  at  times,  flowed  to  the  afflicted  and  the 
mourners,  encouraging  them  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  who  would  never 
leave  nor  forsake  them.  In  thus  addressing  a  sorrowing  young 
widow,  respecting  whom  he  felt  an  affectionate  interest,  he  added — 

"And  when  the  Lord  has  conducted  them  through  all  the  trials 
which,  in  His  wisdom.  He  has  appointed  for  them,  He  will,  in  the 
end,  in  the  fulness  of  time,  receive  them  unto  Himself;  and  fulfil 
that  promise,  that  where  He  is,  there  His  people  shall  be  also." 

He  considered  it  a  great  privilege  to  be  able  to  unite  with  his 
friends  in  the  solemn  act  of  worship,  when  the  influence  of  his  hum- 
ble, reverent  frame  of  mind,  was  especially  felt.  Though  not  often 
heard  amongst  us  in  public  ministry,  yet  there  were  times  when  he 
was  acceptably  engaged,  in  advocating  his  Divine  Master's  cause ; 


1842. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


529 


and  more  than  a  few,  who  were  present,  at  his  last  vocal  prayer,  at 
Stoke  Newington  Meeting,  will  long  remember  the  solemnity  with 
which  it  was  accompanied.  Amongst  the  fervent  petitions  which 
he  oflbred,  in  great  brokenness  of  spirit,  on  this  occasion,  were  the 
following: — 

"  Permit  us,  0  Heavenly  Father  !  we  beseech  Thee,  to  plead  for 
the  children  of  this  people;  that  Thou  wouldst  be  pleased,  afresh,  to 
extend  to  them  the  visitations  of  Thy  love.  Draw  them,  and  attract 
them  to  Thyself,  make  them  Thy  children  ;  stain,  we  beseech  Thee, 
in  their  view,  all  the  attractions  of  this  world.  Preserve  those  that 
love  Thee,  through  all,  and  grant,  that  by  Thy  power,  they  may  be 
kept  from  falling,  and  finally  be  presented  faultless  before  the  throne 
of  Thy  glory,  with  exceeding  joy  !" 

Being  unable  to  acquiesce  in  the  solicitations  of  his  friends  to  at- 
tend the  Anti-Slavery  Convention,  he  wrote  the  following  note  to 
explain  the  cause : — 

"Sto/re  Newington,  26th  of  Sixth  Month,  1843. 
"My  dear  Friend,  Samuel  Gurney, 

*'  Have  the  kindness  to  assure  our  dear  friends  of  the  Anti-Slavery 
Society,  that  I  cordially  feel  their  sympathy  with  me,  as  expressed 
in  their  note,  received  this  morning;  they  may  rest  assured,  that 
nothing  but  indisposition  could  have  prevented  me  from  joining 
them  upon  the  present  deeply  interesting  occasion.  I  regret  that 
our  beloved  Thomas  Clarkson  should  have  been  unable,  from  age 
and  bodily  infirmity,  to  enjoy  the  satisfaction  of  once  more  meeting 
with  his  friends  for  the  promotion  of  this  great  cause.  I  trust,  how- 
ever, that  a  consciousness  that  the  great  work  of  his  life,  is,  through 
the  divine  blessing,  making  a  sure  and  steady  progress,  will  prove 
a  source  of  comfort  and  satisfaction  in  his  declining  days. 

I  remain,  thy  ever  aflfectionate, 

William  Allen." 

Soon  after  this  period  William  Allen  went  down  to  Lindfield,  and 
says,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend — 

"I  endeavour  to  divide  my  time  between  this  place  and  Stoke 
Newington,  being  affectionately  cared  for  by  my  niece  Lucy  Brad- 
shaw,  who  has  long  smoothed  the  path  of  my  declining  years,  and 
done  all  in  her  power  to  supply  the  place  of  my  only  child." 

"Eighth  Month  I'Sth. — Attended  Morning  Meeting  to  solid  com- 
fort. John  and  Martha  Yeardley,  lately  returned  from  a  religious 
visit  to  the  Continent,  gave  an  excellent  account  of  their  proceed- 
ings. I  ventured  to  express  the  feelings  of  unity  which  had  been 
awakened  on  hearing  their  report. 


530 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1842. 


Tenth  Month  13th. — (At  Lindfield).  Dear  Samuel  Gurney  came 
here,  with  his  son  Edmund.  The  weather  was  remarkably  fine,  and 
S.  G.  and  L.  walked  to  Penn's.  I  went  in  the  chaise.  They  left 
us  about  half-past  six." 

This  was  the  last  entry  in  William  Allen's  Journal.  He  spoke 
with  much  pleasure  of  the  visit,  seemed  remarkably  comfortable, 
and  several  times  expressed  his  belief  that  it  was  a  right  thing  to 
come  down  at  this  time.  In  a  letter  which  Samuel  Gurney  wrote 
to  L.  B.  on  the  following  day,  he  said — 

"  I  look  back  with  pleasure  and  satisfaction  to  the  few  hours  I 
spent  at  Lindfield  yesterday.  To  witness  our  endeared  friend  in 
harbour,  and  favoured  with  a  portion  of  heavenly  peace,  is  cause 
for  thankfulness  to  all  his  friends." 

First-day,  the  15th,  he  attended  meeting,  and  afterwards  remarked 
that  it  was  a  good  time;  he  felt  it  to  be  so,  though  nothing  had  been 
said.  In  returning  home,  he  visited  an  invalid,  with  whom  he  con- 
versed cheerfully,  and  the  day  being  very  fine,  he  walked  into  his 
garden  and  field.  He  observed  to  his  niece,  how  particularly  com- 
fortable he  felt,  adding,  "  I  am  afraid,  my  dear,  we  are  almost  too 
happy"  In  reply  to  an  observation  respecting  the  favour  it  was 
to  experience  such  a  feeling  of  peace,  he  said,  "Yes;  but  I  have  no 
wish  to  stay  here,  except  for  a  few  of  you,  who  are  very  dear  to 
me."  He  spent  much  of  the  evening  in  reading,  but  the  next  day 
became  very  seriously  indisposed,  and  from  his  sudden  prostration  of 
strength,  little  hopes  were  entertained  of  his  recovery.  During  his 
illness,  affectionate  consideration  for  those  around  him,  strikingly 
marked  his  character,  and  though  extreme  weakness  at  times  cloud- 
ed  his  mental  perceptions,  the  badge  of  discipleship  was  uniformly 
the  clothing  of  his  spirit.  It  was  observed  by  a  friend,  in  reply  to 
some  particulars  received  respecting  him, — 

"  It  is  very  comforting, — very  beautiful,  to  see  love  and  trust  con- 
tinuing, when  all  other  powers  are  dulled,  or  hidden,  by  the  decay 
of  the  perishing  tabernacle.  It  seems  to  realize  the  remark  upon 
the  eternal  nature  of  charity,  or  love, — that  when  prophecies  shall 
fail,  and  tongues  shall  cease,  and  knowledge  shall  vanish  away,  faith, 
hope,  and  charity  may  still  abide :  and  it  is  added,  '  the  greatest  of 
these  is  charity.'  " 

There  were  many  indications  of  the  sweet,  prepared  state  of  his 
mind.  He  was  at  times  engaged  in  prayer,  both  for  himself  and 
others,  and  he  sent  affectionate  messages  to  several  of  his  absent 
friends.  In  speaking  of  E.  J.  Fry,  he  desired  his  dear  love  might 
be  given  to  her,  if  well  enough  to  receive  it,  adding,  that  they  had 


1843. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


531 


always  loved  each  other,  and  he  hoped  she  would  be  enabled  to 
hold  out  to  the  end.  On  being  told  that  C.  Majolier  had  lately  made 
some  important  changes  in  her  plans,  but  had  expressed  a  hope,  that 
in  doing  so,  she  was  in  the  line  of  her  duty,  he  observed,  that  there 
was  no  happiness  but  in  the  path  of  duty.  During  this  conversation 
he  quoted  what  a  Friend  had  once  said  to  him  in  early  life, — '  Keep 
to  the  truth,  and  the  truth  will  keep  thee.'* 

One  morning,  when  feeling  low  and  sinking,  he  seemed  much 
comforted,  though  affected,  in  hearing  a  letter  from  his  beloved 
friend,  Stephen  Grellet,  which  contained  a  peculiarly  appropriate 
reference  to  his  present  state.  The  letter  was  dated.  Tenth  Month 
21st;  and  in  speaking  of  having  received  tidings  of  him,  S.  G. 
says— 

"  Those  respecting  the  great  feebleness  of  thy  outward  man,  can 
but  deeply  aflect  me ;  for  my  attachment  to  the  whole  of  thee,  the 
outward  man,  and  inner  also,  is  strong.  In  this  two-fold  capacity 
we  have  felt  great  fellowship  and  nearness  ;  and  have  very  harmo- 
niously shared  bodily  and  spiritual  hardships,  and  consolations  not 
few,  from  the  presence  of  the  dear  Master,  our  blessed  Redeemer. 
My  soul  is,  at  times,  contrited  under  the  remembrance  of  these 
seasons;  and  I  behold  also,  gratefully,  how  very  near  to  us  was  the 
I^iord  in  times  of  perplexity  and  suffering,  yea,  not  less  than  in  those 
of  consolation  and  joy. 

To  me,  to  hear  of  thy  near  indwelling  in  the  Lord,  is  a  great  joy. 
If  thy  steps,  in  carrying  about  noiii  thy  enfeebled  outward  man,  are 
faltering,  thy  inner  strength  is  so  renewed  as  to  enable  thee,  with  an 
attention,  not  divided  as  heretofore,  by  very  important  and  benevo- 
lent engagements,  to  walk  closely  with  thy  God.  In  thinking  very 
sweetly  of  thee,  I  have  remembered  Enoch,  with  the  consoling  view, 
that  by  and  bye,  when  these  faltering  limbs  can  no  longer  bear  up 
the  outward  frame,  thy  dear  spirit  will  be  translated  into  that  better 
habitation,  prepared  for  ihee  by  thy  dear  Saviour.  Till  this  blessed 
period  arrives,  that  saving  help,  which  has  enabled  thee  in  many 
ways  to  serve  God  and  man,  now  also  enables  thee,  and  will  to  the 
end  enable  thee,  to  love  Him,  and  thereby,  also,  to  glorify  Him. 
The  power,  the  opportunity  for  the  occupation  of  the  Lord's  excel- 
lent gifts,  doth  fail, — it  will  cease ;  but  that  to  love  Him,  to  His  re- 
deemed ones,  continues  for  ever.  Has  not  this  capacity  increased 
with  ihee,  my  dear  friend?  It  is  a  foretaste  of  what  it  will  be  in  its 
fulness,  during  the  ages  of  eternity." 


*  See  Vol.  I.  page  3. 


532 


LIFE  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 


1843. 


He  was  deeply  sensible  of  his  own  unworthiness;  but  could  feel- 
ingly acknowledge  that  he  had  a  good  hope,  through  grace;  and 
said,  that  to  feel  the  Saviour's  peace  was  what  he  most  ardently 
desired.  He  mentioned  having  been  supported  in  this  illness,  be- 
yond what  he  could  have  expected;  remarking,  that  nothing  but  a 
sense  of  the  Lord's  presence  could  support  at  such  a  time.  He  af- 
terwards added,  "  The  Lord  never  will  forsake  those  who  trust  in 
Him.    He  never  ivill." 

He  enjoyed  having  the  Scriptures  read  to  him,  and  also  the  ac- 
counts of  those  who  have  fought  the  good  fight, — who  have  finished 
their  course,  and  kept  the  faith;  and,  in  speaking  of  our  early 
Friends,  he  said  that  he  felt  comforted  in  the  hope  of  being  one  day 
united  to  all  those  worthies  for  ever.  He  afterwards  added,  with 
tears,  "  Oh !  how  often  I  think  of  those  gracious  words  of  the  Sa- 
viour, '  That  they  may  be  with  me,  where  I  am.'  " 

He  was  pleased  with  hearing  a  letter  from  J.  J.  Gurney,  and  sent 
an  affectionate  message  to  him  and  his  family.  The  following 
expressions  almost  overpowered  him,  though  very  grateful  to  his 
feelings : — 

"  My  heart  is  truly  with  thee,  and  I  trust  living  desires  do  ascend 
for  thy  support  and  consolation ;  and  yet,  I  hardly  know  how  to  ask 
any  thing  either  for  thee,  or  for  our  dearest  sister  Fry ;  because  I 
feel  such  an  unmoved  and  unmoveable  confidence  that  you  are  both 
under  the  special  and  all-sufficient  protection  of  Israel's  Shepherd, 
who  is  graciously  touched  with  a  feeling  of  your  infirmities,  ever 
lives  to  plead  your  cause,  and  will,  we  fully  believe,  administer  to 
you,  at  the  end  of  your  mortal  race,  whenever  it  may  come,  a  '  far 
more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory.' 

The  Lord  be  with  thee,  even  very  near  to  thy  inmost  soul,  my 
endeared  friend ;  and  rest  assured,  that  as  the  mountains  are  round 
about  Jerusalem,  so  is  He,  and  so  will  He  be,  round  about  thee  from 
henceforth,  even  for  ever." 

His  humility  scarcely  allowed  him  to  accept,  in  full,  the  encou- 
ragement offered  by  his  friends,  yet  he  evidently  felt  comforted  with 
such  proofs  of  their  affectionate  regard. 

A  letter  from  a  young  man  of  colour,  who  had  been  at  the  Bo- 
rough Road  School,  and  was  returned  to  Africa,  revived  his  warm 
feelings  of  interest  on  behalf  of  that  country  :  he  remarked  that  the 
information  it  contained  was  very  important,  and  said  it  seemed  as 
though  the  fruits  of  some  of  his  labours  to  promote  the  commerce 
of  the  natives,  were  now  appearing. 


1843. 


OF  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


533 


When  greatly  enfeebled,  he  several  limes  expressed  the  comfort 
he  felt  ill  having  such  a  quiet  retreat  as  Lindficld,  "  in  passing  away," 
and  acknowledged  wiih  thankfulness  the  blessings  which  the  Lord 
had  provided  for  him.  The  patient  submission  with  which  he  bore 
the  trials  of  a  long  illness,  was  an  instructive  lesson  to  those  around 
him:  no  murmur  ever  escaped  his  lips,  and  his  fervent  petition  to 
be  "kept  unto  the  end,"  was  mercifully  granted.  In  him  the  expe- 
rience of  the  Psalmist  was  strikingly  realised,  "  My  flesh  and  my 
heart  faileth  ;  but  God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart,  and  my  portion 
for  ever." 

His  redeemed  spirit  was  gently  released  on  the  30th  of  Twelfth 
Month,  1843.  At  that  solemn  moment  the  calming  influence  of  the 
blessed  hope  of  the  gospel  was  sensibly  felt,  and,  in  the  humble  trust 
that  through  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  he  had  received  the 
end  of  his  faith,  even  the  salvation  of  his  soul,  the  language  of  grate- 
ful adoration  arose,  "  Unto  him  that  loved  us,  and  washed  us  from 
our  sins  in  His  own  blood, — to  Him  be  glory  and  dominion,  for  ever 
and  ever.  Amen." 

In  concluding  the  Life  of  William  Allen,  the  Editors  feel  it  due 
to  themselves  and  to  the  public,  to  state,  that  they  engaged  in  the 
arduous  and  responsible  undertaking  of  compiling  the  Work,  solely 
in  consequence  of  the  honoured  subject  of  the  memoir  having,  by 
will,  consigned  his  manuscripts  to  his  late  wife's  niece,  Lucy  Brad- 
shaw,  and  his  friend,  Susanna  Corder,  desiring  them  to  destroy, 
whatever,  in  their  judgment,  was  not  likely  to  be  profitable  to  soci- 
ety. Although  no  reference  was  made  to  publication,  yet  they  have 
felt  that  the  trust  confided  to  them,  involved  the  duty  of  making  a 
selection  for  that  purpose.  And,  whilst  endeavouring  to  perform 
the  task,  it  has  been  their  sincere  desire,  to  present  such  a  faiiliful 
picture  of  the  fulfilment  of  social  duty,  together  with  consistent 
piety,  and  christian  philanthropy,  as  may  encourage  others  to  oc- 
cupy the  talents  entrusted  to  them,  in  seeking  to  promote  the  glory 
of  God,  and  the  happiness  of  man. 


A  TESTIMONY 

OF 

GRACECHURCH  STREET  MONTHLY  MEETING,  LONDON, 

CONCERNIirO 

WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


"Write,  blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord,  from  henceforth  :  yea, 
saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labours  ;  and  their  works  do  follow 
them." 

It  having  pleased  the  great  Head  of  the  church  to  remove  from  amongst  us, 
this  our  beloved  friend,  we  feel  it  incumbent  upon  us  to  give  forth  a  testimony 
concerning  him  ;  not  from  any  desire  to  eulogize  the  instrument,  but  to  magnify 
that  grace  by  which  he  was,  through  a  long  course  of  years,  enabled  to  stand 
amongst  us,  as  an  upright  pillar  in  the  spiritual  building. 

He  was  the  son  of  Job  and  Margaret  Allen,  of  Spitalfields,  London,  and  was 
born  in  the  Eighth  Month,  1770.  His  pious  parents  early  directed  his  mind  to 
take  heed  to  the  convictions  of  the  Spirit  of  Truth.  Their  instructions  and  tender 
restraint  were  especially  blessed  to  him,  and  he  often,  through  life,  acknowledged 
with  filial  affection  and  gratitude,  the  benefit  he  had  derived  from  the  watchful 
care  of  his  beloved  mother,  to  whose  comfort,  in  her  declining  years,  he  felt  it 
a  privilege  to  minister. 

Through  yielding  to  the  tendering  influence  of  divine  love,  his  heart  became 
deeply  impressed  with  the  truth  and  excellence  of  those  principles  in  which  he 
was  educated.  Although  of  a  lively  disposition,  and  subjected  to  many  of  the 
temptations  incident  to  natural  genius,  he  was,  in  a  remarkable  manner,  pre- 
served in  humility,  and  in  a  concern  to  seek,  in  preference  to  all  other  things, 
"  the  kingdom  of  God  and  His  righteousness."  His  inclination  for  scientific 
pursuits  led  him  to  quit  the  business  into  which  his  father  had  introduced  him, 
and  to  enter  a  chemical  establishment  at  Plough  Court,  Lombard  Street.  Here 
his  talents,  united  with  habits  of  active  industry,  rendered  him  so  useful,  that  he 
soon  became  an  important  assistant,  and  ultimately  a  principal  in  the  concern. 

In  the  year  1796,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mary  Hamilton.  The  domestic 
happiness  which  he  enjoyed  in  this  connection  was  of  short  duration;  for  in 
less  than  eleven  months  she  was  removed  by  death,  soon  after  the  birth  of  a 
daughter.  Whilst  the  tide  of  sorrow  was  ready  to  overwhelm  him,  the  Lord 
was  mercifully  near  to  sustain,  and  he  was  enabled  to  believe  that  this  afflictive 
dispensation  was  permitted  in  love.  In  the  depth  of  his  distress,  he  writes, 
"  The  billows  were  checked,  and  a  portion  of  heavenly  serenity  spread  itself  over 
my  mind." 

As  he  advanced  in  life,  he  was  much  occupied  with  the  executive  part  of  an 
increasing  business,  and  in  the  prosecution  of  various  studies  conilected  with  it  ; 
yet,  amidst  his  numerous  avocations,  he  was  a  bright  example  in  the  diligent 


TESTIMONY  CONCERNING  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


535 


attendance  of  his  own  week-day  meeting,  and  was  careful  also  to  set  apart  a 
portion  of  each  day  for  private  religious  retirement,  a  practice  from  which  he 
derived  strength  and  comfort  to  the  latest  period  of  his  life.  The  following 
memorandum,  written  about  this  time,  evinces  his  watchful  care  lest  temporal 
concerns  should  obstruct  a  full  dedication  of  heart  to  the  Lord.  "  Oh  !  saith  my 
soul,  may  I  never  love  anything  more  than  Him,  but  be  favoured  to  keep  every 
thing  in  subordination,  yea,  under  my  feet.  Oh  !  that  I  may  be  wholly  devoted 
to  Him  and  His  cause,  being  careful  for  nothing,  but  how  to  fill  up  my  duty  from 
time  to  time." 

Being  occupied  in  the  pursuit  of  many  benevolent  and  scientific  objects,  he 
was  brought  into  contact  with  persons  who  filled  important  and  conspicuous 
positions  in  the  world.  He  was  many  years  engaged  as  a  public  lecturer  on 
chemistry,  &c.,  and  he  availed  himself  of  the  opportunity  thus  afforded,  to  impress 
upon  his  audience  the  great  truths  of  revealed  religion,  and  was  careful  to  mani- 
fest, by  an  undeviating  adherence  to  the  simplicity  of  his  holy  profession,  that 
his  chief  concern  was  to  prove  himself  a  humble  and  self-denying  disciple  of  the 
Lord  Jesus.  The  following  memorandums,  made  after  commencing  a  course  of 
lectures  in  the  First  Month,  1804,  evince  the  exercise  of  his  mind  on  this  sub- 
ject: "I  hope  I  have  been  hitherto  favoured  to  act  consistently  in  my  public 
situation  at  the  Royal  Institution.  May  I  be  preserved,  and  never  give  up  my 
principles  for  the  applause  of  the  world."  At  a  later  date,  in  allusion  to  this 
engagement,  he  says,  "  Some  comfort  in  reflecting  that  I  have  endeavoured  to 
behave  consistently  with  the  profession  I  am  making  ;  so  continue  to  help,  dear 
Lord,  and  graciously  preserve  me  from  bringing  reproach  on  thy  great  cause." 

After  his  marriage  with  Charlotte  Hanbury,  in  1806,  he  divided  his  time  be- 
tween Plough  Court  and  Stoke  Newington,  the  latter  place  eventually  becoming 
his  usual  residence.  He  was  appointed  by  our  Monthly  Meeting  to  the  station 
of  elder,  in  1813,  having  for  nine  years  acceptably  filled  the  office  of  overseer.  He 
was  seriously  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  responsibility  incurred  in  these  im- 
portant stations,  and  whilst  watching  over  tlie  flock,  he  was  careful  to  enter  into 
frequent  and  close  self-examination  ;  this  is  instructively  shown  by  the  follow- 
ing remarks,  dated  Ninth  Month,  1817:  "For  some  days  past,  I  have  been 
humbled  under  a  sense  of  my  own  weaknesses  and  imperfections.  Wash  me, 
and  make  me  clean,  has  been  my  prayer.  The  religion  of  Jesus  requires  purity 
of  heart ;  it  is  not  enough  that  the  outward  conduct  be  irreproachable,  or  even 
applauded  by  men.  The  thoughts  of  our  hearts  ought  continually  to  be  accept- 
able to  Him  who  sees  in  secret."  Under  date  of  the  same  month,  he  says,  "  How 
I  long  to  experience  more  and  more  of  the  cleansing  sanctifying  power  of  the 
dear  Redeemer,"  and,  in  contemplating,  at  the  same  time,  the  infinite  purity  of 
the  Divine  Being,  and  the  corruptions  of  his  own  heart,  he  deeply  felt  the  abso- 
lute necessity  of  a  Mediator. 

In  the  year  18 IG,  our  dear  friend  and  his  wife  accompanied  two  women  Friends, 
who  were  liberated  for  religious  service  on  the  continent  of  Europe.  After  visiting 
the  Frirnds  of  Pyrmont  and  Minden,  they  were  proceeding  to  the  South  of  France, 
when  William  Allen  was  brought  into  deep  affliction  by  the  loss  of  his  wife, 
who  died  near  Geneva,  after  an  illness  of  about  three  weeks.  In  this  proving 
season,  the  eternal  God  was  his  refuge,  and  underneath  were  the  everlasting 
arms,  and  in  the  depth  of  his  anguish,  he  uttered  the  language,  "Thy  will,  0 
Lord,  be  done." 

In  the  following  year,  by  appointment  of  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings,  he  accom- 
panied two  women  Friends  from  America,  on  a  visit  to  the  South  of  France.  In 


536 


TESTIMONY  CONCERNING  "WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


the  review  of  this  journey,  he  expresses  his  reverent  thankfulness  for  the  mercies 
vouchsafed,  and  adds,  "  I  distinctly  felt  the  reward  of  peace  for  this  little  act  of 
faith  and  dedication." 

His  mind  was  often  brought  into  deep  exercise,  under  an  apprehension  that  it 
•would  be  required  of  him  to  bear  a  public  testimony  to  the  goodness  of  his  gracious 
Master,  and  some  of  his  remarks  about  this  time  show  the  progress  of  the  work 
of  preparation. 

"  5lh  mo.  5th,  1817.  Of  this  week,  I  must  record  with  thankfulness,  that 
however  unworthy  of  divine  regard,  it  has  been  mercifully  manifested.  My  faith 
has  been  greatly  strengthened,  and  I  have  been  enabled  to  offer  up  all  that  may 
be  called  for.  It  is  only,  however,  in  the  day  of  the  Lord's  power,  that  His 
people  are  a  willing  people. 

5lh  mo.  17th.  At  the  invitation  of  E.  J.  Fry,  I  saw  the  female  prisoners  at 
Newgate.  The  plan  of  this  dear  Friend  seems,  to  me,  to  be  sanctioned  from 
above.  I  ventured  to  address  them,  at  parting,  and  when  I  got  back  to  New- 
ington,  had  peace  in  it.    What  a  favour  ! 

5th  mo.  25th.  The  meeting  for  worship,  on  sixth- day,  was  uncommonly 
solemn  and  confirming.  I  thought  I  could  have  kneeled  down,  and  given  thanks 
at  the  conclusion  ;  but  was  afraid  that  I  was  not  sufficiently  purified." 

In  the  year  1818,  under  a  solemn  sense  of  the  awfulness  of  the  engagement, 
our  dear  Friend,  at  length  yielding  to  the  constraining  power  of  heavenly  love, 
spoke  as  a  minister,  in  our  religious  assemblies.  In  the  course  of  the  same  year,  and 
with  the  concurrence  of  his  Monthly  Meeting,  he  united  with  his  beloved  Friend, 
Stephen  Grellet,  now  of  Burlington,  North  America,  in  extensive  service  on  the 
continent  of  Euroi)e.  During  this  journey,  which  occupied  about  eighteen 
months,  he  was  indefatigable  in  his  exertions  on  behalf  of  the  poor,  the  ignorant, 
and  the  oppressed;  and  in  several  instances,  his  labours  were  signally  owned 
by  the  divine  blessing.  They  visited  the  little  company  professing  with  Friends 
in  Norway,  from  thence,  proceeding  by  Stockholm,  and  through  Finland,  to 
Petersburg.  Much  of  their  service  in  that  city,  and  elsewhere,  consisted  in 
diffusing  a  knowledge  of  our  christian  principles,  amongst  persons  of  piety  and 
influence  ;  and  these  opportunities  were  often  eminently  owned  by  Him  who  had 
put  them  forth  ;  so  that  our  dear  Friend  observes,  "  We  may,  indeed,  say,  '  It  is 
the  Lord's  doing,  and  marvellous  in  our  eyes.'  "  When  visiting  some  of  the 
large  military  schools  in  Russia,  he  saw,  with  much  concern,  that  the  reading 
lessons  were  extracted  from  the  works  of  infidel  writers.  Feeling  the  importance 
of  remedying  this  evil,  he  forcibly  pointed  out  to  some  of  the  leading  pious 
characters  in  Petersburg,  the  excellent  opportunity  which  these  schools  afforded, 
for  disseminating  a  knowledge  of  christian  truth  by  the  introduction  of  portions 
of  Holy  Scripture.  His  suggestions  met  with  warm  encouragement;  he  was 
solicited  to  prepare  a  selection  from  the  sacred  volume,  and,  assisted  by  some  of 
his  friends,  he  compiled  the  Scripture  Lessons  which  have  ever  since  been  in 
use  in  those  schools,  and  have  become  extensively  circulated  in  most  of  the 
countries  of  Europe,  as  well  as  in  South  Africa.  At  the  close  of  the  day,  on 
which  this  work  was  commenced,  he  remarks  in  his  journal,  "1  think  that  I 
never  felt  more  peace,  or  divine  support,  in  any  plan,  or  engagement,  than  I  did 
this  evening."  After  leaving  Petersburg,  they  proceeded  through  some  of  the 
large  towns  of  Russia  to  the  German  colonies  near  the  banks  of  the  Dnieper, 
thence  to  Constantinople,  Smyrna,  Greece,  and  the  Ionian  Islands,  finding,  from 
place  to  place,  a  field  of  service  open  before  them.  After  a  detention  at  Zante, 
in  consequence  of  a  serious  and  protracted  illness,  he  returned  home  through 


TESTIMONi"  CONCERNING  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


537 


Italy,  Switzerland,  and  France.  On  the  review  of  this  journey  he  tl  is  writes: 
"My  mind  was  calm  and  peaceful,  tiiough  liumhled  in  the  feeling  of  my  weak- 
ness and  numerous  imperfections.  I  am  abundantly  convinced,  that,  in  my  own 
strength,  as  a  rational  creature,  I  can  do  nothing'  to  promote  the  dear  Master's 
work  ;  but  I  have  faith  to  believe  that,  through  His  Spirit  strengthening  me,  I 
can  do  all  that  He  requires  of  me." 

Soon  after  his  return,  he  says,  "  I  seem  to  liave  repealed  evidence  that  the  Lord 
is  calling  me  to  public  service,  but  I  am  often  much  afraid,  and  desire  never  to 
speak  in  His  name  but  when  He  is  graciously  pleased  to  furnish  the  power," 
His  communications  being  much  to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  his  friends,  he 
was  recorded  as  an  approved  minister  in  the  Fifth  Month,  18-20.  He  observes 
that  this  placed  him  in  an  awful  situation,  and  adds,  "  May  the  great  Preserver 
of  men  be  near  to  sustain  and  support  under  every  trial,  and  to  prevent  me  from 
doing  anything  which  might  tend  to  injure  His  great  and  good  cause." 

In  the  year  182-2,  our  dear  friend  again  visited  the  Continent  of  Europe.  He 
went  forth,  as  he  remarks,  in  simple  faith,  not  being  able  to  see  far  before  him, 
but  as  he  was  careful  to  follow  the  leadings  of  his  Divine  Master,  the  path  of 
duty  became  clear,  and  he  was  made  an  instrument  of  great  usefulness  to  his 
fellow-creatures.  At  Vienna  and  Verona  he  was  the  means  of  dilTusing  widely, 
amongst  persons  connected  with  the  principal  governments  of  Europe,  a  know- 
ledge of  the  iniquities  of  the  African  Slave-trade;  he  also  pleaded  the  cause  of 
the  oppressed  Greeks,  for  whom  he  obtained  some  important  privileges;  and 
that  of  the  persecuted  Waldenses  of  Piedmont,  who,  in  consequence  of  his  exer- 
tions, gained  increased  liberty  of  conscience.  After  some  religious  service 
amongst  this  people,  and  also  in  Switzerland,  Germany,  and  France,  he  was 
favoured  to  return  home  in  safety ;  and  in  a  review  of  the  mercies  received,  he 
says,  "  deeply  humbled  in  thankfulness  that  my  dear  INIaster  had  preserved  those 
who  were  dearest  to  me,  and  brought  me  back  to  them  in  the  possession  of  His 
sweet  peace." 

In  the  several  relations  of  domestic  and  social  life,  his  character  shone  witii 
peculiar  brightness,  and  was  calculated  to  attract  those  around  him  to  that 
blessed  principle  of  truth,  which,  in  no  common  degree,  guided  him  in  his  daily 
walk  through  life.  He  cherished  a  lively  inteiest  in  the  comfort  of  all,  whatever 
might  be  their  station,  who  were  placed  within  the  sphere  of  his  immediate 
infiuenoe;  and,  with  a  self-sacriticing  kindness,  he  sought  to  promote  their 
temporal  and  spiritual  welfare.  His  ear  was  at  all  times  open  to  the  call  of 
human  suffering;  and  he  was  ever  ready  to  use  personal  exertion,  and  to  dis- 
tribute freely  of  his  substance,  for  the  relief  of  the  necessitous. 

In  the  year  18'23  he  was  again  introduced  into  the  depths  of  sorrow,  by  the 
decease  of  his  tenderly  beloved  and  only  child  ;  yet  he  was  remarkably  sustained 
by  an  Ahnighty  Power,  and  when  his  spirit  was  ready  to  fiiint  within  him,  he 
was  enabled  to  say,  "  The  Lord  gave,  and  ihe  Lord  hath  taken  away  ;  blessed  be 
the  name  of  the  Lord,"  This  sore  bereavement  was  not  permitted  to  check  the 
flowing  of  that  stream  of  divine  love,  which  embraced  in  its  course  the  whole 
family  of  man.  In  the  school  of  affliction  he  was  stimulated  to  greater  diligence 
in  the  occupation  of  the  talents  committed  to  his  trust.  Various  and  important 
were  the  objects  for  which,  from  early  life,  he  felt  himself  called  upon  actively 
to  use  them.  One  of  the  most  prominent  of  these  was  the  religious  and  liberal 
education  of  our  youth,  many  of  whom  shared  the  privilege  of  his  fatherly  and 
disinterested  efforts  to  promote  their  improvement.  His  exertions  in  the  in)portant 
work  of  early  instruction  were,  however,  not  limited  to  our  own  Society,  but 
Vol,  II,  35 


538 


TESTIMONY  CONCERNING  WILLIAM  ALLEN, 


extended  to  the  cliildipn  of  the  poor  of  every  clime,  and  of  every  colour;  and,  in 
order  to  spread,  universally,  the  blessings  of  an  education  based  on  sound 
christian  principles,  he  became  one  of  the  founders  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
School  Society,  an  institution  to  which  he  conscientiously  devoted  much  of  his 
energies  to  the  close  of  his  active  life.  He  was  an  early  and  zealous  advocate 
for  the  promotion  of  universal  peace,  and  was  deeply  affected  by  the  sufferings 
of  the  enslaved  Africans;  labouring,  for  upwards  of  fifty  years,  to  promote  their 
liberation  from  cruel  bondage.  He  was  frequently  concerned  to  impress  on  the 
minds  of  persons  employed  in  the  administration  of  government,  the  great  prin- 
ciples of  righteousness  and  mercy,  in  reference  to  such  as  had  transgressed  the 
laws  of  their  country.  The  circulation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  throughout  the 
world,  was  an  object  which  lay  near  his  heart ;  he  was  also  instrumental  in  the 
wide  distribution  of  religious  publications,  particularly  such  as  tended  to  spread 
a  knowledge  of  the  principles  of  our  christian  profession;  having  found,  by 
experience,  that  in  their  practical  working,  they  are  eminently  calculated  to 
promote  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good-will  toward 
men." 

He  vias  often  acceptably  engaged  in  religious  service  in  England,  both  by 
appointments  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  with  certificates,  from  this  Monthly 
Meeting,  and  was  several  times  in  Ireland,  where  he  once  paid  a  general  visit. 

In  1827  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Grizell  Birkbeck,  whom  he  survived. 
In  the  years  1832  and  1833  he  again  joined  his  beloved  friend  Stephen  Grellet, 
in  an  extensive  journey  on  the  Continent  of  Europe.  They  visited  some  places 
in  Holland,  several  of  the  states  of  Germany,  and  parts  of  Hungary,  France, 
and  Spain.  Some  of  the  meetings  for  worship  were  very  memorable  seasons, 
the  effects  of  which  have  since  been  feelingly  acknowledged.  Though  the 
public  profession  of  the  religion  of  Spain  did  not  admit  of  this  line  of  service 
there,  yet  they  found  many  opportunities  of  spreading  the  truth.  They  obtained 
access  to  the  public  institutions  by  means  of  a  special  permission  from  the 
government,  and  when  they  had  finished  their  labours  in  Madrid,  they  stated 
the  result  of  their  observations  in  a  memorial  to  the  King,  which  he  cordially 
received. 

In  the  year  1840  our  beloved  friend,  although  sensible  of  the  infirmities  of 
advanced  age,  felt  drawn,  in  the  love  of  the  gospel,  once  more  to  visit,  as  he 
expressed  it,  the  brethren  in  some  parts  of  the  European  Continent :  and  he 
informed  our  Monthly  Meeting  that  he  had  a  prospect  of  travelling  with  his  dear 
sister  in  the  truth,  Elizabeth  Joseph  Fry,  who  was  liberated  for  a  similar  service. 
His  concern  was  feelingly  united  with,  and  with  his  companion,  and  her  brother 
Sarnuel  Gurney,  he  proceeded  through  Belgium  and  Holland  to  Germany.  They 
visited  the  Friends  at  Minden  and  Pyrmont,  and  thence  went  on  to  Hanover,  and 
various  places  in  Prussia,  labouring  diligently  in  the  work  to  which  they  felt 
themselves  called.  IMeetings  for  worship  were  appointed,  at  their  request,  in 
Brussels,  Amsterdam,  Hanover,  Berlin,  and  Dusseldorf,  all  of  which  were 
numerously  attended,  and,  as  well  as  those  held  in  smaller  places,  were,  in  a 
remarkable  degree,  times  of  solemnity  and  edification.  In  reference  to  some  of 
them  our  dear  friend  remarks,  "The  blessed  power  of  truth  reigned  over  all." 
He  returned  to  England  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  was  afterwards 
enabled  to  perform  the  remaining  service  which  he  believed  was  required  of  him, 
in  France,  Germany,  and  Switzerland.  Respecting  this  journey,  he  says,  "The 
tribute  of  thanksgiving  and  praise  was,  from  time  to  time,  offered  to  Him  to 
whom  alone  is  the  glory."   It  was  not  only  by  visits  to  the  various  countries  of 


TESTIMONY  CONCERNING  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


539 


Eurnpe  that  he  so'ight  to  promote  the  best  interests  of  man  ;  he  maintained  also 
an  extensive  correspondence  with  religious  persons,  through  the  instrumentality 
of  some  of  whom  ho  was  enabled  to  minister  to  the  temporal  and  spiritual  wants 
of  many. 

The  weightiness  of  our  dear  friend's  spirit  was  felt  in  our  religious  assemblies  ; 
he  reverently  waited  for  divine  help,  and  was  careful  not  to  utter  words  without 
the  fresh  putting  forth  of  the  good  Shepherd.  His  engagements  in  the  ministry 
were  peculiarly  attended  with  the  unction  of  heavenly  love  ;  they  were  marked 
by  great  simplicity,  and  a  fervent  desire  that  all  might  be  attracted  to  the  foun- 
tain of  life,  and  be  made  experimental  partakers  of  that  refreshing  which  comes 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  He  was  often  led  to  dwell  upon  the  spiritual 
nature  of  true  worship,  and  of  that  "  baptism  which  now  saveth  ;"  and  he  was 
frequently  concerned  to  bear  testimony  to  the  infinite  value  of  the  propitiatory 
sacrifice  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  dwelling  on  the  redemption  that  was  thereby  pur- 
chased for  fallen  man,  and  on  the  consolation  to  be  derived  from  the  application 
of  this  doctrine.  Tlie  preservation  of  the  youth  amongst  us,  and  their  establishment 
in  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  were  especially  the  objects  of  his  fervent  concern; 
and  he  frequently  and  affectionately  exhorted  them  to  attend  to  the  monitions  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  and  to  yield  obedience  to  all  that  was  manifested  to  be  consist- 
ent with  the  divine  will. 

He  was  a  man  of  prayer,  and  in  his  private  retirements,  often  poured  forth  his 
spirit  in  earnest  supplications  at  the  throne  of  grace.  So  great  was  his  sense  of 
the  awfulness  of  publicly  calling  on  the  name  of  the  Lord,  in  the  congregations 
of  the  people,  that  when  he  ventured  on  this  solemn  engagement,  he  manifested 
much  holy  fear  and  brokenness  of  spirit,  and  a  baptizing  power  was  often  sensibly 
felt  to  accompany  the  offering. 

In  the  latter  years  of  his  life,  he  passed  a  considerable  portion  of  his  time  at 
his  residence,  near  the  village  of  Lindfield,  in  Sussex,  where  he  had  established 
schools  of  industry,  and  pursued  many  plans  for  improving  the  condition  of  the 
labouring  population.  During  his  stay  at  this  place,  in  the  autumn  of  1842,  he 
had  a  serious  illness,  from  the  effects  of  which  he  never  entirely  recovered  :  his 
mental  faculties  had  lost  their  vigour,  and  he  was  under  the  necessity  of  with- 
drawing from  many  of  those  avocations,  in  which  he  had  been  long  and  usefully 
engaged.  But  under  this  trial,  he  gratefully  recognized  the  care  of  his  gracious 
Lord, and  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  dated  17th  of  10th  mo.,  he  says,  "I  believe  this 
illness  is  sent  in  mercy  to  me,  to  wean  me  more  and  more  from  all  things  below, 
and  to  make  me  look  more  steadily  to  the  end  of  time."  He  was,  however, 
permitted  so  far  to  recover  as  to  be  able  to  return  to  Stoke  Newington,  and 
generally  to  unite  with  his  friends  in  their  relTgious  meetings,  a  privilege  which 
he  greatly  prized.  He  was  still  sometimes  engaged  in  the  ministry  with  weight 
and  clearness,  and  his  spirit  was,  in  a  remarkable  degree,  clothed  with  love. 
Under  an  humbling  sense  of  bis  own  unworthiness,  he  was  frequently  led  to 
speak  with  gratitude  of  his  hopes  of  mercy,  through  the  atoning  sacrifice  of 
Christ  his  Saviour.  Though  at  times  under  much  depression,  from  the  sinking 
of  nature,  he  said  those  feelings  were  only  bodily,  and  that  he  fult  no  condemna- 
tion. The  calm  sweetness  of  his  spirit  did  indeed  testify  that  his  mind  was 
stayed  on  God.  He  had,  for  some  time,  expressed  his  belief  that  his  day's  work 
was  nearly  done,  but  he  could  not  say  he  had  a  wish,  as  to  whether  his  time 
here  were  longer  or  shorter.  Thus  prepared,  with  his  loins  girded  about  and  his 
light  burning,  he  peacefully  waited  for  the  summons  of  his  Lord.  Only  the  day 


540 


TESTIMONY  CONCERNING  WILLIAM  ALLEN. 


previous  to  his  last  seizure,  which  was  during  his  stay  at  Lindfield,  he  observed 
how  particularly  comfortable  he  had  been  for  the  last  lew  days. 

In  the  course  of  this  illness,  which  was  nearly  of  eleven  weeks'  continuance, 
he  was  remarkably  preserved  in  patience,  and  though,  in  the  great  prostration  of 
the  bodily  powers,  the  mental  also  participated,  yet  his  religious  sensibility  was 
lively,  and  his  love  flowed  towards  all  around  him,  as  well  as  to  his  absent 
friends.  In  sending  a  message  to  one  of  them,  he  said,  "Tell  him  though  I 
cannot  now  do  much  for  the  cause,  I  dearly  love  those  who  love  the  cause." 
The  Scriptures  were  frequently  read  to  him  at  his  own  request,  as  well  as  other 
religious  books,  and  on  these  occasions  he  evinced  great  tenderness  of  spirit. 
"When  hearing,  with  interest,  an  account  of  some  of  our  early  Friends,  he  re- 
marked, that  he  often  felt  comforted  in  the  hope  of  being  one  day  united  to  all 
those  worthies  for  ever :  he  afterwards  added  with  tears,  "  0  !  how  often  I  think 
with  comfort  of  those  gracious  words  of  the  Saviour,  '  That  they  may  be  with 
me,  where  I  am;'"  and  in  alluding  to  the  passage,  "I  in  them,  and  thou  in 
me,"  he  said  it  was  a  precious  thing  to  be  one  in  Christ.  He  desired  that  some 
young  persons,  in  whom  he  felt  much  interest,  might  be  told  that  he  had  been 
sustained  in  this  illness  beyond  what  he  could  have  expected,  that  "nothing  but 
a  sense  of  the  Lord's  presence  could  support  at  such  a  time,"  but,  he  added, 
"The  Lord  never  will  forsake  those  who  trust  in  Him — He  never  will."  He 
said  it  was  a  trying  time,  but  all  must  come  to  it;  flesh  and  heart  failed,  but  he 
again  repeated  his  assurance  that  the  Lord  never  would  forsake  those  who  trusted 
in  Him.  When  sending  another  message  of  affection  to  an  absent  friend,  he 
remarked,  that  there  was  no  happiness  but  in  the  path  of  duty.  His  mind,  when 
capable  of  reflection,  seemed  steadily  turned  towards  heavenly  things,  and  short 
ejaculations  of  "  O  Lord  !  dear  Lord  !"  continued,  when  nature  was  almost 
exhausted.  In  the  near  approach  of  dissolution  his  appearance  indicated  a 
heavenly  serenity  :  his  hands  were  raised  in  the  attitude  of  prayer,  and  then 
tranquilly  rested  on  his  bosom,  as  the  redeemed  spirit  was  gently  released  from 
its  earthly  tenement.  At  that  solemn  period  a  holy  calm  pervaded  the  chamber, 
and  the  consoling  belief  was  granted  that,  through  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus,  he  had  entered  into  the  joy  of  his  Lord. 

He  died  at  Lindfield,  on  the  30ih  of  12th  mo.,  1843,  and  his  remains  were 
interred  on  the  6th  of  1st  mo.,  1844,  at  Stoke  Newinglon,  after  a  large  and 
solemn  meeting,  held  on  the  occasion.  He  was  seventy-three  years  of  age,  a 
minister  about  twenty-five  years. 

Signed  in,  and  on  behalf  of  Gracechurch  Street  Monthly  Meeting,  held  at 
White  Hart  Court,  the  6th  of  3rd  mo.,  1844. 


APPENDIX  TO  THE  SECOND  VOLUME. 


The  Substance  of  an  Address  to  the  Students  at  Guy's  Hospital,  in  the 
Year  18-26,  bv  William  Allen,  F.R.S. 

Whilst  thus  standing  on  the  confines  of  our  system,  and  catching  the  glim- 
mering lights  that  issue  from  the  remote  and  unknown,  let  us  lift  up  our  hearts 
in  reverence  to  that  awful  and  infinitely  perfect  Being,  who,  operating  in  the 
immensity  of  space,  and  regulating  the  concerns  of  innumerable  worlds,  has  yet 
condescended  to  create  such  an  atom  as  man,  and  to  endue  that  atom  with  the 
power  of  attaining  unto  the  knowledge  of  Himself,  the  great  Author  and  Sup- 
porter of  all.  Seeing,  then,  that  He  who  created  the  universe  has  condescended 
to  employ  His  omnipotence  in  the  small,  as  well  as  in  the  great,  and  that  we 
also  are  the  workmanship  of  His  hand,  let  us  rejoice  in  the  belief,  that  even  we 
shall  not  escape  His  notice  amongst  the  myriads  of  created  beings  ;  let  us  be 
thankful  that  He  has  endowed  us  with  faculties  to  comprehend  a  little  of  His 
wonderful  works ;  and  let  us  ever  remember,  that  throughout  these,  a  provision 
for  the  happiness  of  His  creatures  is  eminently  conspicuous.  It  must,  therefore, 
be  consistent  with  His  will  that  we  should  employ  the  powers  which  He  has 
given  us,  in  diflTusing  as  much  comfort  and  happiness,  in  our  respective  circles, 
and  throughout  His  creation,  as  our  abilities  and  peculiar  circumstances  will 
permit. 

In  the  study  of  nature,  which  is  but  "  a  name  for  an  eflTect  whose  cause  is 
God,"  every  ingenious  mind  must  be  delighted  with  the  discovery  of  general 
laws  which  will  satisfactorily  account  for  many  important  phenomena;  but  we 
also  quickly  perceive  that  there  are  limits  to  human  knowledge,  and  that  it  is  in 
vain  for  finite  beings  to  attempt  to  comprehend  that  which  is  infinite.  We  see 
that  the  wonderful  eflfects  taking  place  every  moment,  and  upon  which  the  whole 
frame  and  system  of  things  depend,  can  only  be  referred  to  a  great  First  Cause, 
infinite  in  all  His  attributes.  The  attribute  of  Omnipotence  is  no  less  dis- 
played in  the  smallest  than  in  the  largest  works  of  creation ;  it  is  equally  mani- 
fest in  the  structure  of  the  most  minute  animalculae,  as  in  the  precision  with 
which  the  earth  revolves  upon  its  axis,  carrying  with  it  seas,  mountains,  king- 
doms, conflicting  elements,  and  bodies  everywhere  in  motion;  while  the  great 
purpose  is  completed  with  a  degree  of  exactness  which  no  time-piece  can  ever 
equal.  The  motions  of  the  heavenly  bodies  are  conducted  with  such  admirable 
precision,  that  not  one  of  them  materially  interferes  with  another;  no  one  devi- 
ates from  its  appointed  course;  each  steadily  holds  on  its  way  in  perfect  obe- 
dience to  Him,  who  spake,  and  they  were  created  ;  who  willed,  and  it  was  done. 

In  the  early  part  of  our  course,  we  considered  the  properties  of  matter,  and 
the  laws  to  which  it  is  subject,  we  were  convinced  that  it  has  no  power  to  move 
itself,  or  when  moved,  by  the  application  of  external  force,  to  stop,  or  even  to 
alter  the  direction  of  that  motion.  It  was  stated  that  every  particle  of  matter 
appears  to  have  a  certain  equal  degree  of  attractive  force,  which  it  exerts  upon 
every  other  particle  of  matter;  and  we  have  seen  how  this  simple  principle  has 
accounted,  not  only  for  the  fall  of  bodies,  for  the  maintenance  of  the  mechanical 
equilibrium,  but  also  for  the  planetary  motions  and  the  multiplied  ])henomena  of 
the  universe ;  it  is  the  attribute  of  Omnipotence  to  accomplish  the  greatest  of 


542 


APPENDIX. 


purposes  by  the  simplest  of  means.  It  is  owing  to  a  species  of  attraction  that 
bodies  preserve  their  form,  and  that  the  particles  of  some  kinds  of  matter  assume 
regular  geometrical  figures,  as  in  the  crystals  of  salts  and  earths  ;  but  here  mat- 
ter is  entirely  passive;  every  species  has  its  peculiar  and  determinate  form, 
which  is  invariable,  and  indicates  a  general  law.  Again  we  see  different  species 
of  matter  variously  acted  upon  by  attracting  energies,  so  as  to  form  distinct 
bodies,  which  are  the  objects  of  chemical  research.  These  are  comparatively 
simple,  easily  composed  and  decomposed,  as  the  balance  of  the  various  attrac- 
tions of  their  different  particles  preponderates.  The  effects  produced  are  obvious; 
but  of  the  nature  of  attraction  we  are  wholly  ignorant,  though  it  seems  princi- 
pally concerned  in  all  the  changes  which  are  incessantly  taking  place;  even 
those  powerful  agents,  caloric  and  the  electric  fluid,  appear  to  be,  in  some  mea- 
sure, connected  with  it.  Hence  bodies  arrarge  themselves  in  the  order  of  their 
specific  gravity.  Hence  water  and  the  grosser  fluids  are  confined  to  the  surface 
of  the  earth,  while  air,  being  lighter,  occupies  the  space  above;  it  cannot,  how- 
ever, fly  off  indefinitely;  for  its  particles,  though  invisible,  being  solid,  gravi- 
tating matter,  are  held  by  the  force  of  attraction  rear  the  surface  of  the  earth, 
for  the  respiration  of  animals.  It  is  by  the  attraction  between  caloric  and  water, 
and  probably  the  electric  fluid  also,  that  water  is  raised  by  evaporation  as  an 
invisible  fluid,  which,  in  the  upper  regions,  condenses  into  clouds  :  the  particles 
of  these  clouds  either  unite  and  descend  in  rain,  or  are  attracted  by  the  summits 
of  hills  and  mountains,  where  they  deposit  their  moisture,  which,  percolating 
through  their  strata,  breaks  out  in  springs  ;  these,  by  their  union,  form  rivers, 
which,  proceeding  to  the  sea,  supply  the  waste  from  evaporation  ;  this  evapora- 
tion is  a  distillation  upon  a  grand  scale;  nothing  but  pure  water  is  thus  raised, 
which  descends  in  dew  or  rain  for  the  nourishment  of  vegetables.  Here  we 
trace  the  operation  of  powerful  causes,  while  we  remain  ignorant  of  their  nature; 
but  every  thing  goes  on  with  such  regularity  and  harmony  as  to  give  the  most 
striking  and  convincing  proofs  of  a  combining,  directing  Intelligence, — of  a  pre- 
sent Deity. 

Any  one  of  these  agents  uncontrolled  would  overturn  the  w^hole  system  of 
things  :  if  attraction  were  to  act  without  being  opposed  by  caloric,  all  bodies 
would  shrink  up  into  one  inert  mass;  if  on  the  other  hand,  caloric  were  to  pre- 
vail, the  forms  of  bodies  would  be  immediately  destroyed.  Nothing  but  that 
creative  Power  from  which  they  emanated,  and  who,  in  his  comprehensive  view, 
foresaw  all  possible  consequences,  could  maintain  the  equilibrium  between  them, 
so  that  they  can  only  act  within  the  limits  prescribed  to  them  ;  they  can  only 
exert  their  power  in  that  direction  which  is  conducive  to  the  ends  for  which  they 
were  created. 

If  the  human  powers  fail,  in  attempting  to  account  for  the  nature  of  the 
changes  in  inert  mailer,  how  must  its  difficulties  be  increased  when  we  come  to 
consider  organized  bodies.  Here,  in  consequence  of  the  addition  of  the  living 
principle,  ihe  attractions  of  inert  matter  are  surprisingly  modified  ;  a  seed  con- 
tains rudiments  capable  of  being  expanded  into  a  large  tree ;  every  tree  has  its 
peculiar  form,  and  is  capable  of  producing  the  rudiments  of  others.  Here  carbon, 
hydrogen,  and  oxygen,  viiiich,  left  to  themselves,  would  form  compounds  chiefly 
binary,  being  absorbed  by  the  organs  of  the  plant,  form  part  of  its  substance, 
and  are  converted  into  living  m-itter  under  a  more  complicated  order  of  affinities. 
The  vegetable,  having  flourished  during  a  limited  period  of  time,  is  deserted  by 
the  living  principle,  and  the  elements  of  which  it  is  formed,  the  carbon,  hydro- 
gen, and  oxygen,  attract  each  other  according  to  the  laws  which  regulate  inert 


APPENDIX. 


543 


matter;  and  thus  the  body  is  decomposed,  and  furnishes  elements  or  materials 
for  a  new  generation.  It  is  like  piiHino;  down  a  house,  and  building  another 
with  the  same  materials.  No  less  admirable  is  the  provision  by  which  the  tribes 
of  vpgptahles  succeed  each  other  upon  the  face  of  the  earth.  The  means  for  the 
propagation  and  preservation  of  the  difTerent  species,  and  the  checks  which  have 
been  established  to  prevent  any  of  them  from  exceeding  certain  bounds,  essen- 
tial to  the  well-being  of  the  whole,  abundantly  manifest  an  order  and  design 
which  can  only  be  attributed  to  Infinite  Wisdom.  But  let  us  advance  a  step 
farther,  and  consider,  not  only  the  union  of  the  living  principle  with  matter,  but 
the  power  of  sensation,  locomotion,  and  instinct  superadded.  What  a  field 
opens  before  us  in  the  various  classes  of  animals!  Whether  we  consider  the 
thousands  of  organized  bodies,  sporting,  pursuing,  or  avoiding  each  other,  in  a 
single  drop  of  water,  each  of  which  would  be  more  than  sufficient  to  confound 
all  the  atheists  in  the  world,  or  direct  our  attention  to  those  of  larger  bulk,  what 
admirable  contrivance,  what  consummate  skill  in  the  adaptation  of  their  various 
organs  to  their  peculiar  mode  of  existence,  and  to  the  place  which  the  animal  is 
destined  to  fill  in  the  scale  of  created  beings, — every  one  of  them,  doubtless, 
answering  some  purpose  essential  to  the  well-being  of  the  whole,  though  we 
may  not  be  able  to  discover  it.  How  admirable  is  that  instinct  which  directs 
the  operations  of  them  all,  and  to  which  they  all  invariably  adhere  !  The  wood- 
pigeon  was  never  seen  to  build  its  nest  like  the  goldfinch,  nor  the  goldfinch  like 
the  swallow  :  these  all  uniformly  accomplish  the  will  of  their  Creator,  and  hav- 
ing passed  through  the  limited  period  of  their  existence,  give  place  to  their  oflT- 
spring,  the  increase  of  which  is  so  regulated  as  to  secure  the  continuance  of  the 
species,  and  at  the  same  time  such  checks  are  provided,  as  to  keep  them  within 
convenient  bounds;  and  here  it  is  remarkable  that  those  animals  which  are  most 
prolific  are  subject  to  the  greatest  casualties.  Thus  in  the  spawn  of  fish  ;  though 
the  roe  of  a  single  cod  miglit  produce  more  living  animals  than  there  are  men 
upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  yet  most  of  them  become  the  prey  of  other  animals, 
and  the  equilibrium  is  constantly  preserved.  Through  all  these  varying  forms  of 
animated  beings  the  original  matter  is  continually  passing;  the  element  azote  in 
animals  being  added  to  the  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen.  Nothing  less  than 
the  creative  power  of  Omnipotence  could  add  one  atom  to  the  mass,  or  annihilate 
the  smallest  particle  of  it.  Hence  it  will  follow,  that  air,  earth,  vtater,  together 
with  the  present  animals  and  vegetables,  are  composed  of  the  same  materials  as 
those  which  existed  at  the  first  creation,  notwithstanding  the  revolutions  and 
changes  through  which,  in  the  series  of  ages,  these  original  elements  must  have 
passed. 

So  far,  we  see  a  regular  gradation  of  beings,  rising  in  their  various  degrees, 
from  simple  life  to  sensation,  under  all  its  modified  circumstances.  Every  thing, 
so  fixr  complete ;  but  a  being  was  wanted  to  supply  the  next  link  of  the  chain, 
and  that  being  is  man. 

Man.  placed,  at  the  head  of  terrestrial  beings,  differs  from  other  animals  by  the 
gift  of  mind.  The  mind,  or  soul,  is  properly  the  man  ;  the  body  is  merely  a  set 
of  instruments  by  which  the  mind  executes  its  purposes. 

The  human  frame  is  the  most  wonderful  of  organized  bodies,  and  in  it  we 
again  observe  the  same  infinitely  wise  adaptation  of  means  to  ends.  As,  in  the 
lower  orders  of  animals,  each  was  furnished  with  organs  exactly  fitted  to  its  local 
circumstances,  and  indispensable  to  its  existence,  so  in  the  human  body  the  organs 
and  the  senses  were  bestowed  with  a  reference  to  mind.  Man,  being  endowed 
v/ith  reason,  can  avail  himself  of  the  powers  of  nature,  and  make  inferior  animals 


544 


APPENDIX. 


subserve  his  purpose  ;  to  him,  therefore,  the  strength  of  the  horse,  the  elephant, 
or  the  lion,  was  not  necessary,  any  more  than  that  acuteness  of  some  of  the  senses 
for  whieh  many  animals  are  so  remarkable.  It  will,  however,  be  instructive  to 
consider  the  human  body  with  reference  to  the  different  senses  respectively.  It 
was  made  erect,  that  it  might  assume  a  commanding  attitude  :  and  the  organs  of 
sight  are  so  placed  as  to  be  able  to  contemplate  the  heavens,  and  have  an  exten- 
sive range  over  the  surface  of  the  earth.  It  was  not  necessary  that  the  human 
eye  should  be  as  penetrating  as  that  of  the  hawk  or  the  eagle.  Man,  when  it  is 
necessary  for  him  to  see  at  a  distance,  can  employ  a  telescope.  If  bis  sight  had 
been  so  microscopic,  as  to  see  with  great  distinctness  the  structure  of  small 
insects,  and  the  particles  of  air,  the  eye  would  have  been  unfit  for  common  pur- 
poses, and  the  mind  would  have  been  distracted  by  the  multiplicity  of  objects. 
Who  can  enough  admire  the  wisdom  of  those  laws  by  which  the  rays  of  light 
are  governed  !  They  travel  through  the  regions  of  unfathomable  space  with  a 
celerity  almost  beyond  conception,  at  the  rate  of  nearly  200,000  miles  in  a  second 
of  time.  They  arrive  from  different  suns  and  from  different  systems,  crossing 
each  other,  in  all  directions,  without  the  least  interference  or  confusion  ;  and,  as 
it  concerns  us  less  to  be  acquainted  with  objects  at  a  distance,  than  with  those 
near  at  hand,  so  the  intensity  of  light  diminishes  as  the  squares  of  the  distances. 
The  light  from  the  sun,  striking  forcibly  upon  all  the  bodies  about  us,  is  reflected 
from  their  surfaces  according  to  a  fixed  and  invariable  law:  some  of  these  sur- 
faces have  the  power  of  decomposing  a  beam  of  white  light,  and  separating  it 
into  its  primitive  colours  ;  some  bodies  reflect  rays  of  one  colour,  some  of  another ; 
hence  arises  an  agreeable  variety  in  the  aspect  of  nature,  and  hence  we  are 
enabled  to  distinguish,  with  greater  certainty,  one  body  from  another.  By  means 
of  that  wonderful  organ,  the  eye,  we  are  made  sensible  of  the  distances  and  forms 
of  bodies. 

All  visible  bodies  reflect  the  rays  of  light  from  every  part  of  their  surface,  in 
all  directions  ;  and  yet,  in  consequence  of  the  simple  and  beautiful  law  of  refrac- 
tion, it  is  only  those  rays  which  fall  in  particular  angles  upon  the  eye  that  can 
produce  complete  vision.  These,  crossing  each  otiier  on  the  optic  axis,  in  the 
centre  of  the  eye,  produce  a  picture  of  objects  upon  the  retina,  or  expansion  of 
the  optic  nerve,  at  the  back  of  that  organ,  and  hence  produce  a  sensation  in  the 
brain.  The  eye  is  so  formed,  then,  as  to  show  us  those  objects  which  it  most 
concerns  us  to  be  apprised  of,  with  perfect  distinctness  when  they  are  at  a 
certain  distance.  As  they  recede  from  us,  the  impressions  are  less  distinct,  and 
when  they  are  so  far  as  to  be  of  no  consequence  to  us,  they  no  longer  obtrude 
themselves  upon  our  attention,  but  vanish  away.  Again,  this  organ  in  man  is  so 
perfect,  that  our  two  eyes,  by  means  of  the  three  pairs  of  muscles  which  govern 
each,  answer  the  purpose  of  that  vast  quantify  of  eyes  with  which  the  hemisphere 
on  the  head  of  a  common  house-fly  is  studded.  The  coloured  part  of  the  eye, 
or  iris,  like  a  delicate  veil,  regulates  the  quantity  of  light  admitted.  In  obscurity 
it  contracts,  and  the  pupil  is  enlarged  ;  but  in  a  strong  light  it  expands,  and 
diminishes  the  aperture.  The  opening  is  circular  in  the  human  being,  because  a 
view  was  wanted  in  all  directions,  but  in  the  cat  and  tiger  it  is  vertical,  their 
prey  being  above;  in  horses  and  sheep  it  is  transverse,  for  their  food  lies  hori- 
zontally. This  organ,  as  w^ell  as  other  parts  of  the  body,  is  protected  by  the 
sense  of  feeling  ;  and  this  sense  is  exquisite  in  the  eye,  because  it  is  of  such 
vast  importance  to  us.  The  minute  ramifications  of  nerves,  spread  over  the  sur- 
face of  the  bodj',  give  us  notice  of  mischief  by  the  sensation  of  pain.  Were  it 
not  for  this,  we  might  lose  a  finger,  a  hand,  or  an  arm,  without  knowing  it.  It 


APPENDIX. 


545 


appears  by  surgical  operations,  that  this  acuteness  of  feeling  is  greatest  where  it 
is  most  wanted  for  our  protection,  that  is,  at  the  surface  of  the  body;  but  that 
some  of  the  internal  parts  of  our  frame  have  comparatively  little  of  it.  Tiie  pro- 
vision for  the  durability  of  the  limbs  is  no  less  admirable.  If  our  hands  had 
been  made  of  iron,  they  would  have  been  worn  out  long  before  the  termination 
of  an  ordinary  life  ;  but  the  parts  of  the  human  body  are  continually  re-produced 
from  the  (blood,  which  is  itself  formed  from  the  chyle,  a  fluid  into  which  the  food 
is  converted  by  the  process  of  digestion,  while  old  parts  are  taken  up  by  a  set 
of  vessels  called  absorbents,  and  are  carried  off  in  the  excretions.  To  a  certain 
limited  extent,  parts  which  have  been  lost  may  be  reproduced  in  the  human  body ; 
thus  a  wound  will  be  filled  up  with  granulations,  in  which  new  vessels  will  be 
formed  :  but  here,  again,  we  remark  how  every  thing  is  adapted  to  the  nature  of 
the  animal;  the  more  perfect  the  animal,  the  more  irreparable  is  the  loss  of  a 
part ;  thus,  in  man,  an  arm  or  a  leg,  a  hand,  or  even  a  finger,  if  once  lost,  can 
never  be  reproduced  ;  but  if  a  crab  lose  a  leg,  or  a  lobster  a  claw,  the  limb,  in 
process  of  time,  is  reproduced.  This  power  of  reproduction  is  so  great  in  some 
of  the  less  perfect  animals,  that  a  polypus  being  cut  in  pieces,  the  pieces  will 
produce  new  animals  of  the  same  kind. 

p  The  sense  of  smell,  so  extremely  acute  in  some  of  the  canine  tribe,  is  precisely 
adapted  in  man  to  his  situation;  and,  while  it  gives  him  the  power  of  gratifica- 
tion from  the  odour  of  flowers  and  aromatic  substances,  it  tends  to  his  preserva- 
tion by  warning  him  of  the  presence  of  substances  whose  effluvia  would  endanger 
his  health  if  they  were  not  removed  ;  thus,  by  a  wise  provision  of  the  Author 
of  nature,  what  would  be  hurtful  is  rendered  disagreeai)]e. 

The  taste,  also,  answers  a  double  purpose;  it  renders  the  necessary  act  of  sup- 
plying the  stomach  with  food  agreeable,  while,  for  our  preservation,  it  is  so 
contrived,  that  many  substances,  which  would  be  injurious,  excite  no  such  sen- 
sations, or  very  disagreeable  ones.  Some  animals,  it  is  probable,  have  this 
sense  in  a  higher  degree  than  man.  In  the  accounts  of  travellers  we  find  that, 
in  uncultivated  places,  roots  fit  to  be  eaten  were  discovered,  by  observing  the 
kind  which  the  monkeys  had  selected  for  their  food.  The  sense  of  heariyig  in 
man,  besides  tending  to  his  preservation,  answers  several  most  important  pur- 
poses. In  him  it  is  not  so  acute  as  in  some  of  the  lower  animals,  whose  safety 
depends  principally  upon  it ;  but  if  it  had  been  more  so  than  it  is,  it  would  have 
been  extremely  inconvenient,  and  the  bustle  of  the  crowded  streets  of  the  metro- 
polis perfectly  intolerable  ;  it  is,  however,  like  all  the  rest  of  our  senses,  just 
adapted  to  our  situation,  and  amply  sufficient  to  apprise  us  of  the  approach  of 
danger.  The  ear  has  been  so  constructed  as  to  receive  pleasure  from  sounds  ; 
these  are  produced  by  particles  of  air,  agitated  by  the  tremulous  motion  of  the 
parts  of  a  body  vibrating  in  unison;  that  is,  when  the  vibrations  are  multiples 
of  each  other,  the  vibrations  of  a  musical  string  are  almost  inconceivably  rapid. 
In  the  gravest  harmonic  sound  they  are  12^  in  a  second,  whilst  the  shrillest 
sounding  body  makes  51,100  vibrations  in  the  same  portion  of  time. 

The  greatest  service  rendered  to  us  by  the  sense  of  hearing;,  is  the  facility 
which  it  gives  of  communicating  our  ideas  and  feelings  to  each  other.  The 
nature  of  this  faculty,  and  its  importance,  are  well  described  by  Rollin  :  "Admi- 
rable, indeed,  are  the  provisions  for  the  production  of  sound  by  the  human  voice. 
In  the  upper  part  of  the  trachea,  or  canal  by  which  the  air  enters  and  is  expelled 
from  the  lungs,  is  a  little  oval  fissure,  capable  of  opening  more  or  less,  called  the 
glottis  :  as  the  opening  of  the  glottis  is  very  small,  with  respect  to  the  capacity 
of  the  tranchea,  when  air  is  forcibly  driven  through  it,  the  velocity  is  consider- 


I 


546  APPENDIX. 

ably  increased,  and  the  lips  of  the  glottis  become  violently  agitated,  occasioning 
those  vibrations  which  produce  sound :  the  sound  thus  formed  is  influenced  by 
the  cavities  of  the  head,  and  even  by  the  breast. 

"  The  glottis  not  only  produces  the  sound,  but  even  forms  the  tones  ;  and  this 
is  attributed  to  variations  in  its  opening.  It  is  capable  of  becoming  wider  and 
narrower  within  certain  small  limits :  the  fibres  which  compose  it  lengthen  for 
the  low  tones,  and  become  shorter  for  the  high  ones. 

"To  produce  the  various  tones  the  diameter  of  the  opening  of  the  glottis, 
whicli  is  but  one-twelfth  of  an  inch,  must  be  varied  :  there  are  modifications  of 
every  single  tone,  which  require  that  this  opening,  as  small  as  it  is,  should  be 
divided  into  9,032  parts,  and  even  these  parts  are  not  all  equal  ;  some  of  them 
must  therefore  be  less  than  the  9,632nd  part  of  the  twelfth  part  of  an  inch ;  but 
so  delicate  is  the  ear,  that  this  variation  is  immediately  perceived.  Speech,"  as 
Rollin  further  observes,  "is  one  of  the  great  advantages  which  man  possesses 
over  other  animals :  while  it  serves  as  a  proof  of  his  rational  faculties,  it  enables 
him  to  employ  them  to  the  greatest  advantage  ;  but  how  wonderful  that  adjust- 
ment, how  exact  that  mechanism,  by  which  it  is  produced  !  At  the  first  com- 
mand of  the  sou],  how  many  different  parts  are  brought  into  action  to  form  the 
voice ! 

"  I  have  a  thought  which  I  am  disposed  to  communicate  to  others,  or  a  doubt 
which  I  wish  to  have  solved  :  nothing  is  more  intellectual,  or  farther  removed 
from  the  senses,  than  thought.  What  vehicle  is  capable  of  transferring  it  to  the 
persons  who  surround  me  ■?  If  I  could  not  accomplish  it, — shut  up  in  myself, 
— redliced  to  a  solitary  individual, — cut  off  from  all  commerce,  from  all  conversa- 
tion,— I  should  suffer  inexpressible  disquiet.  The  most  numerous  company, 
the  whole  world,  would  be  but  a  frightful  solitude.  But  Providence  has  relieved 
me  from  this  by  attaching  my  ideas  to  sounds,  and  rendering  me  master  of  those 
sounds.  Thus,  in  the  very  moment,  and  at  the  precise  instant  that  I  am  disposed 
to  communicate  my  thoughts  to  others,  the  lungs,  the  throat,  the  tongue,  the 
palate,  the  teeth,  the  lips,  and  an  infinite  number  of  organs  concerned  in  it,  are 
put  in  motion,  and  execute  my  orders,  with  a  rapidity  which  almost  more  than 
keeps  pace  with  my  desires.  The  air  proceeding  from  my  lungs  in  tones, 
modified  according  to  the  variety  of  my  sentiments,  carries  the  sound  into  the 
ears  of  my  auditors,  and  informs  them  of  all  that  I  wish  to  communicate.  Thus 
ideas  are  conveyed  and  information  diffused  by  a  natural  mechanism  which  we 
can  never  sufficiently  admire." 

While  man  resembles  other  animals  in  the  structure  of  his  body,  which  is 
merely  the  instrument  of  his  will,  he  is,  by  the  gift  of  other  powers,  placed  at  an 
immeasurable  distance  from  them.  By  the  faculty  of  reason  he  is  distinguished 
from  all  other  visible  beings  :  and  by  the  immortal  part,  or  soul,  which  consti- 
tutes his  very  essence,  he  is  capable  of  communion  with  his  Almighty  Creator. 

Inferior  animals,  in  consequence  of  instinct,  act  in  one  uniform  round  ;  but 
man  is  a  free  agent,  capable  of  comparing,  of  judging,  and  deciding:  he  is  at 
liberty  to  adopt  one  mode  of  conduct  in  preference  to  another,  and  is  therefore 
accountable  for  his  actions.  He,  alone,  can  compare  and  reason  ;  he,  alone,  is 
capable  of  perceiving  those  marks  of  contrivance  and  design, — that  adaptation  of 
all  the  operations  of  nature  to  one  grand  and  beneficial  result,  which  proclaim, 
in  the  strongest  and  most  impressive  language,  that  the  whole  must  have 
originated  from  a  Being  infinite  in  wisdom,  in  power,  and  in  goodness.  But  in 
vain  does  every  thing  which  we  behold  conspire  to  force  this  great  truth  upon 
our  notice,  if  we  are  so  absorbed  in  the  objects  of  sense  as  to  be  incapable  of 


APPENDIX. 


547 


fixing  our  attention.  How  many  do  wc  see  passing  through  life  with  no  other 
ideas  than  those  we  may  suppose  familiar  to  the  brute  !  but  marit  these  men,  so 
ardent  in  the  pursuit  of  what  they  call  pleasure,  are  they  completely  satisfied 
with  the  gratification  of  their  animal  appetites'?  By  no  means.  How  many  an 
aching  void  do  they  not  experience!  to  what  ennui  and  chagrin  are  they  not 
subject !  they  cannot  feel  the  satisfaction  enjoyed  by  brutes,  because  they  have 
higher  destinies  ;  because  they  have  an  immortal  part :  they  know  what  the  beast 
is  ignorant  of, — that  the  present  life  must  terminate,  and  the  involuntary  sigh 
arises  for  something  beyond  it. 

Placed,  then,  in  so  commanding  a  station,  endowed  with  such  faculties  and 
powers,  let  it  be  our  business  to  cultivate  them  for  the  noblest  of  purposes.  We 
have  seen  in  the  course  of  these  lectures  how  far  knowledge  may  contribute  to 
our  bodily  comfort  and  convenience;  how  it  tends  to  enlarge  our  views  and 
expand  our  minds,  and,  consequently,  of  what  importance  it  is  to  cultivate  our 
intellectual  part,  and  to  do  all  in  our  power  to  diffuse  light  and  knowledge  among 
mankind  in  general:  for  this,  by  degrees,  will  put  an  end  to  that  bigotry  and 
superstition  which  tend  to  keep  men  in  ignorance  and  a  state  of  depression. 
Whenever  we  see  attempts  to  put  down  schools,  and  to  prevent  the  circulation 
of  the  Bible,  we  may  always  be  sure  that  there  is  something  wrong,  something 
that  will  not  bear  the  light. 

Though  knowledge  is  power,  yet  every  thing  depends  upon  the  use  which  we 
make  of  that  power  ;  and  we  shall  all  of  us  certainly  be  accountable  for  the 
proportion  of  talents  received.  It  is  a  humiliating  consideration,  that  while  all 
the  classes  of  inferior  animals  are  constantly  found  performing  the  will  of  God,  the 
only  exception  is  to  be  found  in  man  : — in  man,  who  alone  has  been  endowed 
with  the  faculty  of  knowing  his  Creator: — in  man,  who  was  destined  to  com- 
municate with  him  in  a  spiritual  manner,  and  who  was  placed  here,  as  in  a  state 
of  preparation,  for  the  enjoyment  of  His  presence  for  ever.  Good  and  evil  are 
set  before  us:  we  are  free  to  choose  or  to  refuse;  and  we  may  be  all  assured, 
that  in  proportion  to  the  degree  of  light  and  knowledge  received,  so  will  be  the 
nature  of  the  account  at  the  final  close;  for  justice  is  no  less  an  attribute  of  the 
Supreme  Arbiter  of  the  universe,  than  wisdom  or  power.  But  whilst  the  most 
courageous  among  the  sons  of  men  may  be  appalled  at  considering  this  attribute, 
yet  our  gracious  Creator  is  equally  distinguished  by  that  of  mercy.  Considering 
that  we  are  but  dust.  He,  in  infinite  compassion,  provided  the  means,  in  the 
person  of  the  Redeemer,  for  reconciliation  with  Himself;  and  this  is  the  only 
means  by  which  those  who  are  brought  to  a  true  sense  of  their  condition,  can 
abide  in  the  presence  of  Infinite  Purity.  I  know  that  I  am  travelling  out  of  the 
beaten  road  ;  hut  having  undertaken,  on  the  preceding  evenings,  to  explain  to 
you  what  I  have  been  permitted  to  understand  of  the  works  of  our  Almighty 
Creator,  and  having  discovered  in  them  such  wisdom,  such  power,  such  bene- 
volence, can  I  refrain  from  pointing  to  Him,  the  Author  of  it  all,  and  ascribing 
the  glory  where  alone  it  is  due?  Can  I  when  speaking  of  the  goodness  so 
evidently  displayed  in  the  material  world,  forbear  to  advert  to  that  greatest  of 
blessings,  wiiich  in  His  infinite  love,  He  has  bestowed  upon  us  by  the  coming  of 
the  Son  of  God  in  the  fiesli  1  When  I  feel  a  warm  interest  in  your  future  happi- 
ness, and  see  clearly  the  path  which  will  lead  to  it,  and  when  I  reflect  that, 
probably,  there  are  many  of  you  present  whose  faces  I  shall  see  no  more,  ought 
I  to  refrain  from  speaking  out  boldly  upon  subjects  of  such  unspeakable  import- 
ance? I  know  that  the  views  which  I  take,  are,  unhappily,  in  some  quarters, 
not  very  fashionable  ;  that  they  are  even  humiliating  to  that  philosophical  pride 


548 


APPENDIX. 


which  spurns  at  every  thing  heyond  the  comprehension  of  its  limited  capacity ; 
but  how  far  this  is  just,  or  reasonable,  or  really  philosophical,  we  shall  presently 
examine. 

The  Supreme  Bein^,  though  not  an  object  of  our  senses,  like  the  masses  of 
matter  wiih  which  we  are  daily  and  hourly  conversant,  is,  nevertheless,  actively 
present  with  us,  influencing  that  immortal  part  in  His  rational  creatures,  which 
is  also  of  a  nature  wholly  different  from  any  thing  in  the  material  world.  He 
must  be  deficient,  indeed,  in  intellect,  who  cannot  discover  that  a  power  far  sur- 
passing any  thing  conceivable  by  human  capacity,  must  have  been  at  work  in  all 
that  surrounds  him.  "In  Him,"  it  has  emphatically  been  said,  "  we  live,  and 
move,  and  have  our  being."  Invisible  in  His  nature  and  essence,  He  is  con- 
stantly influencing  our  minds  to  all  that  is  virtuous.  To  Him  we  owe  every 
good  thought,  every  virtuous  determination:  and  as  He  wills  the  happiness  of  all 
His  creatures,  we  are  sure  that  when  we  dry  up  the  tear  of  the  widow  and  the 
fatherless,  when  we  succour  the  distressed  and  afflicted,  when  we  endeavour  to 
promote  peace  and  good  will  towards  men,  we  are  performing  the  will  of  God. 
To  cherish  these  dispositions  and  feelings  is  of  more  importance  than  the  great 
bulk  of  mankind  imagine.  They  become  stronger  by  exercise,  and  tend,  by 
degrees,  to  bring  the  mind  into  that  harmony  with  the  Divine  will,  in  which 
there  is  not  the  least  disposition  to  hurt  or  to  destroy. 

On  the  other  hand,  they  shut  themselves  out  from  abundant  sources  of  joy  and 
consolation,  who  harden  their  hearts  against  these  benign  sensations  ;  who, 
puffed  up  with  a  foolish  pride  in  consequence  of  their  imaginary  attainments, 
refuse  to  believe  any  thing  which  is  not  cognizable  by  their  natural  senses  and 
faculties.  But  until  a  part  shall  be  proved  to  be  greater  than  the  wliole, — until 
it  shall  be  sliown  that  finite  can  comprehend  infinite, — the  well-regulated  mind 
must  look,  with  sorrow  and  amazement,  at  men  undertaking  to  measure  the 
ways  and  operations  of  Infinite  Wisdom  by  their  little  standard,  and  giving  rash 
decisions  upon  the  conduct  of  the  Supreme  Intelligence. 

It  would  not  be  so  much  matter  of  surprise  if  these  unhappy  individuals  were 
found  only  in  the  class  of  the  uneducated  and  ignorant  part  of  mankind  ;  but 
what  shall  we  say  for  those  to  whose  eyes  the  ample  page  of  science  has  been 
unrolled,  but  who,  notwithstanding,  with  inverted  ambition,  have  struggled  to 
descend  below  the  dignity  of  their  nature,  and  claim  kindred  with  the  brutes, 
who  know  not  God.  To  them  we  may  apply  the  language  of  Dr.  Young  : 
"  With  the  talents  of  an  angel,  a  man  may  be  a  fool:  if  he  judge  amiss  in  the 
supreme  point,  judging  right  in  all  else  does  but  aggravate  his  folly." 

If,  then,  all  that  we  admire  in  nature  must  have  been  the  work  of  a  kind  and 
an  almighty  hand, — if  we  are  convinced  that  all  the  powers  we  possess  are 
derived  from  Him,  and  sufficient  only  to  give  us  a  faint  glimpse  of  His  infinite 
perfection, — is  it  too  much  to  ask,  that  we  should  humbly  trust  in  Him  for  what 
must  be  above  our  comprehension,  and  rely,  with  confidence,  that  in  a  future 
state  of  being,  what  is  now  merely  the  object  of  faith,  will  then  become  matter 
of  absolute  certainty'? 

These  are  the  applications  which  may  fairly  be  made  of  all  that  has  occupied 
our  attention  during  the  course  of  these  lectures  ;  and  it  is  no  small  consolation 
to  reflect,  that  precisely  similar  conclusions  have  been  drawn  from  the  same 
premises  by  the  most  distinguished  ornaments  of  science.  Sir  Isaac  Newton, 
Boyle,  and  Locke,  together  with  other  illustrious  characters,  who  laid  the  foun- 
dation of  all  those. discoveries  which  will  render  the  present  age  so  conspicuous 
in  the  annals  of  time,  had  exactly  the  same  ideas  upon  these  important  subjects, 


APPENDIX. 


549 


as  tliose  which  have  been  brought  forward  this  evening.  These  great  men  were 
not  aslinmed  to  acknowledge  their  conviction  of  the  triiihs  of  revealed  religion; 
and  that,  in  tracing  the  links  of  the  chain,  which,  beginning  at  the  lowest  order 
of  created  beings,  terminates  at  the  throne  of  God,  the  most  acute  individual 
would  soon  come  to  a  point  below,  as  well  as  above  himself,  at  which  he  could 
only  pause  and  adore.  Indeed,  our  very  existence  is  rot  more  certain  than  that 
of  an  over-ruling,  superintending  Providence  :  a  conviction  of  His  omnipresence 
has  been  the  consolation  of  the  wise  and  good  in  all  ages  of  the  world  ;  and  the 
effects  of  that  conviction  are  described  with  peculiar  force  by  one  ef  the  most 
elegant  writers  which  this  country  has  produced.  The  celebrated  Addison  ex- 
claims: "How  happy  is  an  intellectual  being,  who,  by  prayer  and  meditation, 
opens  a  communication  between  God  and  his  own  soul  !  Though  the  whole 
creation  frown  upon  him,  and  all  nature  look  black  about  him,  he  has  his  light 
and  support  within  him,  that  are  able  to  cheer  his  mind,  and  bear  him  up  in  the 
midst  of  all  those  horrors  which  encompass  him.  He  knows  that  his  helper  is 
at  hand,  and  is  always  nearer  to  him  than  any  thing  else  can  be,  which  is  capable 
of  annoying  or  terrifying  him.  In  the  midst  of  calumny  or  contempt,  he  attends 
to  that  being  wbo  whispers  better  things  within  his  soul,  and  whom  he  looks 
upon  as  his  defender,  his  glory,  and  the  lifter  up  of  his  head.  In  his  deepest 
solitude  and  retirement,  he  knows  that  he  is  in  company  with  the  greatest  of 
Beings  ;  and  perceives  within  himself  such  real  sensations  of  His  presence,  as 
are  more  delightful  than  any  thing  that  can  be  met  with,  in  the  conversation  of 
his  creatures.  Even  in  the  hour  of  death,  he  considers  the  pains  of  his  dissolution 
to  be  nothing  else  but  the  breaking  down  of  that  partition  which  stands  betwixt 
his  soul  and  the  sight  of  that  Being  who  is  always  present  with  him,  and  is 
about  to  manifest  himself  to  him  in  fulness  of  joy." 

As,  then,  the  Supreme  Being  is  not  cognizable  by  our  natural  senses,  and  as 
the  immortal  part  of  man  is  also  invisible,  it  is  not  inconsistent  with  reason 
to  conclude,  that  the  spiritual  part  of  us  may  be  immediately  influenced  by  that 
power  which  created  it;  that  He  may,  in  former  times,  have  communicated  Hi3 
will  to  intelligent  beings,  in  a  supernatural  manner;  that  these  having  recorded 
the  impressions  made  upon  them,  a  written  revelation  may  have  been  entrusted 
to  mankind.  That  this  has  been  done  in  the  case  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  we 
must  firmly  believe  ;  for  when  we  consider  the  tendency  of  the  precepts  there 
given  for  the  conduct  of  life,  and  how  eminently  they  are  calculated  to  promote 
the  happiness  and  well-being  of  the  human  race,  not  only  during  the  short  period 
of  their  natural  lives,  but  in  the  interminable  state  which  is  to  follow ;  when  we 
see  that  the  object  of  these  divine  precepts  is  to  produce  peace  on  earth  and 
good  will  among  men,  and  also  consider  that  one  of  the  most  glorious  attributes 
of  the  Deity  is  love,  the  source,  from  which  these  precepts  have  originated, 
becomes  apparent,  and  there  is  no  longer  room  for  doubt. 

As  it  is  clear,  then,  that  the  dispensations  of  the  Divine  Being  have  a  refer- 
ence to  the  happiness  of  man,  it  follows  that  the  exercise  of  benevolence  and 
deeds  of  mercy  must,  in  a  peculiar  manner,  be  consistent  with  His  will.  It 
seems,  indeed,  that  by  an  ordinance  of  His  providence,  these  acts  are  made  a 
source  of  the  purest  pleasure.  "  If,"  says  a  celebrated  author,  "  thou  doest  good 
to  man,  as  an  evidence  of  thy  love  to  God,  that  peace  which  is  the  foretaste  of 
Paradise  shall  be  thy  reward  on  earth."  And  I  need  not  tell  those  who  are 
engaged  in  the  medical  profession,  how  many  opportunities  they  have  of  exer- 
cising the  best  feelings  of  the  heart.  They  will  be  called  to  see  human  nature 
under  the  most  afflicting  and  trying  circumstances.    It  is  when  the  mind  is  sub- 


550 


APPENDIX. 


ducd  by  misfortune,  and  when  tlie  body  is  oppressed  with  disease  and  pain, 
that  the  value  of  the  balm  of  sympathy  is  most  fully  appreciated.  He  who  is 
qualified  to  administer  it,  under  these  circumstances,  may  be  regarded  as  an 
angel  of  mercy,  a  delegate  from  heaven.  Your  profession  is  a  liberal  one,  and 
it  is  expected  that  your  conduct  should  do  honour  to  that  profession.  It  is  not 
enough  that  you  merely  bring  to  it  that  knowledge  which  is  essential  to  the 
cure  of  diseases, — suffering  humanity  requires  something  more:  it  requires 
soothing  manners,  it  demands  sensibility  of  heart,  and  those  exalted  feelings 
which  distinguish  the  man  and  the  Christian.  These  qualifications  are  necessary 
to  the  complete  character  of  a  medical  man  :  they  will  not  only  be  acceptable  in 
the  sight  of  God,  but  being  congenial  with  every  noble  sentiment  of  the  heart, 
will  powerfully  contribute  to  advance  even  your  temporal  interest,  and  enable 
you  to  make  your  way  in  the  world. 

In  all  your  commerce  with  mankind,  and  in  every  action  of  your  lives,  endea- 
vour to  be  guided  by  that  sense  of  right  and  wrong  which  is  given  to  every 
human  being,  and  which  is  only  lost  by  continued  disobedience  to  manifested 
duty.  Let  truth  be  your  constant  object:  pursue  it  with  noble  simplicity,  and 
you  will  disdain  curming,  for  there  will  be  nothing  which  you  could  wish  to 
hide.  If  you  should  ever  be  placed  in  delicate  circumstances,  where  your  duty 
may  seem  opposed  to  your  temporal  interest,  dare  to  do  right,  trusting  to  Him 
who  sees  in  secret,  and  he  will  not  fail  to  reward  you  openly.  While  you  thus 
act  from  p)7"nci/)/e,  you  cannot  but  be  happy;  for  none  have  more  right  to  be 
cheerful,  none  enjoy  the  good  things  even  of  this  life  more  fully,  than  those 
who  are  endeavouring  to  be  found  in  the  performance  of  their  duty  to  God  and 
to  man  :  such  have  no  cause  for  anxiety  as  to  the  future  .•  they  know  that  they 
are  under  the  protection  of  the  greatest  of  beings ;  and  He  will  bless  them  with 
that  internal  tranquillity,  with  that  peace  of  mind,  which  the  wealth  of  the  Indies 
cannot  purchase,  and  which  nothing  in  this  world  can  deprive  them  of.  He  will 
support  them  through  the  trials  of  time,  and  when  these  are  over,  will  receive 
them  to  Himself  in  a  happy  eternity. 

The  signs  of  the  times  we  live  in,  are  interesting  in  no  common  degree.  Never, 
perhaps,  in  the  annals  of  mankind  was  so  much  active  benevolence  at  work, 
never  on  so  extensive  a  scale ;  and  gratifying  must  it  be  to  our  feelings  as 
Englishmen,  that  the  centre  of  these  operations  is  in  our  own  beloved  country; 
that  from  Great  Britain,  light  is  breaking  forth  and  spreading  into  all  lands  :  it 
shines  from  our  public  institutions  for  ameliorating  the  condition  of  man,  and 
from  none  with  rays  more  diffusive  than  from  the  British  and  Foreign  School 
Society.  This  institution,  by  its  comprehensive  and  liberal  j)lans,  has  long  been 
preparing  the  means  for  the  spread  of  light  and  knowledge  through  the  great 
mass  of  the  people,  all  over  the  Avorld.  It  put  France  in  motion  from  one  end 
to  the  other.  Schools  for  the  poorest  of  the  people  were  formed  in  all  the 
departments,  with  the  sanction  of  government;  and  though  a  sinister  policy  has 
been  too  successfully  exerted  to  check  them,  it  will  be  impossible  wholly  to 
stop  the  good  work,  but  it  must,  from  the  progress  of  light  and  knowledge,  and 
the  nature  of  the  human  mind,  break  forth  again. under  more  favourable  circum- 
stances. In  Russia,  Germany,  Prussia,  and  Sweden,  the  plan  is  embraced  ;  it 
has  even  been  adopted  in  Spain,  and  is  making  rapid  progress  in  the  East  Indies. 
In  North  and  South  America  this  system  of  instruction  is  pervading  immense 
districts,  and  even  in  Africa  schools  have  been  established.  The  moral  effects 
which  this  institution  must  necessarily  produce  are  incalculable  ;  and  its  ulti- 
mate success  will  be  greatly  accelerated  by  the  stimulus  it  has  given,  and  con- 


APPENDIX. 


551 


tinues  to  give  to  rival  institutions,  wliicli  sprang  up  after  its  first  establishment, 
and  whicli,  although  not  conducted  on  the  same  comprehensive  and  efficacious 
plan,  are  all  contrilmting  to  form  part  of  the  great  work.  Education  may  be 
regarded  as  the  plough  which  brealvs  up  the  fallow  ground  and  eradicates  the 
weeds,  which  prepares  the  untutored  mind  for  the  reception  of  the  truths  of  reli- 
gion. And  see  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  preparing  for  the  harvest, 
by  scattering  the  good  seed  througli  every  clime, 

"  From  the  world's  girdle  to  the  frozen  pole," 

while  pipus  individuals,  of  various  religious  persuasions,  are  running  to  and  fro 
to  increase  that  knowledge,  on  which  the  present  and  future  well-being  of  the 
great  human  family  depends.  Surely  these  things  speak  in  language  not  to  be 
misunderstood.  May  we  not  hope  that  the  era  is  advancing,  foretold  by  pro- 
phecy, when  "  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  shall  cover  the  earth  as  the  waters 
cover  the  sea"  ?    When  one  song  shall  employ  all  nations  ;  then  shall 

"  The  dwellers  in  the  vales,  and  on  the  rocks, 
Shout  to  each  other;  and  the  mountain  tops 
From  distant  mountains  catch  the  flying  joy, 
Till  nation  after  nation,  taught  the  strain, 
Earth  rolls  the  rapturous  hosanna  round." 

COWPER. 


FINIS. 


I 


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